11 replies to this topic

[MtnDewGuy]

Hey guys. I have been unable to get local help with a machine I purchased for home use.
Its a Dixie Narco 368, an older Pepsi machine.
When plugged in everything appears to work, the cooling fan comes on, the lights work etc... but the actual compressor just doesnt cycle.
I have been told that it could be a relay (cant find one) or the thermostat. I dont know how to test the thermostat so if you could advise on that it
would be appreciated. Thank you.
Any other ideas?

[snack dude]

Hey guys. I have been unable to get local help with a machine I purchased for home use.
Its a Dixie Narco 368, an older Pepsi machine.
When plugged in everything appears to work, the cooling fan comes on, the lights work etc... but the actual compressor just doesnt cycle.
I have been told that it could be a relay (cant find one) or the thermostat. I dont know how to test the thermostat so if you could advise on that it
would be appreciated. Thank you.
Any other ideas?

I take it by not cycle you mean does not start or turn on.

1st step is to unplug the power cord that goes to the to the compresssor. normaly located on the lower left front of the machine
Now plug the compressor power cord straight into a extension cord. If the compressor starts up and runs then it is probably the thermostat or something electrical not making a connection.
If the compressor hums for a few seconds and then you hear something click and the huming stops you need a new compressor
If nothing happens at all and it just sits there then you need to check the voltages at the starter located on the side of the compressor

Good luck and let us know what you find

[MtnDewGuy]

I take it by not cycle you mean does not start or turn on.

1st step is to unplug the power cord that goes to the to the compresssor. normaly located on the lower left front of the machine
Now plug the compressor power cord straight into a extension cord. If the compressor starts up and runs then it is probably the thermostat or something electrical not making a connection.
If the compressor hums for a few seconds and then you hear something click and the huming stops you need a new compressor
If nothing happens at all and it just sits there then you need to check the voltages at the starter located on the side of the compressor

Good luck and let us know what you find

Okay, it appears to click at startup, hum for a second and run for about 10 seconds then repeat the cylce of click, hum and run.
Safe to assume that I need a new compressor? I have seen them on eBay for about $175.00 rebuilt, thats the whole deck... and the advertisers
claim that nearly anyone can do it with simple tools. Apparently pre-charged and ready for use.

[djpvending]

yep simple to replace they come out the front......ebay 175.00 ? are thet giving warranty?

[MtnDewGuy]

yep simple to replace they come out the front......ebay 175.00 ? are thet giving warranty?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vendo-Compressor-Deck-Dixie-Narco-Compressor-Deck_W0QQitemZ310195654368QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Vending?hash=item48391a0ee0

More like an implied guarantee to work on receipt.
Do you agree with the assesment that the compressor is bad? Would you replace the thermostat at the same time you replaced the compressor deck?

[qualityvs]

I have gotten a couple of decks off of ebay with good luck.

[MtnDewGuy]

I have gotten a couple of decks off of ebay with good luck.

I appreciate everyones help. Not wanting to sound like a broken record, but confirmation before I spend the money for the new parts...
Does this indeed sound like it needs a new compressor and would you replace the thermostat at the same time?
I have no manual for this machine so I am curious about the best way to clean the inside up. Is it safe to use a pressure washer on the interior
of the machine once I have the refigeration deck out (assuming that I will be replacing it)?

Thank you again for everyones input.

[qualityvs]

Okay, it appears to click at startup, hum for a second and run for about 10 seconds then repeat the cylce of click, hum and run.
Safe to assume that I need a new compressor? I have seen them on eBay for about $175.00 rebuilt, thats the whole deck... and the advertisers
claim that nearly anyone can do it with simple tools. Apparently pre-charged and ready for use.

