This was a service call on a Glycol unit that wasn’t keeping the beer lines cold from the walk-in cooler to the beer taps. I found that the unit had a bad temperature controller that would not turn the unit on, I temporarily installed a universal controller and got the unit running until I returned with a new controller.
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This video is brought to you by spore'ln quality, integrity and tradition. So I want to start this video out really quick with explaining what I'm working on I'm working on a beer line, chiller or I call them a glycol unit. Okay, so essentially you have beer kegs inside the beer, wok and maintained at 35 degrees, okay and you have beer taps somewhere else inside the restaurant. Alright, this particular restaurant, the beer taps, come out, go underground and run about 75 feet over then come up into the bar area where they serve the beer.

The problem is, is if we didn't have a beer line chiller then, potentially that 35 degree beer as it goes underground, might be running through a chase. That's you know 68 70 degrees, okay, and that could bring the temperature your beer up and cause all kinds of problems. Foaming nasty beer, different things. Okay, so we have a glycol or a beer line chiller that cools glycol okay down below freezing.

We use glycol that way. We can get the liquid below freezing. We typically have at about 28 degrees, but different situations may change the temp a little bit alright and then it's circulated in its own lines, but it's wrapped around the beer lines. They usually put.

Quite a few beer lines and then wrap a glycol line or two around them, and it just helps to maintain the temperature. Okay, many split in the glycol room I think I died. I went to. Heaven is awesome all right.

We have a service call today on a glycol unit that was not working right. Obviously, it's at 65° compressors cold. It's not running we're gon na get a meter out and check to see we're gon na start with the pressure, controls or actually I'll start with the temp control and then go to the pressure controls and go from there. Looking for any obvious signs of a leak - and I don't see any so we'll dive into it and see what we can find - let's just go ahead and test these pressure controls.

So no the pressure controls are open. That's a good sign! So, first off, I'm gon na see what this guy's set for. Okay, so it's set for 28 degrees that it's 65 degrees, so obviously something's wrong. This cover off you're helping us never was scary.

In that a lot of hard renovation. Okay, we need to go to all the temp control or the test. Not now. I just wanted to do that before I Hopa temp control out in case there was shorted out liners and stuff, and I want to do this live if possible.

So I can catch the the press. Five. I think the temperature controller out, so we have an open circuit on the temp control, so we got a bad temperature controller, shut the power down, so we're set for the 20-something degrees and it's sixty something degrees in the box. And it's not calling for fully to the temp controls messed up, so I don't have a Dick's oil controller.

So I'm going to put a temporary temperature controller in this time, just a universal, a 19 temporarily and they'll come back tomorrow or the next day put in the exo. Do it right, so we are going to have to do some modifying the injuries and lots of wirelessly, and so it's just a temporary solution again. So get me through the night get their glycol unit running unpowered up right now, let's have multiple should work came home, got ta turn the power source on and let's test it temporarily we're going to send for about 28 degrees. Most of my core units are set for about 20, but don't each manufacturer can be different and all depends on what they're doing, especially if you have cobra head taps.
I am NOT a glycol specialist okay, but if you have cobra head tops, you don't want to mess with anything. Those things are so finicky, the cobrahead tablet, the beer tap, looks like a cobra head and it freezes other mice around. It looks pretty badass, but overhead tops gon na be pretty finicky, so you want to make sure you get them set up right and I don't mess with us call the air company. So this guy is just a 230 volt control, so we need to get a 230 volt control from White House which we should be able to go.

That's pretty much gon na wrap it up guys. This is kind of like a little hack job to get them through the night it works. You know it's sufficient for now and running a clear sight. Glass.

So that's good, so that'll just be on there for the night and then that temperature controller will be thrown away by the way, I'm not going to try to reuse that things out of the picture. So both the pumps are running this one's really hot. This one has been powered off so yeah. That's it it's a little glycol unit, this thing's missing all the covers and stuff.

So that's what all this is. People probably took them off because it was overheating or something, but it's up in this protected room up here. So again, love my mini split. That's like liquid gold man.

