How to test a Refrigeration System inside a vending machine

Learn how to test your refrigeration unit without removing it from the machine. Check to see if there is a probelm with your deck or if the problem is somewhere else in the machine by using an external power source and gauging the results.

[@ericschwa1479]

Great instruction! Enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

[@pinqueenmartin9582]

Nice! Replaced capacitor, charged the system, and now it looks like I have a good unit! Excellent easy test!

[@AdamZeroGalusha]

How did you determine how much charge it took

[@jlee1480]

I am so happy i found your channel! So much great information here! Thanks for this video!!

[@ToddDemers-u4s]

Thank you for your video. It was very good. I have a used 501e pop machine and the evaporator fans run all the time. My machine is located indoors and I can hear when the condenser kicks on and off. Is there a way to quiet the evaporator fans when is is not cooling down the cold box?

[@albertarguelles3262]

Hi Great Video Do you know how to Disconnect the Window Heater on these combo vend machines? Thanks

[@trogers8180]

I’m doing this test currently. Do you have a video on how to recharge the system?

[@Tay-vk3et]

Did this. compressor came on when plugged in however there was no ice around evaporator and it was warm to touch. potential compressor replacement?

[@Vendingworks]

Sounds more like there is a leak and no refrigerant left in the system

[@Tay-vk3et]

@@Vendingworks thank you!

[@XxPyschoFarmerxX]

Hi Amy, I recently acquired a Dixie Narco 501e 9select, doing the same testing as you did in this video. Mine is cold but did not frost in those 15mins, I’m going on 20 mins now just starting to frost, also I have a digital temp control is this preset to the cold temp It keeps reading 65 degrees pls help

[@kyleyates5774]

hi quick question-what if you get the same results (frost on the accumulator, etc) when the machine is fully plugged in (evaporator fans running)?

[@Vendingworks]

Sorry for the delayed response! The problem you are describing would be caused by a bad thermostat, because its not shutting the deck off at the proper time. The good news is, that's generally the cheapest problem to resolve.

[@MatTodd-hp2sm]

Hello - what model Dixie is this? I have the exact same one but the ID plate is missing and I don’t know how to identify it! Thank you

[@Vendingworks]

I think it's a 368

[@MarioPerez-df9gx]

Hello, I have a dixie narco 501E, which the compressor tries to turn on and only works for a few seconds and then the compressor and the condenser fan stop. I would like to know what could be the cause?

[@carmillamartin8035]

Thanks for the video . I did the test exactly how you said . Cooling deck is good . What is the next step in diagnosing why the cooling deck is not kicking on !

[@Vendingworks]

Your machine most likely just has a bad thermostat

[@carmillamartin8035]

@@Vendingworks Thanks for your quick response . I am very appreciative .what is the best place to get one from fast and reasonablely priced ?

[@Vendingworks]

@@carmillamartin8035 link: vendingworks.com/collections/refrigeration-parts-1/products/brand-new-dixie-narco-soda-pop-machine-thermostat-fits-coke-pepsi-machines

[@carmillamartin8035]

@@Vendingworks 👌👍Thanks

[@michaelmelendez9576]

I have a Dixie narco exactly like this and it does not stop cooling every few month it does it. What I do is I unplug the thermostat and plug it back in and it starts to shut off and on like normal. Could it be the thermostat going bad? It has done it 3 times now.

[@heribertopinon5317]

My royal vendors blows the breaker when the compressor kicks on . Would that need a compressor change ? And a fan ?

[@windturbineclimber5412]

This is a good video. Thank you. But I have a different problem. All of the drinks in my machine are freezing up. What could be the problem? How can I fix this? Also, I see that you have a lot of units in the background, do you sell parts? Where can I find a schematic for this machine?

[@Vendingworks]

If the drinks are freezing then you just need to replace the thermostat. Schematic for the machine you can usually find on the inner door of the machine. We sell coin mechs, bill validators, and refrigeration decks for vending machines.

[@windturbineclimber5412]

@@Vendingworks Thank you that helps alot. The schematics are missing on this machine. I have looked everywhere. Do you have a website or somewhere I can order parts from yall online?

