Ice Maker
Brand: Bluestone Appliances
Model: BCIM44
Issue: not really making ice that fast. Really slow... 40-50 minutes for a so-so batch. I am more into automotive HVAC, but luckily... this unit uses standard R134a (7oz).
I put my manifold set on the only port it has (low side) and pressure just will not build above 20-20 PSI. Manual and rear label specifies 130 PSI for low side. I have carefully metered out at least 5 oz already and still not much raise in pressure.
I am no HVAC pro, but... my guess is the hot gas valve partially stuck open? When the unit runs normally, I notice the line that branches off from the tiny liquid line (at the evap) and leads down to the valve.. it is also frosty - which seems to tell me the coolant is flashing off both in the evap AND towards the partially stuck open hot-gas valve...
Is this a fair assesment?
Is so, I can simply reclaim the coolant, cut out the old valve and sweat in a new one, no?
- Dean
Brand: Bluestone Appliances
Model: BCIM44
Issue: not really making ice that fast. Really slow... 40-50 minutes for a so-so batch. I am more into automotive HVAC, but luckily... this unit uses standard R134a (7oz).
I put my manifold set on the only port it has (low side) and pressure just will not build above 20-20 PSI. Manual and rear label specifies 130 PSI for low side. I have carefully metered out at least 5 oz already and still not much raise in pressure.
I am no HVAC pro, but... my guess is the hot gas valve partially stuck open? When the unit runs normally, I notice the line that branches off from the tiny liquid line (at the evap) and leads down to the valve.. it is also frosty - which seems to tell me the coolant is flashing off both in the evap AND towards the partially stuck open hot-gas valve...
Is this a fair assesment?
Is so, I can simply reclaim the coolant, cut out the old valve and sweat in a new one, no?
- Dean