When do you ever see a mini split, McFly cauldron that is flippin, awesome? Okay, we are back today. I've got a new control. I ended up ordering the factory control for the manufacturer and the reason why I say the situation like this. I try to go back with om, but there's times that I'll use like because this is just a standard.

You know what is that, like a three and a half inch mouse, so you could have used a dick soul controller but um the way that they mount their sensor in this reservoir right here it goes into the screen and I needed that sensor from them. So I just wanted to go back in with the factory one so to refresh remember. I had put this temperature controller on here temporarily and obviously you can see it's working because my condensing unit just shut off and it's maintaining. What is that about? Twenty eight thirty degrees, which is typical on these units, so I'm gon na, have to fix some wiring because remember we had some burnt wires.

So look at that and the other thing that's driving me nuts and I planned on this. I'm gon na get all this trash. Look at there's old pumps, bottles of glycol to talk to an old glycol unit, and just so much junk in here back here. There's fans - and you know a bunch of stuff that doesn't need to be here so, okay, so powers coming out of the temperature controller on this one.
According to this schematic right here, here's the little schematic they give you the new ones, so power, 115 volt hot leg, is coming in on three the neutral or common terminals coming in on four. This is, and then it automatically has a jumper inside and brings power out of two so coming out of two. This is why I don't like this look at that that wire came out. I got to make sure we get those tightened in good, but anyway, so power comes out of two.

It's gon na run into the pressure control. We've got a high and a low, so it's gon na run into the high come out of the low and then go back and then go to the compressor. So that's how we're gon na wire right now I just got ta get it all figured out like a and wine some screwdriver, but has the double dance. It's really nice and it has a swivel thing on the top.

There's the Klein. Thirty two five, eight one things really nice and do different sizes, and then I also have the other one. It's like a little set that for really small stuff. These are all linked keys down, and then I show notes of the video but like these, they made my client careful not to over-tighten these guys.

You can break them off, make sure and now we're gon na figure out how to we got it electrically hooked up. I got to figure out how to run this sensor now, and this is going to be kind of tricky because the sensor goes into this cavity, but then we got to get into the cavity and there's a there's a cover plate that comes off. So I got to get in there, hopefully take it off and get into that side. All right cover back on put cover back on this one, I'm just so we got covers now.

We got the filter media's they're, both down to temp. I don't see a reason to put service gauges on this one because such a small charge and it came down to temp in a reasonable amount of time, and it has a sight glass of the sight. Glass is clear, so I think we're good, so yeah everything's. Looking good I've cleaned up as best as I could, it doesn't have to be perfect, but we cleaned up all the pumps and stuff that people have left up here boxed and I'm going to leave that up here, because that's always good in case it can in Japan, where it fails I'll get you through a weekend yeah, you ever see a empty bottle up here.

You want to leave those up here because that's for glycol and you have to fill the glycol. I always leave an empty bottle up there, buddy yeah, that's pretty much! It guys, we're good, okay to recap, glycol unit that had a bad temperature controller. The contacts were failed open. I did have to do a little work to temporarily get the unit going because I didn't have the factory control, so I used that temporary a-19 controller got it up and running until I can order the factory one sometimes like I like I mentioned in the video.
I thought about using a Dixville controller instead of the one that was in there, but because of the sensor location, I wanted to get that factory sensor back in there. So that's why, when I didn't ordered the proper control from banner okay banner was the manufacturer of the unit I came back out. Put the control in everything was operating properly. I cleaned up that room got rid of all the trash that I could all the other people's parts and stuff that they had left up there, because I'm not a fan of leaving trash in places like that, even though the customer is never gon na go up There I still look there and I can't handle tripping over everything, so cleaned everything up.

I'm still blown away that there's a mini split in that room. That is so awesome. That's like a unicorn, it's very rare that you ever see a mini split in a glycol room, but nonetheless customer was happy. Glycol units been working good for a couple weeks now.

Life is good, really appreciate you guys taking the time to watch these videos and pay attention to some of the others other channels. I got popping up right now and I will see you guys on the next one: okay.

