Need help with diagnosing prob with Vapo LS

[+Torm+]

Hello, i wonder if anybody would be able to diagnose the prob with my Vapo LS!

* Vapo LS been working flawlessly since Oct 05
* Normal evap idle temps -52 C. Normal evap load temp (prime95) -46 C
* CPU idle temp -20 C. CPU load temp -2 C.

Since yesterday it suddenly went to:
* Evap idle temps - 52 C. Evap load temp - 16 C (primefails now and temps crawls back to normal).
* CPU idle temp -20 C. CPU load temp 15 C (when it fails).

The system is free of dust. Doesnt make any strange noises and overall seem to behave just as normal..except for the temps. Setting intake and exhaust fans from 50% to 100% makes no diff (except a few deg as expected).

Maybe noteworthy; Under load it takes about 5 minutes before the temps starts to plumeth. During the 5 mins it sits at the "normal" -46C load temp.

Is the unit leaking refrigerant?
Could it be a blockage?
Anybody think they know what this could be?

Many thanks in advance.

[LukeXE]

Maybe just controller is domaged and it`s showing weird temps.

[+Torm+]

Yes i thought about this - but it doesnt seem to be the case.
Also, then CPU temp measured independently from the Vapochill system wouldnt show 15C more!

[LukeXE]

Yes i thought about this - but it doesnt seem to be the case.
Also, then CPU temp measured independently from the Vapochill system wouldnt show 15C more!

That`s weird, you could have leak somewhere, it`s just hard to tell what`s wrong with it without checking pressures and temp from few parts of unit

[ayrtonsenna]

sounds like a leak to me. that would account for the normal idle temps, due to the fact that it is probably undercharged, resulting in your poor load temps.
where abouts do you live?, maybe get someone near you to check it or better still return it as its under warranty.

[Durzel]

If Prime is failing, then its definitely not a controller issue as it seems the temperature being displayed (15C) is accurate.

Probably a leak, or maybe the radiator is very dusty?

[Silverdoc]

could also be a weak fan on the evaporator or the fan controler, causeing the head preasure to build same as a dirty evap. worth lookin into, (check every thing you can before you check the freon) and GOOD LUCK with the Vapo support team.

[JSU]

could also be a weak fan on the evaporator or the fan controler, causeing the head preasure to build same as a dirty evap. worth lookin into, (check every thing you can before you check the freon) and GOOD LUCK with the Vapo support team.

I think you mean condensor . Thats possible but I doubt it. Its probably a leak.

[epion2985]

Buy a leak detector, they can be had for $100, it takes some skill to use property but they can detect leaks as small as .10 ounce per year. If you have a leak you will know.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Inficon-D-TEK-Se...QQcmdZViewItem

[LukeXE]

or give that unit to someone who will mod it a little bit and repair.

2 in 1

[epion2985]

He needs a leak detector damnit!!

lol I am sorry, I love tools, and I love leak detectors two fold

[LukeXE]

but I think that he should go to any air conditioning service and talk with somenone to check his unit with leak detector.

Buying leak detector for 100$ imho is hopeless idea for someone, who will use it one time and forget about it, because he will not use it anymore

[Jort]

can you give your location, there are people around the world who does this.

chilly1 => amerika
cold_ice & jan => germany
fatty and gray and johann => UK
Me => belgium, france and netherlands too.
ssilencer(i think) => south amerika
poland and around are also people enough

plenty of people who are willing to repair it for you

[Silverdoc]

I think you mean condensor . Thats possible but I doubt it. Its probably a leak.

LOL yes I did mean condensor. Long day,and hot attics,amonia chillers have fried my brain.<-------- I'm an HVAC service tech.
Yeah you could take it to a HVAC shop, they would probably check it with a leak detector for free, but becareful of who you let charge it.

[epion2985]

but I think that he should go to any air conditioning service and talk with somenone to check his unit with leak detector.

Buying leak detector for 100$ imho is hopeless idea for somenone, who will use it one time and forget about it, because he will not use it anymore

sarcasm...

[wdrzal]

Soapy water in a spray bottle is free.

[epion2985]

well I dont know if you will see really small leaks with that. With a nice leak detector you can detect caped shrader valves leaking

[Jort]

telling someone needs to buy a leak detector is dumb,
please for that prize the leak can be fixed.

just go to hvac shop or a dude from the forums here.

btw nothing can beat soapy water!!

[epion2985]

telling someone needs to buy a leak detector is dumb,
please for that prize the leak can be fixed.

just go to hvac shop or a dude from the forums here.

btw nothing can beat soapy water!!

...again sarcasm for the slow people...

And I beg to differ, from my expirience soapy water is worthless on really small leaks.