Problems with "Flowrator"

[vanisle]

We had an Amana ASZ14 3.5 ton installed Sept of 2006 along with an AEPF air handler which have been dependable and good performing units. This year we switched on the heat and got a clicking noise from the compressor and little heat. The installer is pretty confident that the Flowrator has gotten jammed and will be installing a TX valve instead.

When the unit was installed I wasn't too concerned with the lower efficiency of the Flowrator in the AHU as it's only used in cooling (which we seldom use). The Flowrator seems like a pretty simple little gizmo. Is it common for the Flowrator orifice checks to have problems? will the TX valve be any more reliable?

[beenthere]

It may or may not help with the noise/vibration. Depends on what is causing it.

[vanisle]

I'm wondering more what sorts of things can go wrong with a flowrator? It looks like a very simple orficed chek valve. How can that break?

[beenthere]

Dirt.
Could be deformed.
Missing seal.
Just not the right size.
Sticking in a position.

[aircooled53]

We had an Amana ASZ14 3.5 ton installed Sept of 2006 along with an AEPF air handler which have been dependable and good performing units. This year we switched on the heat and got a clicking noise from the compressor and little heat. The installer is pretty confident that the Flowrator has gotten jammed and will be installing a TX valve instead.

When the unit was installed I wasn't too concerned with the lower efficiency of the Flowrator in the AHU as it's only used in cooling (which we seldom use). The Flowrator seems like a pretty simple little gizmo. Is it common for the Flowrator orifice checks to have problems? will the TX valve be any more reliable?

Maybe a bi-flow drier was NOT installed and you got some trash in line set.:(