SERVICE DIAGNOSIS: Condition - Low Ice Production
STATUS:
EVERYTHING IS OPERATING
A. Check the condenser for dirt. Clean as required. Check the head pressure. If the head
pressure is very high:
1. Check for high air temperatures, or restrictive air flow. Correct as needed.
2. The refrigerant may contain non condensable gases, purge, evacuate, and recharge per
nameplate.
3. Check the interconnecting refrigerant tubing for kinks or twists.
Check that the discharge and liquid lines are insulated, and do not touch each other
where not insulated.
B. Check the evaporator
1. Clean the evaporator, the mineral build up will adversely affect the ice machines production.
2. Check the evaporator for water leaks, replace the water seal if found to be leaking.
3. Check the low side pressure; normal is about 30 psig. If low, assume a refrigerant leak, locate,
repair and recharge.
If no leak, the TXV may be restricted, defective or not adjusted properly. If needed,
replace the TXV, evacuate, and recharge per nameplate.
4. Check the insulation on the evaporator. It should be dry, with no wet spots or frost. If the
insulation has failed: replace the evaporator or add extra insulation in the form of foam tape
to the evaporator.
C. Check the compressor
1. The compressor may be inefficient.
a. Check the amp draw, if low change the compressor.
b. if the amp draw is normal, pinch off the suction line to check the pull down capability
of the compressor. The compressor should pull down to 25 inches of vacuum
and hold there for three to five minutes.
D. Refrigerant charge
On this model the refrigerant charge is adequate whenever the receiver has enough liquid
refrigerant to maintain liquid refrigerant at the TXV. HOWEVER, the condensing temperature will
have a definate bearing on this. A unit with a marginal charge in summer, will be undercharged
when the outside air temperature drops. The only correct way to charge this unit is to weigh in the
nameplate charge.
FM800R
December, 1988
Page 29