[@Vendingworks]

@@windturbineclimber5412 Vendingworks.net is our website

[@pyrocat1150]

I have a Royal 552-8, the condenser is frosted over heavily. I've unplugged machine for a few days and turned it back on. The top 2/3 of condenser has thick layer of frost. Door seals are good. We have duplicate machine that has clear condenser so we are wondering what's wrong. It does cool just fine

[@matthewpreston8374]

Bad evaporater fan motor? check amp load

[@garymeyer5335]

my evaporator is cool but not cold. when i plug it into an extention cord it gets good frost so the unit is good. is my problem a bad thermostat?

[@Vendingworks]

If the entire evaporator is frosted up then yes the unit is good and you probably have a bad thermostat. If the evaporator only frosts up partially then it is low on refrigerant.

[@garymeyer5335]

@@Vendingworks thank you so much

[@garymeyer5335]

@@Vendingworks would it be ok to keep the soda machine plugged in and the cooling deck plugged into an extension cord so i can make money while i wait for the parts? the only problem i can see is it might get too cold....

[@davidfarrar3666]

Help! I have a machine identical to the one in the video except there is no thermostat either where yours is or by the evaporator...I don't know how the temperature is controlled. Anyway, when I perform this test the deck functions correctly. When I plug the machine into the wall and close the door, the compressor starts in a few minutes but then after a few more minutes it kicks off, gets hot, no cooling. I thought it might be the refrigerant relay and ordered one but now I'm not sure because like I said, the compressor does start - just doesn't stay running.

[@Vendingworks]

It would help to know what model machine you have. There is either a thermostat or a temperature sensor depending on what model you have. It sounds like you may have a polarity issue, double check your wiring. If the plug on your machine (that plugs into the wall) has ever been changed, check to make sure polarity is correct. Black (hot) wire to small blade, white (neutral) wire to fatter blade, and green to ground

[@CartellaGlassandGlazing]

Hi I have carried out the test you have advised i am getting no ice what so ever, can you advise is it worth trying to replace the relay/thermostat maybe install the superstar 3 in 1? Or beat to just replace the full unit?

[@Vendingworks]

Hello! This test bypasses the thermostat, so if you do replace it, you will still have another issue. If you send me a video of the unit running, I can help verify if your unit would be a candidate for a 3 in 1, or if it needs replacing altogether. Email to [e-mail]

[@johnhorchler667]

I just found your channel and off to bed this video 📹 is from 4 years ago do you still make new video clips?

[@wisconsinbush2940]

Can’t you measure your superheat and sub cooling to figure out if it’s working properly?

[@Vendingworks]

Sure can, just add a couple of valves to the sealed system and hook up your gauges. Because everybody knows how to do that and has a set of gauges laying around

[@timsmith4194]

Mine continues to run and the top coils are freezing like a block of ice. Is this a bad thermostat?

[@Vendingworks]

It means there is a leak in the system and it is low on refrigerant

[@deronaldbaggett3828]

Excellent!

[@howtobrandon1576]

Relay is getting 24 volts so it’s getting power to the switch any help ?

[@winners12345]

Quick question. My unit gets cold but it stays running 24/7 and after about 12 to 15 hrs it is still running but is now warm not at all cold. I just completed your check in your video and my compressor works just as yours did. Any possible troubleshooting suggestions?

[@Vendingworks]

After running for 12 hours is the evaporator solid ice, or is it (the evaporator) not cold at all? pictures would help me diagnose

[@egmac100]

Bad fan

[@edochamp]

Thanks for the info

[@iramillender1974]

I have older model coke machine with cooling problems

[@rioraton]

how do you replace condenser fan motor on this unit

[@davidingalls796]

I have a Vendo 90 coke machine. (1960's) Can I use this same process to test the refrigeration system? Thanks.

[@Vendingworks]

Yes you can use the same process for any soda machine.

[@davidingalls796]

@@Vendingworks Great thanks! How do I determine what type of freon to use in order to recharge it? I've done a little research and it sounds like r12?

[@Vendingworks]

@@davidingalls796 R-12 is no longer available but there are plenty of R-12 replacements out there. We are currently using R-417c (Hot Shot 2)

[@davidingalls796]

@@Vendingworks Thank you. I just want to make sure I use the correct type of freon to recharge a Vendo 90 Coke machine. I may end up needing to replace the cooling system.

