Modded mach 1 problem

[bruce]

Well I've had a modded mach 1 for about 4-5 months now and it has worked great (r404 and cap tube mod, bought second hand).
Today while playing one of my games I noticed the fans kicked on high. I checked the display temp and it was -30c and dropping, it got down to about -17c before I shut the game off ( unit usually idle'd at -45 and load of about -37c).
Now my question is what could be the problem? I ran prime 95 just to see what would happen and after about 5-10mins the temps start dropping and will continue to drop until I stop prime (never went under -36c when primed before). I have tried shutting the unit down (about 20 min) and restarting everything, it still idles at about -45c but when I put a load on it (such as prime) the temps start to fall and keep right on going.

any ideas?

[WiCKeD]

Never used phase, but it sounds like there is a small leak... I would guess somewhere around the socket if you're still capable of getting the same idle temp. I'm sure someone with experience can give you a real idea.

[bruce]

thanks, hopefully I can get it fixed somewhere if thats the problem.

[babalouj]

if it were a leak it wouldnt hold -45C at idle. check your compressor temps (it might be overheating, i think 70C is about as high as you want the temp to go) and also check to see if the condenser is clogged with dust keeping the fan from cooling it.

[bruce]

ok, well its been running about 3hrs today and the idle temps are still -45c but put a big load on it and the temps never stop falling


edit : ok I just took the unit apart and cleaned all the dust bunnies out, same thing happens. I even left the side covers off to help cool the comp. but it still does the same thing: idle @ -45c start prime, after about 8 min its at -35c and then drop to -25 within about 3 minutes after that.
edit 2: I was still priming while typing the last post. the readout was down to -8.5c. I shut down prime and within a minute it was idling back at -45c

[babalouj]

sounds like your unit lost its cooling capacity (undercharged). i am gonna take back my first post and say that there might indeed be a very small leak.

[bruce]

any easy/good ways to test for leaks? I'm an idiot when it comes to refrigeration, keep it simple please

[babalouj]

it looks like the xs guys gave you a few places to check but other than that you can submerge the system (not the electronics) and see where the bubbles are coming from. since you are going to have to get it regassed you could just get some r134a with the blacklight responsive additive and charge your mach 1 up then use a blacklight to see where the additive is leaking out.

[Drewmeister]

It doesn't take much refrigerant loss to upset the balance of temps vs capacity. You can get some Gas Leak Detector solution at Home Depot. Just dab it on the braze joints or possible suspect areas and watch for bubbles. There is also a chance the filter drier or captube are restricted due to moisture or tiny debris.

[bruce]

thanks for the replys, chilly1 is gonna fix it up for me