Troubleshooting The Compressor And Diagnosing Mechanical Problems
The core of a refrigeration system is the compressor that is designed to pump cool refrigerant gas from the evaporator into the condenser. To accomplish this task, the compressor raises the temperature and pressure of the low superheated gas, forcing it into the condenser. The compressor should never pump liquid. This will not only damage the compressor, it can create a potential safety hazard as well.
Refrigeration compressors need to be properly maintained and require periodic inspection and testing. Unfortunately, the compressor is often ignored until it malfunctions or stops running altogether, at which time it is replaced. Then the system is back up and running - temporarily. Oftentimes the culprit is not the compressor, but a system failure or design problem with accessory equipment that killed the compressor prematurely.