Fermo Vending Posted May 18 Share Posted May 18 Just picked up a Dixie Narco 276e that isn't cooling. You can hear the compressor click off when I set the thermostat to the off position, and you can hear the compressor trying to come back on after I engage the thermostat. I also noticed the fan next to the compressor isn't turning on either, but the evaporator fan is. When the compressor tried to run for a bit it got VERY hot, but I assumed that's because the fan wasn't kicking on. Could it just be that there's a bad fan, or maybe the compressor isn't getting enough power and I need to try a 3-1? Could be that the compressor is shot too, but I'm not sure. Any insight is appreciated here. TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tblake05 Posted May 18 Popular Post Share Posted May 18 I would pull the deck and check for 120v on the condenser fan when the thermostat is clicked on. The deck on these is actually really easy to take out. Next would be to install a hard start if you don’t have voltage at the condenser fan. Once you have the fan issue sorted out, since the deck is out, it would be a great time to check Freon level while it’s running before you put it all back in. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 Probably a locked up compressor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tblake05 Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 Wouldn’t the condenser fan turn on for a quick second until the overload trips? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted May 19 Author Share Posted May 19 18 hours ago, tblake05 said: I would pull the deck and check for 120v on the condenser fan when the thermostat is clicked on. The deck on these is actually really easy to take out. Next would be to install a hard start if you don’t have voltage at the condenser fan. Once you have the fan issue sorted out, since the deck is out, it would be a great time to check Freon level while it’s running before you put it all back in. Thanks, tblake. I'll give this all a try and let you know how it goes. The machine cost me $50 so I figured it was worth a shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted May 19 Author Share Posted May 19 Would a 3n1 address a locked up compressor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted May 19 Share Posted May 19 It might so it's worth a try. If it does work then the compressor isn't locked but the factory start capacitor or start relay are weak or the compressor is too worn out to start on it's own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYCandyMaN Posted May 20 Share Posted May 20 check fan 1st, if fan powers on and it doesn't cool, then check compressor a 3in1 is about $12 online, easy to install, if compressor turns on and gets cool, then you're all set, if its still hot, then you have to get a new head Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tblake05 Posted May 21 Share Posted May 21 I had a 276e that the factory installed overload constantly tripped when the thermostat was turned on. I installed a 3-in-1 just to see what would happen as I feared the compressor was locked up. But, it worked! Not saying that the compressor isn’t on its way out, but since I did the 3-in1 I also topped off Freon to the correct pressure and it’s been since February and still running fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted May 21 Author Share Posted May 21 I'm definitely gonna try everything, and honestly thought this was an excellent opportunity to expand on my troubleshooting skills. Looking forward to busting the old multi-meter out and checking voltages and the such. The machine cost me $50. Of course the compressor isn't working at the moment, the most expensive part, but everything else is, so I figured I got some good parts for pretty dang cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted May 28 Author Share Posted May 28 Turns out all this was is that the fan couldn't spin because of rust build up on the nut that connects the fan to the motor. Little WD-40 & rust buster and boom the cooling deck turned on no issue. Thanks everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 Um, the nut rusted to the fan blade wouldn't be a problem because it's not supposed to be loose anyway. It sounds more like the armature in the motor was rusted/corroded and prevented the fan from turning. You need to replace the fan motor before it seizes again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted May 28 Author Share Posted May 28 I had a feeling I'd be wrong on the terminology, but when I went to spin the fan with my finger it hardly moved at all. When I sprayed the WD-40 on it there was instant relief in the fan's ability to rotate. The machine was sitting in a closet for two years before I bought it so I definitely think there was some corrosion/build up, but there wasn't any visible damage to the motor or armature after I cleaned it all up. I left the machine running for a few hours afterwards and everything seemed to be working well, so do you still expect the fan to seize again? I can buy a backup motor just in case either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 Since the fans aren't intended to be lubricated, and definitely not with WD-40, I would replace the motor, period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted May 28 Author Share Posted May 28 What would have been the correct way to address the stuck fan so I know in the future? Simply replacing the entire motor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted May 28 Author Share Posted May 28 I haven't had to swap one yet, but I'm assuming it's straightforward to do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 Yes, as long as you get the motor rotation correct. That will be stamped on the back of the motor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tblake05 Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 Yup. I agree. Replace it or you’ll get a warm soda call in a week or so and risk burning out the compressor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted June 3 Author Share Posted June 3 Hey guys, Forgot to mention the light isn't turning on in the bubble front of the machine, and it's also missing the drain tube. Less concerned about the drain tube as that seems super simple to replace, but what should I be looking for as to why the light isn't turning on? Think it just needs a new ballast? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted June 3 Share Posted June 3 The ballast should be mounted inside the cabinet next to the compressor. The wires from it to the door are solid copper and after years of flexing as the door is opened and closed, one or more wires will break. That's where I would look. Also, get your drain tube replaced to reduce the amount of frost on your evaporator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted June 3 Author Share Posted June 3 Yeah, sorry I was using the word ballast incorrectly. I meant the actual bulb might need to be replaced but I'll trace the wires like you said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted June 3 Share Posted June 3 If you put new bulbs in and they don't work, assuming the sockets are good, then the ballast or it's wiring are the next step. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted June 3 Author Share Posted June 3 Yeah haven't gotten that far yet, but I'll check the wiring before ordering a new bulb to make sure there isn't an obvious break in the wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted June 3 Share Posted June 3 There's space for only one bulb? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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