If its trying to run then the thermostat is ok. What is clicking? Does it run or does it hum? Sounds to me like your compressor is bad. Electrically the compressor is good but mechanically its bad. The compressor is trying to run (electrically) but cant (mechanically) so it is tripping the thermal protection device (fancy name I know) when the thermal protection device cools the compressor trys again but cant gets hot and so on and so on

[MtnDewGuy]

If its trying to run then the thermostat is ok. What is clicking? Does it run or does it hum? Sounds to me like your compressor is bad. Electrically the compressor is good but mechanically its bad. The compressor is trying to run (electrically) but cant (mechanically) so it is tripping the thermal protection device (fancy name I know) when the thermal protection device cools the compressor trys again but cant gets hot and so on and so on

From what I can tell from watching the machine run, the compressor hums for a second at plug-in, runs for about 10 seconds then clicks, hums and runs. Maybe the whole cycle takes about 15 seconds at longest.
The sad thing here guys, I called the local and then the regional Pepsi office looking for help because I got this machine from them (long story) but noone called me back. I have a friend (I thought) and fellow church member who has two machines and works for the largest HVAC company in town (as luck would have it, he is also a master electrician along with being HVAC certified) who wont come out as a friend or even on call for his business. I have no problem paying for the repair at all, just want someone knowledgable about the machines to do it if I could not. I believe with the help from this forum, I may have this under control.
I have one last item that I would like to replace. Its the master power cord and plug in block that is normally located at the lower left of the machines. I have only been able to find used ones online and would prefer new if I am going to do this right. The one in the machine was so old the insulation dry rotted and fell apart to the touch. Is there a good source for these?

Thanks again, you guys are terrific.

[snack dude]

From what I can tell from watching the machine run, the compressor hums for a second at plug-in, runs for about 10 seconds then clicks, hums and runs. Maybe the whole cycle takes about 15 seconds at longest.
The sad thing here guys, I called the local and then the regional Pepsi office looking for help because I got this machine from them (long story) but noone called me back. I have a friend (I thought) and fellow church member who has two machines and works for the largest HVAC company in town (as luck would have it, he is also a master electrician along with being HVAC certified) who wont come out as a friend or even on call for his business. I have no problem paying for the repair at all, just want someone knowledgable about the machines to do it if I could not. I believe with the help from this forum, I may have this under control.
I have one last item that I would like to replace. Its the master power cord and plug in block that is normally located at the lower left of the machines. I have only been able to find used ones online and would prefer new if I am going to do this right. The one in the machine was so old the insulation dry rotted and fell apart to the touch. Is there a good source for these?

Thanks again, you guys are terrific.

You can go to www.vendingworld .com I have bought several refurbised compressor decks from them and have never had a problem. They will ship it right to you. Just take it out of the box and install it. They also carry all kinds of parts for your machine if you need them.

As for the power cord I myself would go to Home depot or lowes and buy some power cord and wire it myself. It will be way cheaper for you but I am comfortable doing my own work. Just make sure you get the right gauge of cord and a good heavy duty plug.

Good Luck

[marks_vending]

If you're going to spend the money on a new compressor, you might as well get a new thermostat at the same time. New + new = safe choice. That way you should have a lifetime of enjoyment out of it without worrying about either of those parts ever again.

[MVSJOHN]

From what I can tell from watching the machine run, the compressor hums for a second at plug-in, runs for about 10 seconds then clicks, hums and runs. Maybe the whole cycle takes about 15 seconds at longest.
The sad thing here guys, I called the local and then the regional Pepsi office looking for help because I got this machine from them (long story) but noone called me back. I have a friend (I thought) and fellow church member who has two machines and works for the largest HVAC company in town (as luck would have it, he is also a master electrician along with being HVAC certified) who wont come out as a friend or even on call for his business. I have no problem paying for the repair at all, just want someone knowledgable about the machines to do it if I could not. I believe with the help from this forum, I may have this under control.
I have one last item that I would like to replace. Its the master power cord and plug in block that is normally located at the lower left of the machines. I have only been able to find used ones online and would prefer new if I am going to do this right. The one in the machine was so old the insulation dry rotted and fell apart to the touch. Is there a good source for these?

Thanks again, you guys are terrific.

Check to make sure that the condensor fan is running.I had a no cooling problem on my dixie 276 and the bottom fan was bad.I had a deck that the evaporator leaked that I took the fan off and used it on the 276 and solved my problem.
John