Amana SR520T Service page 35

Component Testing
Component Description
Condenser Condenser is a tube and wire
construction and is located in
compressor compartment.
Condenser is on the high pressure
discharge side of compressor.
Condenser function is to transfer heat
absorbed by refrigerant to ambient.
Higher pressure gas is routed to
condenser where, as gas temperature is
reduced, gas condenses into a high
pressure liquid state. Heat transfer takes
place because discharged gas is at a
higher temperature than air that is
passing over condenser. It is very
important that adequate air flow over
condenser is maintained.
Condenser is air cooled by condenser
fan motor. If efficiency of heat transfer
from condenser to surrounding air is
impaired, condensing temperature
becomes higher. High liquid temperature
means the liquid will not remove as much
heat during boiling in evaporator as
under normal conditions. This would be
indicated by higher than normal head
pressures, long run time, and high
wattage. Remove any lint accumulation,
etc. that would restrict normal air
movement through condenser.
From condenser the refrigerant flows into
a post condenser loop which helps
control exterior condensation on flange,
center mullion, around freezer door and
then through the drier to the evaporator
and into the compressor through the
suction line.
Damper Control Damper control balances the air delivery
between refrigerator and freezer
compartments.
Integral capillary activates damper
control and door closes restricting flow of
air from freezer compartment to
refrigerator compartment.
There are no electrical connections to
damper control on non-electronic units.
See Electronic Functional Description for
explanation of damper control on
electronic units.
April 1998
Test Procedures
Leaks in condenser can usually be detected by using an electronic leak detector
or soap solution. Look for signs of compressor oil when checking for leaks. A
certain amount of compressor oil is circulated with refrigerant.
Leaks in post condenser loop are rare because loop is a one-piece copper tube.
For minute leaks
1. Separate condenser from rest of refrigeration system and pressurize
condenser up to a maximum of 16 bars (235 PSI) with a refrigerant and dry
nitrogen combination.
2. Recheck for leaks.
!
To avoid severe personal injury or death observe the following:
•
Protect against a sudden eruption if high pressures are required
for leak checking.
•
Do not use high pressure compressed gases in refrigeration
systems without a reliable pressure regulator and pressure relief
valve in the lines.
Subject capillary to appropriate temperature (see tech sheet for model being
serviced).
Damper door should close to within 6 mm of completely shut.
If altitude adjustment is required, turn altitude adjustment screw 1/8 turn
clockwise for each 305 meters increase in altitude.
37
WARNING
RS590000 Rev. 0