8 replies to this topic

[csdshopper@gmail.com]

I've got an old Pepsi vending machine. Its been sitting in my garage and now basement for 10 yrs and I finally found a replacement key from a local locksmith.

Here's a pic of the outside of the unit --> http://imageshack.us.../dscf1059m.jpg/


The unit was stored with cans in it for the last decade + and some of them appear to have leaked into the inside of the unit (its really a mess in there).
When I plug the unit it, The coils on the bottom get covered with ice, but the box never really cools.

Image available here --> http://imageshack.us.../dscf1058w.jpg/

so my questions are:
1) is this box worth fixing?
2) How do I fix the cooling problem? If I need a technician, who can repair this? The box isn't terrible light, and I wouldn't want to move it unless I had to.
3) Any recommendations for cleaning out the bottom of the box where it appears to be caked with dirt and pop residue.

[dogcow]

I've got an old Pepsi vending machine. Its been sitting in my garage and now basement for 10 yrs and I finally found a replacement key from a local locksmith.

Here's a pic of the outside of the unit --> http://imageshack.us.../dscf1059m.jpg/


The unit was stored with cans in it for the last decade + and some of them appear to have leaked into the inside of the unit (its really a mess in there).
When I plug the unit it, The coils on the bottom get covered with ice, but the box never really cools.

Image available here --> http://imageshack.us.../dscf1058w.jpg/

so my questions are:
1) is this box worth fixing?
2) How do I fix the cooling problem? If I need a technician, who can repair this? The box isn't terrible light, and I wouldn't want to move it unless I had to.
3) Any recommendations for cleaning out the bottom of the box where it appears to be caked with dirt and pop residue.

1. no unless you are a collector or you want a cool garage unit..if you want to do vending, no

2. i'd try a thermostat first...if not maybe the door leaks , neither works, call a vendors repair service,dont worry they can come to you. around here its 60-75 bucks plus parts

[csdshopper@gmail.com]

No, I'm not trying to get into the vending business.
This is just an old pop machine I rescued out of a warehouse that was shutting down.
I thought it might be fun to have a pop machine in the basement.

If its a thermostat issue, why would it be accumulatingice around the coils but not the rest of the box?

[dogcow]

the thermostat is not turning off and its freezing the coils... sorry i dont know the exact technical reason maybe someone else can elaborate. but try the thermostat, its a very cheap part...

are the fans working?

[Steve Fischer]

If the box doesn't get cold, it is most likely not the thermostat. The t-stat would cause the coils to freeze over by not allowing the unit to turn off but the box would get icy before the coils freeze. Check to make sure the evaporator fan is running. There should be good air flow across the coils. Check to make sure the coils are clean. Dirt and crud will restrict air flow and cause ice to form more readily. Also, ad DC suggested, check the door seals. Given the age of the machine, it is likely that the door doesn't seal well which would cause your freezing problem.

[H4UV]

Dogcow is right. Unless you just want to restore old machines, I'd haul it to the dump. MOST locations won't want it, so you likely won't be able to place it. If you want to repair machines, I would suggest buying a much newer used one, and fixing it up.

[vend1ng]

Its an old Venderlator, They are very useful as a beer bottle vendor I get many requests from people who want them for their game rooms or by their pools, About 15 years ago a lady paid me 3,500.00 to refurbish one to an OU Sooners theme. I etched the glass to say sooners customized a sign painted it and mounted a stereo and speakers in the front. They still use it today and have sent me other customers I just don't have time to play any more but it was fun doing it. I can't tell by the pic how tall yours is but if it is the 60" or 68" tall machine they do make nice machines around the house they are about as basic as it gets. If the coils ice over then I would check the evap fan. Its mounted on top or behind the coil that ices up. If the mess is dry it cleans right up if it is sticky use diluted ammonia and it will wipe right out. The t-stat in that machine will trip off if the evap fan isn't working so if the fan is working and still iceing up I would say its the t-stat. Just a thought.
Vend1ng

[vend_dr]

try the discussion board at soda-machines dot com

[Ricky008]

yes, t-stat would be my first guess. unless you room has high humidity levels, the evo fan is not working properly - check the motor even if blades still turn, on old machines the brushes need cleaning after a couple of years, otherwise the blades don't get nominal RPMs and you still see ice buildups on the coils.
as peeps said above, restoring this machine must be an act of love, for business purposes you are better served by a refurb model that had some life instilled in it by a professional. Good luck with it!