Re-charging Prime Chiller

[smadascott]

Has anyone ever re-charged there water chiller? Mine does not seem to preform as well as it used to. The fan that blows across the radiator does not seem to move as much air as it used to as well. Any suggestions on re-charging the chiller or the fan issue?

 

[jdieck]

Call or take the chiller to the air con maintenance guy.

 

[30reef]

It is not likely the refrigerant has leaked out. (it is possible, just not likely)

A quick check of the units integrity can be made by fealing the condenser while it is running. The condenser is on the outside and is what the fan draws air through. If it is hot to the touch and blowing warm air, the unit probably has an adequate charge. If you feel it is not moving as much air as it once was, it probably has dirt and crud on/in the condenser fins and on the fan blades. Take the cover off and use compressed air to clean it. Wipe the fan blades off with a damp towel. The unit must have large amounts of air flowing through the condenser to transfer heat.

If your unit is a flow through model, it may have build up inside the evap coil tank. To clean this, fill a bucket with a gallon of straight vinegar and use a powerhead to circulate the vinegar through the chiller and back to the bucket for a day or so. If the vinegar in the bucket turns milky white, repl. it with a fresh gallon. When done, repeat this procedure with fresh water a few times. I have cleaned my chillers this way hundreds of times and it keeps them in good working condition.

I hope that helps.

 

[smadascott]

ok awesome! that's for the tip on cleaning it out. the problem with the fan is its now rotating as fast as it used to. I don't know if this would have anything to do with the fuse in the unit or if the fan inside the chill would need to be replaced. I am trying to fix it on my own so I don't have to spend an arm and a leg lol. btw the chiller is a 1/3 hp prime tower chiller

 

[richardinphx]

be sure the aluminum fins on the front arent clogged with dust - dangle a kleenex in front of the fins while it is on, it should suck the kleenex tightly to the fins immediately, if it does not, use a really strong vacuum to vacuum the fin assembly then blow the fins with compressed air out the other way, if you can reach inside the case (outside the house preferably) blow out everything you can... check and see if the fan turns freely, if it doesnt or it feels like it is dragging, bearings might be getting worn and if possible you might add a drop of oil to the shaft near the bearing... howwever, it's usually an air or water circulation issue

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the inside (through the intake and output lines) with a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution through a circulation pump intoand ot of a 5 gallon bucket for about an hour, which usually cleans it out well, followed by a fair ammount of fresh tap water rinse then with a 2 or 3 gallon RO rinse.... providing the fan runs and the coolant hasn't leaked this should get it back up to cooling expectations

 

[richardinphx]

well i was scrollling and didnt see 30reef post, sorry for the near duplicate.... (bifocals)