zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Jun 5, 2019 2:22:45 GMT
Hello all, I intend to purchase a CK-2-B16 within the next month or two. I’ve had my eyes on a unit ever since I saw a restored CK back in December while purchasing a radio, and a subsequent CA for sale on the local classifieds. I’ve been doing a bit of research, though it’s been difficult to compile a general list of everything to look at on a unit.
When looking at CK’s if the power cord has been cut, what are some things to be aware of? What do I need to test? And when should I walk away?
I don’t have any experience with refrigeration, though I do work on tube radios and televisions, and occasionally plumb under a sink or two. I’m looking to restore the unit (assuming I purchase it), both electrically and cosmetically. I understand the float valves in CA’s are a problem, what’s different in a CK? I don’t hear of many issues. Also, with the start relay, is it true that if the relay fails to close or make contact, it can burn out the compressor? If this is true, is it preventable with the stock relay?
Thanks all, Zach
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Post by turbokinetic on Jun 5, 2019 17:39:54 GMT
Hello all, I intend to purchase a CK-2-B16 within the next month or two. I’ve had my eyes on a unit ever since I saw a restored CK back in December while purchasing a radio, and a subsequent CA for sale on the local classifieds. I’ve been doing a bit of research, though it’s been difficult to compile a general list of everything to look at on a unit. When looking at CK’s if the power cord has been cut, what are some things to be aware of? What do I need to test? And when should I walk away? I don’t have any experience with refrigeration, though I do work on tube radios and televisions, and occasionally plumb under a sink or two. I’m looking to restore the unit (assuming I purchase it), both electrically and cosmetically. I understand the float valves in CA’s are a problem, what’s different in a CK? I don’t hear of many issues. Also, with the start relay, is it true that if the relay fails to close or make contact, it can burn out the compressor? If this is true, is it preventable with the stock relay? Thanks all, Zach
Hi Zach. It's always good to buy a running example; however the CK is the most reliable of the Monitor Top designs; and arguably one of the most reliable fridges ever marketed. The float is ordinarily not an issue with the CK units, but as with any mechanical device it can fail.
The start-relay can damage the compressor if it fails and then someone defeats the safety devices in the system during incompetent repair attempts. This is normally not the case if you can see that the original wiring is still in place. It's when the wiring has been bastardized in some way or another that you have to really be careful buying one. Often people will cut off the cord out of ignorance or stupidity, and that really doesn't mean anything about the condition of the machine. You may want to strip back the cord and measure resistance on the wires. It should have a closed circuit with less than 10 ohms when the control is in the on position. It should also NOT have a closed circuit to ground.
It seems that a very common damage area is the small refrigerant line between the evaporator and float valve. People will lay the machine over on its side, and the cooling unit will become dislodged from the cabinet. When this happens, that line will catch on the cabinet and often be broken. The refrigerant charge will be lost, and then if not repaired - corrosion can set in.
So, in my experience, if I were you, I would check these areas. I hope others will add to this list. -Wiring modified. This could indicate improper repairs leading to compressor motor winding damage. -Bent / broken lines near evaporator. -Service port tampered with (hammer marks, vise-grip marks, stripped out plug etc.) -Hammer marks around float chamber. -Cabinet hinges worn so that door won't seal (even with a new gasket) -Latch nonfunctional (latches and handles are nearly impossible to get). -Rusted out cabinet. -Broken control. As far as I know, the only part of the control which can be replaced is the sensing tube. If any other parts such as knobs or mechanical parts are broken or missing, you will have to search for a new control.
The worst are ones where a new paintjob has been applied and the unit looks great on the surface but underneath it's terminally ill.
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Jun 6, 2019 11:18:45 GMT
Doesn't sound too bad overall, I'm waiting for an ordered car to arrive, as all we have are sedans currently which most likely wouldn't fit a whole unit. Hopefully the it doesn't get sold in that timeframe, but just I case I put a wanted ad on the local classifieds. If anyone else is in the Hampton Roads Area and has any they would be willing to part with let me know.
What's the best way to determine if the system is still charged with S02? ~Zach
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Post by ckfan on Jun 6, 2019 11:34:34 GMT
I would just assume it is still charged with SO2. 99.9% of them still are. If you ever smell it, you will know it’s SO2.
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Post by elec573 on Jun 7, 2019 5:27:25 GMT
Hello and welcome to the forum. As far as a working ck I would want to see it run before you buy it . They were the last of the MTs manufacture as a complete unit, feas were a replacement for when one of the older units died (dr,ca,ck) but they worked well . And you can find them still on eBay , craglist as well . Everyone says it was working when they picked it up , I would ask to see it run .
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Jul 15, 2019 2:30:15 GMT
Alright, finally made the purchase of a CK unit. Can someone give me the dimensions of the cabinet, legs, and compressor? I doubt I'll be able to fit the whole thing in one piece. Our Crosstrek has about 60in of room in the back, I'm planning on strapping the compressor in place, and taking off the legs. Hopefully that should be enough.
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Post by turbokinetic on Jul 15, 2019 3:10:24 GMT
Alright, finally made the purchase of a CK unit. Can someone give me the dimensions of the cabinet, legs, and compressor? I doubt I'll be able to fit the whole thing in one piece. Our Crosstrek has about 60in of room in the back, I'm planning on strapping the compressor in place, and taking off the legs. Hopefully that should be enough. Hey that's great you found a CK to buy! I only have one CK unit, it's a CK-2-B16. If you can give the model number and a picture of the cabinet, I can measure mine tomorrow.