49 thoughts on “Warm beer glycol unit down”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Dane says:

    You should always have a temp controller in the car. Dixell and danfoss, can be substituted.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Rece says:

    I have really good luck with parts town good place for restaurant equipment parts

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Shust says:

    Great video. I'm a fairly handy guy, helping my cousin start a cider business. He has two of these units chilling various tanks, but they create so much heat in the room. Could they be put in an outside unheated shed in the midwest? (In other words, might you know the minimum ambient operating temp? I can find no specs from Banner Beverage or elsewhere. On a 0-degree F winter day, would I need a heater in the shed?) Thx, -bill

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J. R. says:

    Love the recaps.

    Factory sensors are best, being submerged in liquid. Takes possible failure responsibility off of you.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dwarden3 says:

    This Sir was your finest video to date. A/c not working OK. Heater not heating OK. I can smell the farts because the fans arn't working OK. My beer is warm HELL NO. You are a life saver!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Max D says:

    Yeah it’s a cheap Daikin mini split but still why did they use a Daikin they should of used a cheap gree or something it’s not doing anything special

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Russ O says:

    Old video and well done. I would like to caution you on checking pressure controls to "case ground" If that is a 230vac circuit you could get false information when checking to "ground". Are you in Orleans ?

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Groves says:

    Have you considered tinning the ends of the stranded wires with electrical solder in order to help prevent them falling out?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Mercil says:

    Pardon my rookie ignorance, but is this thing basically a small chiller that chills glycol instead of water?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rick L says:

    Nice use of voltage drop testing! 👍

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rich Davis says:

    Nicest glycol unit I’ve ever seen

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stefan Fagervall says:

    Why dont have a temp controller in the car, i allways have dixell 961 971 and 974 in the car

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wolfhound says:

    do you have a amazon link to that attachment that you had on your drill

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars G POWER DRAGON says:

    20 degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius 20 c degrees is a little too warm for my beer

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars winkhvac says:

    never see that

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Hall says:

    Good temp. fix to get it through the night. One thing I ALWAYS do is when replacing the controller is to replace the sensor at the same time. This way you get the warranty of the new controller. Eliwell / Drixell – . . . The contacts on these small controllers burn out frequently. I like to add a higher rated relay to reduce the amp draw on the controller if it’s out of warranty. Use the controller to activate the relay.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars THEtechknight says:

    Use ferrule crimps on those wires that go inside the green phoenix style connectors. Wire wont come out then!

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Holder says:

    You guys over in the states seem to have a pretty stable mains supply. The voltage in the UK is very unstable. Single phase can be 250volt down to 220. Three phase can be 415volts down to 380volts. And fluctuating

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark O'Callaghan says:

    1st off nice job on the troubleshoot, repair and overall service… when I see a call for cooling on those Elliwells or Dixells and i know the pressure switches are made I give the controller a tap with a screwdriver and the compressor starts. Then you know the controller is done for, obviously testing with your meter is better!! Anytime I come across that I always put in a switching relay to handle the compressor. Use the new controller to switch the coil of the relay and chances of it happening are dramatically reduced.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clint Glasgow says:

    👍

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Justin B says:

    nice fix !! nice clean up like a pro. Service area Orleans??

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars K H says:

    Dude, I hope thats not a metal ring you're wearing, real electrical mechanics never wear metal rings.
    Deadly electrocution hazard!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Galletly says:

    Can you do a tool bag video showing what you normally carry?

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars No Coast says:

    Great video Chris! You have helped me learn so much on the refrigeration side of things. As an apprentice I had a lot of lazy techs who I feel contributed to a lazy work ethic I developed. I’m getting a passion back for this trade which is great!!!
    P.S for anyone else in the metric system watching these videos, download a temp unit conversion app on your phone and punch in numbers as Chris works, it will help you understand these videos a lot easier😅 Service area Barrhaven??

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars slamdvw says:

    What's that fuzzy blue thingy on the inlet side of the condenser? You almost never see that! … or if you do it's got so much schmoo in it it may as well be a piece of cardboard..

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BigRedRam2500 says:

    Guy even knows what happens to the beer if it gets passed through warmer temperatures. Expert! From one tradesman to another – love your videos! Service area Kanata??

