Cornelius Maxi 110 not getting cold

[mikemelga]

Hi everyone.

I have a Cornelius Maxi 110 for about 4 years with not problems (I only use it in the summer). This year I powered it up and it is not getting cold. Beer comes out at the same temperature.
I also notice today that from time to time it makes a loud banging noise for a few seconds.
I am going to open it and try to see what's wrong but do you guys have any tips on what could be the problem?
I know that the Maxi has a very simple design. Apart from the fan, thermostat and compressor...are there any other faulty parts that can affect it's normal working state?

Thanks in advance.

Regards

[guypettigrew]

Hi.

I think there's an impeller in the ice bath to stop it freezing solid. It could be that which is causing the banging noise. Perhaps, if the impeller isn't working, the whole unit won't work. Some sort of safety thing, perhaps?

Others will know more.

Guy

[MashBag]

That could be gas.

If the compressor is running but not getting cold my first thought is the refrigeratant has leaked.

Open up, run it, feel the small copper pipes.

[Goosey]

The impeller can be switched off on many models, so it's not necessary to run it for the cooler to work.

[LeeH]

Sounds like a lack of refrigerant to me.

[MashBag]

[mikemelga]

Thanks everyone for your help!

I will open it and see if the pipes are cold.

I am thinking that, as I will open it and work on it, install a digital thermostat and change the liquid to glycol. Are there any cons on doing this?

[MashBag]

I would not bother with either.

It does not need digital accuracy.

Gycol is actually a less effective coolant (it's antifreeze qualities is why it is used)

Those bits ain't broke, don't fix them until they are. Or.. Just don't waste money you could spend on beer.

Any fridge repairer will regas it for you.. But get them to find the leak.. Else you may become a regular

[guypettigrew]

I would not bother with either.

It does not need digital accuracy.

Gycol is actually a less effective coolant (it's antifreeze qualities is why it is used)

Those bits ain't broke, don't fix them until they are. Or.. Just don't waste money you could spend on beer.

Any fridge repairer will regas it for you.. But get them to find the leak.. Else you may become a regular

Agree. If the Maxi is working properly then the ice bath will be cold enough to drop the temperature of your beer.

Guy

[mikemelga]

Ok, I already dropped the glycol change. No need to mess with a working unit

I opened the Maxi and the fan is dead. I'm buying a new one. Can the fan be the sole responsible for not cooling?

[MashBag]

Yes it could.
How do you know its dead?

Did the compressor start?

[MashBag]

Been thinking about your digital stat idea.

I guess you are running this with an inkbird.
So why does the maxi need any stat at all?
You want on or off as decided by the inky.
In that scenario you are better off removing or at least bypassing the internal stats altogether.

[mikemelga]

Yes it could.
How do you know its dead?

Did the compressor start?

It was not spinning. I checked and it was getting power.
I double checked by getting it out and powering it directly. No spinning.
Already ordered a new one.
The compressor starts normally.

Thanks!

[mikemelga]

Been thinking about your digital stat idea.

I guess you are running this with an inkbird.
So why does the maxi need any stat at all?
You want on or off as decided by the inky.
In that scenario you are better off removing or at least bypassing the internal stats altogether.

Hmmm... I not sure I understand you. What is an inkbird?

[MashBag]

Aha.. How do you control the heating & cooling of your brew?