reefer unit question...possible issue

I have a carrier unit...i don't see a sight glass

 

One sec. Trying to find something on Youtube.

 

Filling refrigerant out of a can on my tiny Tahoe's compressor is one thing. It's easy enough provided you pay attention. It leaks out that can over a year.

I don't think you want to be playing with a case of cans trying to fill something that big. I just cannot do it or advise it.

 

I cannot believe how stupidly hard it is to find a good image or video of a refrigerant sight glass and how to read it.

I found this. Carrier | Indicator sightglass R134A | 14-00221-04 - Reefer-Parts.com

That gizmo, or something like it, will be mounted either on the side of the compressor, or on a pipe next to the compressor.

Actually reading it properly will require you to know if the unit has to be in high or low RPM operation for the reading.

You should be able to find an owner/service manual for your specific model of reefer online with instructions on how to read the sight glass.

 

I am not suggesting filling it. Possibly just adding a little. If the unit is on the edge of proper operation, one can might make the difference until they can get it to a shop.

 

It really depends on how hot the product was that you picked up...Produce straight from the field could take many hours to remove the heat and actually start cooling down.....Reefer units use a different refrigerant than your a/c system.....Your recover tank should be on the curbside of the unit.... usually a long cylinder with a site glass and float ball ...but normally you would get a code ... I think it's 18 not sure,its ibeen a while.

 

I bought a thermometer put in side of trailor..reads 37 degrees..unit on side of refer says 41 degrees....im confused going to a carrier dealer monday

 

That could just be a calibration issue.....and yes Carrier should e able to correct that....of course the back of the trailer at the end of the air chute would read colder......but by the time that return air picks up heat from the product it could register as 41 degrees.... But..if this has been going on for more than let's say 10 hours.....then there's definitely an issue.

 

Pickups load saturday at 3:30....sunday still reading 40 degrees on display

 

Has it been howling like a banshee? Or just quietly gurgling under that metal housing?