Hi fellas/ladies,
I have a small issue with my behemoth Dixie Narco soda (beer) dispensing machine. The coil is freezing. The compressor kicks on and off fine, either with the thermostat knob being turned up/down on/off OR as it cycles. However, here in PA, we have this brat called "humidity". In the last few humid days, my machine, which is in my garage, has been leaking melted ice from around the coil unit. This beast holds hostage my 300 some odd cans of varied beer. It seems it is still cold, however, I know this is not normal to have that much ice (or any) on the coil. The fan still works, and blew air in my face the whole time I was cleaning things up. I am nearly 100% certain this early 90's machine uses R-12. No big deal for the right repair man. My question is for those who may have been down this road: repair the unit OR replace the coil and compressor. I see I can buy them easily already charged and ready to go. Just asking general opinions. I have done my own repairs to this gem in the past ( motors/broken selectors/bill validator, etc) and I think I could replace the refrig unit with some doing, but is it worth my time? Or do any of you think recharging would be cheaper? I know at one time R-12 was similar to gold.