12v fridge compressor shutting down when too hot
Submitted: Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:25
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garbage
My ACC GD30FDC (Electrolux) compressor is shutting down when it gets too hot. If it's a 25+ degree day and I leave the car out in the sun with the windows down slightly, the compressor will get to a point where it no longer cools. I then have to switch it off and switch it back on before the compressor fires up again for a while before it overheats itself and stops cooling again. Once the temperature drops or I turn on the air conditioner, the problem goes away. Is this problem common with the Waecos and Engels? The fridge itself doesn't have a fan to keep the compressor cool.
Reply By: Notso - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:39
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:39
So does the compressor keep running or does it shut down.
If it keeps running then I would get the gas checked, it may be short on gas.
AnswerID:
437278
Follow Up By: garbage - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:42
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:42
The light on the thermostat stays on (as though it is wanting to cool the fridge), but the compressor isn't running even as the compressor cools down and while the fridge itself continues to get warmer.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Notso - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:49
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:49
Ah right, probably not gas then?
FollowupID:
708710
Follow Up By: garbage - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:55
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 15:55
Doesn't sound like it, although I'm no fridge expert. The thing doesn't shut itself down when the conditions aren't too hot, and is able to cool and even freeze.
FollowupID:
708712
Reply By: taswegian - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 17:06
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 17:06
Hi Garbage,
Your problem is that the condenser is unable to convert the gas back to liquid causing the inbuilt pressure differential to shut the compressor down.Clear around the condensor area to allow free air flow or better still fit a small computer fan to supply a strong posiitive across the condenser the fridges effficiency will improve out of sight.
Cheers, Tassie.
AnswerID:
437284
Follow Up By: garbage - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 17:11
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 17:11
Thanks for that! Can you suggest any computer fan 'kits' to install? Does the fan connect to 12V or directly to the compressor itself?
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708715
Reply By: taswegian - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 17:33
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 17:33
Garbage,
Dick smith sell 12v fans obout 100mm dia for around $30 or most tip shops or computer repair
places have secondhand units for obout $5. If it is possible to wire in at the compressor do so, this way the fan will run under the control of the thermostat ovoiding continous running , if unable to fit at compressor fit a isolation switch to control ,these fans power consumption is very low ratedin the milliamps
Tassie.
AnswerID:
437288
Follow Up By: dbish - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 19:32
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 19:32
Im very surprised it doesnt have a cooling fan as the instructions for the Cubigel compressor recomends a fan. The control box on the side of the compressor has 2 conections fan -- & fan+ same setup asa Waeco compressor. It also has provision for a led to give fault codes. Looks like Electrolux arent using any features that are avalable. Daryl
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708742
Follow Up By: garbage - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 21:38
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 21:38
Actually, I could be wrong about the fridge not having a fan. I fired it up when I got home and can hear what sounds like a fan, but I haven't opened it up to confirm.
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708780
Follow Up By: garbage - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 22:53
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 22:53
I opened it up and found it does have a computer fan in there - probably about 50mm though and in working order. Based on what it says in the manual, do you think I could still add a second fan? Access to the main board where the fan was wired up had limited access, so I couldn't tell if it was possible.
FollowupID:
708805
Follow Up By: dbish - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 23:59
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 23:59
My Waeco only had a 80MM fan so i fitted a 100MM fan in its place a bit noisier but shifts a lot more air. This seems to help when in the back of the panelvan on hot days.
FollowupID:
708819
Reply By: taswegian - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 18:33
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 18:33
Garbage,
Most computer fans are rated to run on multi voltages , i assume your system is 12v , check prior to purchase, ebay is also a good source of fans.
Good luck, Tassie.
AnswerID:
437296
Reply By: 3GoBush - Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 23:38
Monday, Nov 29, 2010 at 23:38
I would put money on voltage drop, I have a Oztrail would loose power in 30 + degree heat, I then tried the power pack from the Evakool, it had larger wire going to it, and no trouble since.
AnswerID:
437344
Reply By: Evakool - Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010 at 11:58
Tuesday, Nov 30, 2010 at 11:58
Hi,
I would suggest that the fan is not moving enough air (too small or too slow) or you may have blocked intakes (dust or fluff) that is stopping air moving through and keeping everything cool.
I would suggest taking the cover off the unit and ensuring everything is clean and clear and the fan is moving plenty of air.
If you don't have a fan or or one not moving enough air I would suggest fitting the largest fan you can fit. A good place to buy one is a computer
shop as they can have large fans (120mm) but since they are so large they don't have to be fast to still move lots of air.
Thanks
AnswerID:
437369