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Зеленая Зеландия says:

    Hi, Chris,is it Dick Wirz book on your table?

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars throttle bottle says:

    warm beer, panic panic panic panic

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Spector NS5 RD says:

    I love those 1/4 5/8 reversible Malco bits. I keep a shorty and a medium length in my service bag. Good video.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars PickleRix says:

    Thirty years ago, I used to install and service Perlick glycol units. Lots of fun. Service area Nepean??

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars HVACR North says:

    good vid bud. Are you in Kanata ?

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stan Patterson says:

    So is the establishment going to add more glycol to the reservoir, or will they wait until it starts to suck air and then gets all fouled up?  I remember being a kid nearly 40 years ago, getting my first job (after delivering newspapers) in a restaurant and bar.  The stuff I saw behind the lines… some was eye-opening, other things were mind-boggling.  It didn't take me long to realize that any time I pointed out potential problems, whomever I was talking to would make like an ostrich and put their head in the sand as if "I don't want to hear about it".  So, the problem would keep limping until failure, then it would be either ignored until the Health Dept. came in and discovered it,  or if it were something critical, they'd have to call for service to get it repaired, or perhaps by this time, replaced for a whole new unit.  One night I reported that the dryer wasn't turning (they wouldn't pay a laundry service, rather they had a washer and dryer in the basement).  I went home and wasn't back in until 3 or 4 nights later.  They had a dryer fire in that time. It wasn't long after that, the building's owner had a blowout with the management,  and shortly after that, that business folded. The owner of the building sold the building along with two other businesses nearby, the new owners knew even less about food and beverage. The following spring, a new business began to renovate and prepare to run a British Pub-style business (with a second bar).  I applied to work there, as I was familiar with the building and it was close to home.  It started out pretty good, a lot of changes to the equipment, a lot of upgrades and improvements, but slowly, as time passed, it began to settle down to the same standards of "if it ain't completely busted, leave well enough alone".  By then I was driving and got a better job in another line of work.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rel Val says:

    sell merch

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Salis says:

    NICE JOB!!!

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Grindstone says:

    Great video as always.👊 I would suggest the danfoss erc213.. Easy to program for a rescue controller and haven't had one burn out the compressor relay yet…With that said I have seen OEM's install a separate compressor relay just because of the ewel,dixel 13 amp relay cant handle the load..

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wes Haynie says:

    Hate when other techs leave a mess. I was in small crawl space just replacing filters and some asshole left about 10 old filters crammed into the crawl space😡. Lol great video

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Air Conditioning Guy says:

    Good temp fix! Other technician might have said I need to come back with the part.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DJSubAir says:

    Love clean rooms, makes things so much easier to work on

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Johnson says:

    Have been around these systems since the late 1980s… first generation ChillRites.. how I hate draft beer, let me count the ways… current gig at a LARGE sports facility ran lines over 100 YARDS/ (1/8th mile pole) to the most remote bar/ concession stations.

    Thank God we finally went to package sales!

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Harry Dickson says:

    👍👍👍

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Wehr says:

    Got that long flip bit you’ve been wanting. 👍🏻

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeepjones85 says:

    I usually find the relays in those controllers go bad quite often Are you in Barrhaven ?

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MR. ICE says:

    Ever thought about stocking a universal style dixell control on truck? I’ve seen them at JOhnstone but haven’t used one yet.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Martin DeLoach says:

    Nice work, cool they had it in a climate controlled room, much easier to think when you are not sweating your butt off Are you in Ottawa ?

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Granados says:

    Did you test the beer to make sure you “fixed it” ?

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg M says:

    On those temp controls if you over tighten the terminals the terminal block breaks off the pc board rendering it useless.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars memyselfand ifarmer says:

    Chiller down, off for a day, three phase, mega ohm #2, compressor warm! Test contactor- one leg closed. Replace and test amps, # one no amps on a leg, open, replace that contactor. Multi aquca. Junk.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Juan Todolí says:

    Good job Chris 👍

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fluke196c says:

    I like that you always try to use OEM parts except where you know its a problem

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