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Jul 15, 2019 4:00:08 GMT
Alright, finally made the purchase of a CK unit. Can someone give me the dimensions of the cabinet, legs, and compressor? I doubt I'll be able to fit the whole thing in one piece. Our Crosstrek has about 60in of room in the back, I'm planning on strapping the compressor in place, and taking off the legs. Hopefully that should be enough. Hey that's great you found a CK to buy! I only have one CK unit, it's a CK-2-B16. If you can give the model number and a picture of the cabinet, I can measure mine tomorrow. Mine is a CK-2-B16 as well. Hopefully I can pick it up this weekend, still have to clear it with the seller, but It'll be within the next two weeks. Also, how are the legs attached? I'd imagine either Flathead screws or hex bolts.
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Post by ckfan on Jul 15, 2019 16:33:45 GMT
The legs should be attached with hex bolts. The dimensions should also be in the scotch yoke manual.
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Post by turbokinetic on Jul 16, 2019 12:32:33 GMT
Hey that's great you found a CK to buy! I only have one CK unit, it's a CK-2-B16. If you can give the model number and a picture of the cabinet, I can measure mine tomorrow. Mine is a CK-2-B16 as well. Hopefully I can pick it up this weekend, still have to clear it with the seller, but It'll be within the next two weeks. Also, how are the legs attached? I'd imagine either Flathead screws or hex bolts. Hey - I owe you an apology for not getting the measurements for you. I had several urgent issues come up which prevented this. Look in the reference section, in the manuals as ckfan recommended. They have the dimensions there.
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Jul 19, 2019 4:46:58 GMT
Mine is a CK-2-B16 as well. Hopefully I can pick it up this weekend, still have to clear it with the seller, but It'll be within the next two weeks. Also, how are the legs attached? I'd imagine either Flathead screws or hex bolts. Hey - I owe you an apology for not getting the measurements for you. I had several urgent issues come up which prevented this. Look in the reference section, in the manuals as ckfan recommended. They have the dimensions there. All is good, we all lead busy lives, no need to apologize I'll be picking it up Saturday. Is there anything else I need to know before I get it? My plan is still to strap the top on using two straps, lay the unit on it's back, remove the legs and finally rest the whole thing on a tarp in the back of the car. From there we'll be making the 150 mile journey back home. On a side note, one just popped up about 10 miles from me... Murphy's law. It makes me feel better that they're asking $1200, and I got mine a lot, lot cheaper. Hopefully mine turns out alright and everything checks out. Will have pictures by the weekend ~Zach
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Post by turbokinetic on Jul 20, 2019 2:49:13 GMT
Hey - I owe you an apology for not getting the measurements for you. I had several urgent issues come up which prevented this. Look in the reference section, in the manuals as ckfan recommended. They have the dimensions there. All is good, we all lead busy lives, no need to apologize I'll be picking it up Saturday. Is there anything else I need to know before I get it? My plan is still to strap the top on using two straps, lay the unit on it's back, remove the legs and finally rest the whole thing on a tarp in the back of the car. From there we'll be making the 150 mile journey back home. On a side note, one just popped up about 10 miles from me... Murphy's law. It makes me feel better that they're asking $1200, and I got mine a lot, lot cheaper. Hopefully mine turns out alright and everything checks out. Will have pictures by the weekend ~Zach Cool deal! Glad you found a way to transport it safely. Really LOL about the $1200 one.... that better be a new one in crate from storage since 1935!
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btfarm
7 Cubic Foot
Posts: 103
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Post by btfarm on Jul 20, 2019 11:48:34 GMT
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Jul 20, 2019 17:35:39 GMT
Finally loaded it into the car, boy was it heavy. I put the straps ratcheting mechanism onto the back, but forgot about how I would slide it in. Made for a real challenge. I forgot to take the shelving out, but oh well not much can be done about that now until we get home. It's not moving much. I did want to ask about the rattling sound. When we hit a bump, I hear a something hit the compressor can (A metallic echo sound). Is this normal during transport?
P.S. Also had my first scare of leaked refrigerant, started smelling a burnt smell. I sure rolled those windows down quick. It turned out we were passing a wood fire, but it really got my heart going.
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Post by turbokinetic on Jul 20, 2019 18:06:27 GMT
Finally loaded it into the car, boy was it heavy. I put the straps ratcheting mechanism onto the back, but forgot about how I would slide it in. Made for a real challenge. I forgot to take the shelving out, but oh well not much can be done about that now until we get home. It's not moving much. I did want to ask about the rattling sound. When we hit a bump, I hear a something hit the compressor can (A metallic echo sound). Is this normal during transport? P.S. Also had my first scare of leaked refrigerant, started smelling a burnt smell. I sure rolled those windows down quick. It turned out we were passing a wood fire, but it really got my heart going.
Hey, wow that's funny about smelling the wood fire and thinking it might be refrigerant! Sorry! Thankfully it was a false alarm.
As for the clacking noise in the compressor, that is completely normal. The motor-compressor mechanism is mounted on springs to keep the vibration from being felt or heard outside the housing. If you rock the cabinet back and forth, there is a bumper ring around the motor which limits how far it can move. This ring bumps the inside of the housing and makes that clack.
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