Vending Compressor question (conversion project)

[USMCBay]

I have a '74 Cavalier Coke Machine that I would like to junk the compressor and all related components which are all R-12 and then find a working refrigerator and pull / replace the components with the newer compressor (R134a) from the Fridge and have an HVAC cert person tie it in and charge it.

I don't want this to become a "Recovery of R-12" discussion please... I understand that.

My question is this: Is this feasible? Can I pull the Compressor and related electrical hardware from the Vending machine - do the same to the Fridge and install it back into the Coke Machine and have it tied in and recharged by an HVAC person?

What kind of problems could I expect? Do I need to pull the coils and fan from the Vending Machine? (Fan Relay/Capacitor compatibility?)

Please respond if you have advice - Thank you.

 

[USMCBay]

I have a WB-60 Westinghouse (Coke Machine) that I wanted to restore to operating condition and have determined that the compressor is bad. The start winding is open. Condenser and evaporator fan work. Is it worth trying to find a new compressor and put in with the existing evaporator and condenser or do I need to buy an entirely new refrigeration unit? If cost to repair compressor is too high I will likely sell machine for parts. Any suggestions on where to find a compressor?

-- sparky

_______________________________________

If evaporator and condensor are in good shape just replace compressor. You can get them at refrigeration shops between $75 and $125. You will need a refrigeration tech to put it in for you for a small fee,

JB

_______________________________________

JB - thanks for the suggestion. What will I need to know to get a replacement?

_______________________________________

R12 replacement compressor, 1/3 hp. Check the size of your compressor to make sure the new one will fit.

JB

 

[Iroc-Z]

So what your saying is you want to retro fit newer parts from a fridge into your coke machine?
I would first see if you can get someone to charge it with R12. It is still around. I would make a few phone calls to some appliance people and get there opinion first.
On automotive applications its not that big of deal to convert. All we do is change the dryer and service ports. Then flush the lines and charge it with 134

 

[USMCBay]

So what your saying is you want to retro fit newer parts from a fridge into your coke machine?
I would first see if you can get someone to charge it with R12. It is still around. I would make a few phone calls to some appliance people and get there opinion first.
On automotive applications its not that big of deal to convert. All we do is change the dryer and service ports. Then flush the lines and charge it with 134

Yes... and from what I have seen people talk about its somewhere around $850+ for 5gal of Freon and my Coke Machine requires 16oz. That would be even higher if I had it charged and it didn't hold... so I would prefer to start fresh from the start to avoid double troubles.

 

[lsrx101]

Yes... and from what I have seen people talk about its somewhere around $850+ for 5gal of Freon and my Coke Machine requires 16oz. That would be even higher if I had it charged and it didn't hold... so I would prefer to start fresh from the start to avoid double troubles.

I'm not sure who you've been listening to but bulk R12 (#30 cylinders) sells for about $10-15/lb. Smaller 12-16 oz containers go for about $25-40 each. For $20 you can take an online, open book test to obtain part 609 certification to purchase R12. Those are Ebay prices.
http://completed.shop.ebay.com/i.ht...cessories&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283&_rdc=1

Retail price via a service man will be much higher. Many automotive and refrigeration shops bought their existing stock when R12 was through the roof and charge accordingly.

Swapping out the whole refrigerant loop in your machine would likely be cost prohibitive, along with being tricky physically. The compressor is not the main issue. The major difference between R12 and R134a systems is the condenser design and metering device, so they would need to be changed for the unit to operate as well on R134a.

My suggestion would be to take the test ($20) purchase 2x1lb cans of R12 (~$80) and a suitable can tap.(~$15) Then have a service person locate the leak, fix it and evacuate/charge the system. If all goes well, you would have one can of refrigerant in stock for future repairs if needed.

 

[USMCBay]

My suggestion would be to take the test ($20) purchase 2x1lb cans of R12 (~$80) and a suitable can tap.(~$15) Then have a service person locate the leak, fix it and evacuate/charge the system. If all goes well, you would have one can of refrigerant in stock for future repairs if needed.

Okay... now that sounds like a plan. My question would be how many tests must I take until I pass the open "Book" test. I understand how refrigeration works 'generally' but how do I study for it. Does the $20 supply THE Book it is based on??

I certainly like the way you think~!!!!!!!

 

[t. jones]

I believe that would use r22 not r12 Thanx Trevor

 

[USMCBay]

I believe that would use r22 not r12 Thanx Trevor

Is that what they use in Vending Machines vs. Auto???

 

[t. jones]

I'm pretty sure all stationary was 22 and mobile 12 will not interchange. Ask me how I know that Thanx Trevor

 

[USMCBay]

I'm pretty sure all stationary was 22 and mobile 12 will not interchange. Ask me how I know that Thanx Trevor

Brother I hate to do this kind of thing. But check out my photo... I just looked at the tag. Looks like I am looking down the barrel of an R-12 refurb... Is this going to be expensive???

 

[t. jones]

No problem I wasn't sure. I do know that I put 12 in a 22 system and it froze up almost instantly. The machine looks good and it would be a shame to junk it.
Thanx Trevor

 

[USMCBay]

No problem I wasn't sure. I do know that I put 12 in a 22 system and it froze up almost instantly. The machine looks good and it would be a shame to junk it.
Thanx Trevor

That's good to know... you did get me to sniffing around and that's when I found the tag.

Thanks again. I may just get an HVAC guy out to give me advice on pulling it to clean and paint then recondition/install...

 

[USMCBay]

Just talked with a great company that does some great work at restoring these old Coke Machines... I was told the most common factor in not cooling is the Non-Contact Thermostat. So... for $33 I ordered one along with a new Barrel Lock.

http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/store.php?crn=238&rn=609&action=show_detail

 

[sillyhillbilly]

I'm pretty sure all stationary was 22 and mobile 12 will not interchange. Ask me how I know that Thanx Trevor

stationary has had many types used, R 12 early on, R 500, or its super secret name K-7
R 22 was the standard for high temp air cooling and thats air condititioning

refrigeration has used R12, R502, Mp 39, HP66m HP61, oh the list goes on, now R134a is the standard, if the compressor still works, just charge 80% of R12 charge using MP39, 90% R134a, you can add dose of oil to it as is, it will run till you spring another leak. you running into copper age stress failure issues, IE the copper system is wearing out. another leak is forsure, just when is the unknown.

 

[lsrx101]

Okay... now that sounds like a plan. My question would be how many tests must I take until I pass the open "Book" test. I understand how refrigeration works 'generally' but how do I study for it. Does the $20 supply THE Book it is based on??

I certainly like the way you think~!!!!!!!

The training material (book) is online, as is the test. You could basically look up the answers as you take the test, or so I'm told. I took the test in an actual classroom in 1993.
You could probably pass the test without actually looking at the material. It just covers proper handling of CFC refrigerants, ie: don't discharge into the atmosphere, don't mix refrigerants, etc.
http://www.macsw.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Section_609

 

[lsrx101]

Just talked with a great company that does some great work at restoring these old Coke Machines... I was told the most common factor in not cooling is the Non-Contact Thermostat. So... for $33 I ordered one along with a new Barrel Lock.

Cool deal!
I probably should have mentioned to make sure the unit was actually running and not cooling before assuming the refrigerant had leaked out. I just assumed you had verified that it was empty.
If it's not running there is likely another issue.

 

[lsrx101]

Double post