Any aircon guys here?

[GMC]

Sweltering in my workshop today forced me to have another go at getting my Aircon running.
Had it blowing cold air okay but then a wire shorted on the thermostat tube cutting it through.
So is the thermostat a necessary component to blow cold air as it seems to only blow normal air now

[Rossvickicampbell]

I would imagine yes Geoff otherwise no control/measurement for the aircon to know what is where.

[GMC]

Trust you to tell me what I don't want to hear

So how can I hot wire it for full cold?

[Hoony]

i would say the compressor is not starting/running as therrmostat cuts comprssor in and out depending on the inside temp and only the inside fan is moving air.

[oldfart]

Check to see if  your compressor is running ... as the thermostat is what regulates the temp ( what Hoony emplies is correct )    find out what fault code it is .  and your question will be answered.
 Also check to see if a geko has not died on a circuit board.   

[Hoony]

just re-read your Post Geoff, it sounds like you have a small copper tube going into the thermostat (at the other end will be a larger bulb), this is a capillary tube and if it is damaged, crimped,squashed  or cut the thermostat will be inoperable.

you will need to get a replacement thermostat.

[Matador107]

I reckon that capillary if it is connected to the mechanical type thermostat is now non operational. They are filled with ether which expands with temperature, operates a small diaphragm which in turn operates a set of contacts.

These contacts make or break to cycle the compressor control circuit.
So if it's all like that disconnect wiring and join the active wire (live) to the switch wire for compressor.
There maybe another wire going to the reversing valve for when heat is required. Leave that one out.
Hope that helps, let us know.

[FireKwaka]

What Matador said, the stat is just a switch. join the wires together for a short term fix. If you leave it running too long it will ice up and stop blowing much air.

[Rossvickicampbell]

see - I TOLD YA!

[suzuki59]

Rosco giving advice -oh the shame !

[Canam370]

Fill a bucket with dry ice and aim a fan across the top. This will blow cooled air.....oh yeah, make sure the fan is aimed towards yourself......in your direction. Given your electrical expertise get another family member to plug the fan in and they can press the fan speed button as well. Seems safe enough.

[Davey Crocket]

Pay your power bill you tightarse!!!!

[GMC]

No the power is definitely on because that is what arced through the capillary tube
Even gave me a tingle when I took this picture because I forgot it was still plugged in

Thanks for the advice guys, it's pretty much what I thought.



I assume I hot wire the 2 orange wires to bypass the thermostat?
Do you think any old thermostat would work, it's an old Kelvinator wall style unit and I couldn't find any info on it last time I looked.
I've already been looking on ebay for another unit which is probably the simpler way to go as they can be had for a hundred bucks or so.

[Matador107]

Yes, if there are only two wires connected to the t-stat join them and away you go. I think that t-stat is a brand called Saginomoya , you could buy something similar from a refrig parts trade supplier but I think that would be $80-$100 alone.
A simple mech type wall mount thermostat capable of switching 15 amps would work if it was hung in the return air intake to the unit, just extend the two wires and you're done. They cost us about $25, we use them to control small exhaust fans in computer rack enclosures.

If you are going to buy an old one and hear "it just needs a bit of gas" , R22 refrig, (most old units) sells out at $235 a kilo, ( thanks Julia)walk away.

[Momus]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1200mm-Capillary-4-Pin-1-5-to-12-5-Celsius-Refrigerator-Thermostat-AC-250V-/390855811944?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item5b00d26368

From Hong Kong- but for under 10 bucks could be worth a try.