[@iramillender1974]

Would love advice on how to fix

[@Vendingworks]

I would need more information. If it is an electrical issue (compressor not running) I would try a 3 in 1. if the compressor (and fan) runs but system doesn't get cold then most likely there is a leak that would need to be repaired

[@curtisramsey2219]

How much to replace the coolant mine isn't getting cold

[@Vendingworks]

If it is low on refrigerant then there is a leak in the system that must be fixed first

[@Johnny-ip4mk]

Mine is encased in frost/ice. I tried defrosting it and it eventually just gets encased again. What am I looking at here? Thanks!

[@jonfloyd1160]

Probably a bad thermostat

[@hg2.]

Well done - thanks.

[@instafixies8208]

Hi, Good work with the video. Just have a quick question. We have vending machines and some of them have ice formation on evaporator. We have tried every possible thing but no solution. Last we’ve asked by OEM to replace evaporator fans with higher RPM ones. Will that help? Btw: it’s hot food vending machine with target temp @ 3-4 degrees. Hope I didn’t bother. 😊

[@Vendingworks]

If ice is forming on only part of the evaporator then that usually means there is a leak and it's low on charge. If you could send some pictures I'm sure I could diagnose it for you [e-mail]

[@paulbunyun4479]

instead of unplugging the refrigeration deck and getting a extension cord, just unplug one of the electrical connectors to the evaporator fan motor, you will get the same results, Ive been working on the stuff for 37yrs

[@bcsbbq7829]

Are you located in Texas by chance?

[@birdynest8232]

What is the best # level in the vending machine cooling

[@charlesedmonds7054]

What is happening if the evaporator is freezing up

[@jamestolbert6528]

my unit is cooling but the fan is very noisy how do i replace the fan?

[@marcustaylor2401]

My machine keeps building ice on the evaporator,and then the sodas get warm,can you help?

[@jonfloyd1160]

The entire evaporator ices up, or just part of it?

[@lnajsh]

The accumulator in my machine has ice in it but the sodas in the machine itself are not super cold. Why is that?

[@Vendingworks]

Probably bad evaporator fan, maybe bad thermostat

[@jetstar1961]

hello, my compressor, like buzzis for a sec. and stops. p.s.i. is okay, any id.

[@dennissmith5865]

Purple valve located where's the valve located

[@ksomsouthi]

My machine builds ice & will not stay cold. Help!

[@Vendingworks]

Definitely sounds like a bad thermostat.

[@FuquarProductions]

My evaporator is completely turning into a block of ice.... Low refrigerant possibly?

[@Vendingworks]

If it is completly covered with ice then the refrigerant charge is fine. The problem is going to be a bad thermostat or bad evaporator fan. If the evaporator is only partially covered with ice then there is a leak in the system and it is low on refrigerant

[@FuquarProductions]

@Vendingworksnet as it turns out I moved the thermostat all the way up and down a few times then back to set temp and the problem cleared up.

[@JorgeVictoria]

Hermosa

[@gregmusselman7466]

Who is she?

[@rogergordon63]

lovely figure

[@carissafollis]

My compresser on my machine keeps turning on but then after about a minute will turn off, would you know what the problem is?

[@Vendingworks]

Well if it's a Royal or AMS machine it could be a bad refrigeration relay. If it's any other machine, it could be a bad compressor or a bad electrical component. I would start by installing a 3 in 1.

[@kilogrammountain3453]

It is low of freon

[@11dayzjourney]

My coke vending machine is freezing my drinks? What could it be?

[@jay863betta]

She’s cute

[@Analytics_Com]

I will try to transform a vending machine like this into a refrigerator.

[@rigobertodimas8014]

My dickcy narco 501 has ice across the top of the coils not all the coils just the top half and tubs on the side

[@danjustus1]

I was a bit distracted while trying to learn.

[@susandaley3713]

Do buy pop machines

[@howtobrandon1576]

I have a ams 39 vcb my ac just blows hot air

[@Vendingworks]

You probably have a bad refrgeration relay, very common in AMS machines

[@howtobrandon1576]

I’ve tested it and it has 24 volts coming out

[@howtobrandon1576]

Is it still possible for it to be not working even though it gets power

[@Vendingworks]

@@howtobrandon1576 you need to test the 110 volt side of the relay

[@Vendingworks]

@@howtobrandon1576 Unplug the compressor from the machine and plug it directly into a wall socket. this bypasses the relay, if it works then your relay is bad

[@fredfrappe]

4/10

[@pimpstar2]

good info.....