Amana ATX 518 VW Service Manual page 25

Component Testing
Component Description
Condenser Condenser is a tube and wire
construction located in machine
compartment.
Condenser is on 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 liquid will not remove as much
heat during boiling in evaporator as
under normal conditions. This would be
indicated by high than normal head
pressures, long run time, and high
wattage. Remove any lint or other
accumulation, 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, and around freezer door.
Refrigerant the flows through the drier to
evaporator and into compressor through
suction line.
Damper Control Damper control balances the air delivery
between refrigerator and freezer
compartments providing temperature
control for refrigerator.
Internal 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. See tech sheet for
damper specifications for unit being
serviced.
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 16.20 bars with a refrigerant and dry
nitrogen combination.
2. Recheck for leaks.
!
To avoid severe personal injury or death from sudden eruption of high
pressures gases, observe the following:
•
Protect against a sudden eruption if high pressures are required for
leak checking.
•
Do not use high pressure compressed cases 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 (.6cm) ¼" of completely shut.
If altitude adjustment is required, turn altitude adjustment screw 1/8 turn
clockwise for each 1,000 feet increase in altitude.
25
WARNING
RS5280001 Rev. 0