Ever hit a locked scroll to bring it back?

[RCAVH]

Only worked on this liebert system for a short time so no models or serial numbers. Its a split air cooled system with a small Copeland scroll compressor. When i got to the call the comp was out on thermal overload. After it cooled it ran but sounded terrible then continued to lock out on thermals again. When it came back the second time I tried to cycle it on and off to see what it would do and it ran for about 30 sec and then locked. Was pulling about 98 amps and LRA IS 120 amp. Figured the compressor was done. Liebert did the start up so they returned to check it out. I dont work for this company full time but was told the next day Liebert came out and he hit the compressor with a hammer and now it runs great. I never heard of doing this have you?? Maybe this is something you could do once in a while depending on the situation. Any input greatly appreciated. Thanks

[RDF420]

Hit it with a hammer? Never heard of that service technique.

I assume you checked rotation of the compressor motor when you were there the first time?

[maxster]

anybody check the oil level especially on a split system?if it came in short on the oil charge from the factory the system wet down might of dropped it to where it might lock up...it will do it again..was the paint discolored on the top of the compressor?...megger the windings if you have a tool

[RCAVH]

From what I was told the system was running for about 3 months so I'm assuming rotation is ok. It serve's a computer room. Dont think its any larger than a 5 ton and line-set is only one floor not sure if ahu is above or below compressor. Could this comp. actually make it? Wher could I pick up a megger? I looked online seems like they are a few hundred dollars. Which one do you use?

[BACnet]

Hit it with a hammer? Never heard of that service technique.

That's exactly how the Fonz would handle it.

[markettech]

Only worked on this liebert system for a short time so no models or serial numbers. Its a split air cooled system with a small Copeland scroll compressor. When i got to the call the comp was out on thermal overload. After it cooled it ran but sounded terrible then continued to lock out on thermals again. When it came back the second time I tried to cycle it on and off to see what it would do and it ran for about 30 sec and then locked. Was pulling about 98 amps and LRA IS 120 amp. Figured the compressor was done. Liebert did the start up so they returned to check it out. I dont work for this company full time but was told the next day Liebert came out and he hit the compressor with a hammer and now it runs great. I never heard of doing this have you?? Maybe this is something you could do once in a while depending on the situation. Any input greatly appreciated. Thanks

I've knocked a tin can loose with a chunk of wood a couple times, but only to buy the refrigerated product a little time while I picked up replacement pump. Never used it as a repair strategy.

If you've got a 3 month old compressor tripping on thermal overload, pulling that many amps, and locking up - I assure you the problem is not fixed.

[retube]

The scrolls weak link rest assured bearing trouble you have.

[stonewallred]

I had a supply house tech rep come out to a new Rheem install when they first started using scrolls, and watched as he had me start the unit while he had the compressor end lifted about 6" or so in the air.
I started it, he dropped it and the compressor worked. (It had previously been locked up)

[Phisher]

I've used a hammer to break em loose. Reversing rotation for a couple seconds will also break em loose. This should only be done to get the customer out of a jam until the new compressor can be installed. You mentioned in your first post that the compressor started and sounded terrible. Sounds like bad bearings due to lack of oil return to the compressor. The refrigerant piping installation needs to be checked.

[mrhvacmechanic]

Are you sure he didn't hit his head with a hammer? LOL!!

[jpsmith1cm]

I've knocked a tin can loose with a chunk of wood a couple times, but only to buy the refrigerated product a little time while I picked up replacement pump. Never used it as a repair strategy.

If you've got a 3 month old compressor tripping on thermal overload, pulling that many amps, and locking up - I assure you the problem is not fixed.

I remember a call from a manufacturer on a warranty pump once.

Guy claimed they weren't paying the warranty because he had th compressor running.

How'd you do that?

Hit it with a hammer.

Shut it off and try again.

They paid.

[Danimal535]

Hit it with a hammer? Never heard of that service technique.

I assume you checked rotation of the compressor motor when you were there the first time?

a Scroll only goes one direction

[stonewallred]

Nah, scrolls will run backwards if it's three phase and legs are wrong. Makes a horrible noise and won't even act like it is working right though.

[juststartin]

Freeing the compressor by hitting with a hammer is a temporary fit. Almost always its going to stop again, plan on replacing it on your schedule, not on the the compressor's. (probably a weekend) Also, a scroll only compresses refrigerant one way, but can be run backwards. Don't let that happen very long or the its toast. Makes a god awful racket:grin2:

[Danimal535]

OK I will re phrase that works in one direction without screaming

[KB Cool]

Hey, where's the best place to hit it? Top, bottom or side? :grin2:

[mizzouhvac]

Is this a 3-phase or single phase compressor? If it is noisy and getting hot the rotation may not be correct.

[Cajunhvac]

Hey, where's the best place to hit it? Top, bottom or side? :grin2:

With a big enough hammer it doesn't matter. ;)

[bwd111]

a Scroll only goes one direction A scroll compressor operating in reverse is known as a scroll expander, and can be used to generate mechanical work from the expansion of a fluid, compressed air or gas. And moves clockwise.

[madhat]

We had Aaons on a Target roof and they were locking up compressors. I hated that change out, with the ships steps, and the compressors were no longer made so the piping was interesting. Dropped one while coming down the last couple rungs. That compressor ran. Told them what happened, they paid the warranty.

[bwd111]

I have two AAons at my work with 4 comp in each! And yes the piping sucks! Changing a filter dryer on an AAON is just as bad.

[HuNGRYTeCH]

I always assumed I just had a magical foot, everytime I kick a scroll it'll run for another ten minutes!