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Post by birkie on Apr 19, 2017 17:02:25 GMT
I'm excited to say I found my wife an anniversary gift - A double-pig evaporator DR-3 atop a double-door cabinet. It will certainly not be fixed up in time for our anniversary, but it's something she's wanted for some time. goo.gl/photos/22VBdwwyb4KctMHQ9I have not seen it yet in person (bought it sight unseen except for the above photo, and verbal description). Right now am arranging logistics of pickup, and re-reading the handful of DR3 threads on this forum. It looks like I'll want to build a crate or otherwise support the evaporators. Here's what's known about it: - It was in commercial service - Last time it was plugged in, it ran end the evaps got cold - The owner noticed the wiring insulation was falling off, and cut the cord to prevent an accident - The bakelite cover for the thermostat has a clean break - No shelves - Some scrapes and rust around the cabinet It was $45 to save it from scrap. The owner knew exactly what it is, and wanted it to go to a good home to somebody who would try to fix it up and put it into service. I'll probably want to have it run on 134a or 152a. I don't like the idea of 13 lbs of SO2 contained by non-stainless steel with little kids running around the house! Anyway, will be scouring threads and asking lots of questions! |
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Post by ckfan on Apr 19, 2017 17:36:44 GMT
Wow, congratulations. That looks like it is going to be a tremendous project but it will be worth it. I really do hope that it is running and cooling currently. That will make it so much easier to retrofit and fix. I would highly suggest to build a crate that will allow the evaporator plate to fit inside but will also not allow the deck to fall in. This will give you the most security in transporting such a large unit. It will have to be a very sturdy crate since those DR3s are so heavy. I'm impressed though, it isn't every day that you find a DR3. I wish you luck in getting it restored. Travis, Gill, and myself are here to help. As you have already read, these units can be a chore to restore.
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Post by birkie on Apr 19, 2017 18:47:48 GMT
Yes, a tremendous project. I can't wait to start taking power and temperature measurements to characterize its current state of performance... and hear DR sounds in real life; especially when it still has its SO2.
As far as I understand from the images people have posted, some variants are constructed in a manner such that the only way to comprehensively re-wire everything up to the compressor terminals (and replace the heater, if it needs replacing) is to cut the refrigerant lines, and remove its head in order to gain access to the appropriate terminals.
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Post by ckfan on Apr 19, 2017 19:08:48 GMT
Yes, unfortunately that is correct. I believe that your DR3 is like that but Gill and Travis know much more about it than I do. Since these old units have cloth wiring it can usually be "preserved" by putting heat shrink tubing on the parts that you bend around the control and just not messing with the other stuff. A lot of times the cloth insulation is not that bad anyways.
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Post by birkie on Apr 19, 2017 20:40:08 GMT
Yeah, we'll see how bad the wiring is. At least initially, I'm most interested in assessing whether or not the controls work, whether the refrigeration circuit is working OK, and if there's any corrosion or other deterioration that needs immediate attention. Heat shrink tube seems like a great idea to get it up and running for triage, and maybe just left in place thereafter.
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Post by Travis on Apr 19, 2017 21:54:03 GMT
80 fins are the best!
Use heat shrink on the wiring, make sure the heater is good and let it rip.
I don't have any shelves for that unfortunately.
You did good.
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Post by allan on Apr 19, 2017 23:18:55 GMT
And both of the ice tray flat slugs are there! They are worth more than you paid for the entire machine.
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Post by sheeplady on Apr 20, 2017 0:25:17 GMT
I'm the lucky lady. I'm happier than a clam. Look at all that fridge space... Better than a diamond... and this can make ice for Martinis, which no diamond can do!  |
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Post by elec573 on Apr 20, 2017 3:28:20 GMT
Congratulations on a very nice find! Hope you keep us posted on your resto . Found this in Buffalo NY I don't know if any of the racks or other hardware would work on your dr but worth a look.  |
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Post by coldspaces on Apr 20, 2017 5:05:43 GMT
Nice project! Will be watching to see its restoration. Sounds good that it was to have still been cooling when last ran.
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Post by birkie on Apr 20, 2017 16:06:12 GMT
Congratulations on a very nice find! Hope you keep us posted on your resto . Found this in Buffalo NY I don't know if any of the racks or other hardware would work on your dr but worth a look. Fascinating, thanks for the pointer. I know relatively nothing about cabinets - once I'm able to photograph and measure the interior we can see what's compatible. Would that have originally had a DR-4 on it? |
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Post by birkie on Apr 20, 2017 16:18:19 GMT
Nice project! Will be watching to see its restoration. Sounds good that it was to have still been cooling when last ran. Thanks; I anticipate we'll be slow and thorough. The threads of DR3s being opened up have been fascinating and informative. I have distant backgrounds in mathematics, physics, and electronics; and have done a tiny bit of metal work a decade or so ago (brazing, welding), so it's easy to see that I may come across roadblocks and need advice or help! |
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Post by Travis on Apr 20, 2017 17:49:36 GMT
Birkie,
That huge ass cabinet that Herb posted would have had a DR5
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Post by elec573 on Apr 21, 2017 5:18:49 GMT
Have been in contact with the owner and he is going to send some additional pictures . Well post when I get more information.
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Post by birkie on Apr 22, 2017 0:50:59 GMT
Have been in contact with the owner and he is going to send some additional pictures . Well post when I get more information. Unfortunately, I don't know the dimensions of interior of the cabinet with any precision (I haven't seen it yet - picking it up next weekend), but thanks for following up. If the seller is willing to part it out, it would be awesome if they fit some of the smaller cabinets. I'm curious to find out what sort of cabinet the DR3 is attached to (i.e. who made it); there seem to be tons of manufacturers and varieties used over the years. |
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