Vinotemp 142 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Fridge

[nickparkp]

Model Number

VT-140 TSBW

Brand

-major brand-

Age

1-5 years

I recently purchased a used dual zone Vinotemp wine fridge, but it is not getting any colder when plugged in. I do not know all of the technical names for the parts so I will do my best in describing what is happening. When its plugged in and turned on, the display board lights up and seems to function normally. The fan in the top section and the fan underneath the fridge run normally, but the fan in the lower section starts and stops randomly. As far as I can tell the compressor is running (I can hear a faint noise coming from it and I can feel it vibrating; the compressor does get fairly warm, not sure if that is normal or not. Not too hot to where it will burn your hand, but a little warm to the touch).

Does anybody have any ideas as to where i should start looking for ways to fix this fridge?

 

[jeff1]

Hi,

As far as I can tell the compressor is running (I can hear a faint noise coming from it and I can feel it vibrating; the compressor does get fairly warm

but it is not getting any colder when plugged in

= a major system problem....possible leaker, restriciton, inefficient compressor or any combination of these = a great boat anchor but terrible cooler fridge.

jeff.

 

[nickparkp]

Is there anyway to cheaply diagnose what is exactly wrong?

 

[nickparkp]

Could it be that I need a new compressor, start device and/or overload relay. Or is it most likely a major system problem?

 

[nickparkp]

Can I use a A/C recharge kit with a leak sealer additive?

 

[jeff1]

Is there anyway to cheaply diagnose what is exactly wrong?

Someone would need to access the refrigeration system, have the tools to access the pressures and system and then the knowledge to figure out what is or is not happening.

Could it be that I need a new compressor

possible leaker, restriciton, inefficient compressor or any combination of these

That is possible yes.

start device and/or overload relay

Since the compressor is running...nope.

Can I use a A/C recharge kit with a leak sealer additive?

Those are against the law where I am. Adding refrigerant gas to a restriction or inefficient compressor won't help.

jeff.

 

[nickparkp]

Awesome thank you for your help, I really do appreciate it!

When the problem is a restriction, how is that fixed?

 

[jeff1]

When the problem is a restriction, how is that fixed?

Cut open the lines and -hopefully- flush out and clean them with methal hydrate and nitrogen....most times I can get them open again, odd time nothing helps and we must replace the part proving it is not foamed inside the walls where we cannot change it.

jeff.

 

[nickparkp]

Awesome thanks for the replies!

 

[Zebra9z]

I recently attempted to repair a Vinotemp VT-60 for senior. Compressor starts, all fans running no cooling. Examined control board and no obvious component damage. Used my Flir thermal camera on compressor, suction and discharge lines and only a little heat showing on the discharge heading to the condenser. No way short of adding valves to check compressor discharge pressure.

Not LRA but higher than normal amp draw so unlikely low on gas. Believe it has a sealed system restriction. Client going to turn nice cabinet into a garage power tool cabinet because uneconomical to fix. Wine coolers seem to have a short life in general from what I've seen owing to quality issues.