Beverage cooler repair

Justgaff · 10-08-2011, 12:23 AM

Have a viking bev cooler that only cools to 59degrees. I think the the thermostat is bunk and want to replace it. I'm having a hard time finding it and any help online.
A parts schematic would be helpful if anyone has a link to it... It is a vuar141ss

VIPlumber · 10-08-2011, 11:48 AM

I couldn't find the model number you referenced, but I did find their library of downloads here, http://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/...sp?id=cat40032

No luck downloading the CAD drawings though. Maybe you'll have better luck.

**beenthere** · 10-08-2011, 03:06 PM

Moved to Appliance forum.

thestig3 · 10-08-2011, 10:14 PM

Does it have a pressure switch or cold control for compressor control?
Pressure control: you will need a refrigeration tech for change out as it is part of the refrigerant cycle.
Cold control: a dial control, pretty much a electrical switch with a capillary tube with a bulb that measures temperature of the evap coil. This is DIY.
Poor cooling could be a bunch of other causes.

Justgaff · 10-08-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thestig3

Does it have a pressure switch or cold control for compressor control?
Pressure control: you will need a refrigeration tech for change out as it is part of the refrigerant cycle.
Cold control: a dial control, pretty much a electrical switch with a capillary tube with a bulb that measures temperature of the evap coil. This is DIY.
Poor cooling could be a bunch of other causes.

It has a dial in front/bottom grill that has numbers and an arrow (for dummies) that points to cooler.

On the back of the unit there is a device with (can't quite remember) little switches like you'd find in a garage door opener remote. Thought it said cold control or something.

It was a display model and I got a deal on the unit. I don't think it is warranted because of it's age and display. I can still return it but I'd like to keep it if I can get it to work properly because it's a sweet fridge.

If I leave the door open light frost will form on the cooling fins inside so I feel like it doesn't need a charging. Also, if I leave the door open it will keep running which is why I think the temp control/thermostat is faulty.

thestig3 · 10-08-2011, 11:02 PM

Usually evap fans shut off when doors open, reason for frost on fins. Also compressor will continue to run until cold control has reached temp. Can you verify evap fans are running by depressing door switch. Poor airflow will not allow box temp to drop as it should but still run.

Justgaff · 10-08-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thestig3

Usually evap fans shut off when doors open, reason for frost on fins. Also compressor will continue to run until cold control has reached temp. Can you verify evap fans are running by depressing door switch. Poor airflow will not allow box temp to drop as it should but still run.

Is the evaporator fan the one in the back bottom that blows on the radiator looking deal? Or is there one in the box too?

Justgaff · 10-08-2011, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justgaff

Is the evaporator fan the one in the back bottom that blows on the radiator looking deal? Or is there one in the box too?

I'm looking in the box now (with door open) and there is condensation on the cooling fin and a sound of trickling fluid.
Interior temp a consistent 59deg...

thestig3 · 10-08-2011, 11:31 PM

There should be on inside the box. Most refrigerators/refrig. units have fans on inside of unit to blow cold air across evap coil. Is your compressor continuously running or not running at all does it cycle off and on?

Justgaff · 10-08-2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thestig3

There should be on inside the box. Most refrigerators/refrig. units have fans on inside of unit to blow cold air across evap coil. Is your compressor continuously running or not running at all does it cycle off and on?

Cycle on and off. Unless the fan is behind the coil I don't see it. This is a beverage cooler/undercounter fridge. Not much in box beside coil and shelves.

thestig3 · 10-09-2011, 12:04 AM

If it's cycling that means system is reaching its temp setpoint. Like we thought from the beginning sounds like cold control. Since it's a Viking parts are probably only sold through authorized dealers.

Justgaff · 10-09-2011, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thestig3

If it's cycling that means system is reaching its temp setpoint. Like we thought from the beginning sounds like cold control. Since it's a Viking parts are probably only sold through authorized dealers.

Ok, I'll ask where I got it if they have a replacement part. Is it called a cold control specifically?

Justgaff · 10-09-2011, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justgaff

Ok, I'll ask where I got it if they have a replacement part. Is it called a cold control specifically?

And what is it? Is it the knob that controls the temp(seems obvious). Or the little switch box in the back? See - if I could just find a parts schematic or repair manual online I could fix this...

thestig3 · 10-09-2011, 12:27 AM

Most cold controls have a knob/dial on a small box with 2 electrical spade connectors and a copper coil with a small bulb the end. The bulb is about twice the diameter of the copper tubing and it embeds into the evap coil. Viking might have their own design but they all work the same.

Justgaff · 10-16-2011, 08:11 PM

I am going to attach some pics. The front control control knob and the back dist block or whatever it is. The back block has switches which I am going to try in different positions...

10-08-2011, 12:23 AM	#1
Justgaff Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 80	Beverage cooler repair Have a viking bev cooler that only cools to 59degrees. I think the the thermostat is bunk and want to replace it. I'm having a hard time finding it and any help online. A parts schematic would be helpful if anyone has a link to it... It is a vuar141ss

10-08-2011, 11:48 AM	#2
VIPlumber Persona Non Grata Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancouver Island, BC Posts: 1,423	Beverage cooler repair I couldn't find the model number you referenced, but I did find their library of downloads here, http://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/...sp?id=cat40032 No luck downloading the CAD drawings though. Maybe you'll have better luck.

10-08-2011, 03:06 PM	#3
beenthere An old Tradesmen Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PA Posts: 19,045	Beverage cooler repair Moved to Appliance forum.

10-08-2011, 10:14 PM	#4
thestig3 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 29	Beverage cooler repair Does it have a pressure switch or cold control for compressor control? Pressure control: you will need a refrigeration tech for change out as it is part of the refrigerant cycle. Cold control: a dial control, pretty much a electrical switch with a capillary tube with a bulb that measures temperature of the evap coil. This is DIY. Poor cooling could be a bunch of other causes.

10-08-2011, 11:02 PM	#6
thestig3 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 29	Beverage cooler repair Usually evap fans shut off when doors open, reason for frost on fins. Also compressor will continue to run until cold control has reached temp. Can you verify evap fans are running by depressing door switch. Poor airflow will not allow box temp to drop as it should but still run.

Beverage cooler repair