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A quick check for either condition begins at the evaporator.
With a partial restriction, there may be gurgling sounds at the
metering device entrance to the evaporator. The evaporator
in a partial restriction could be partially frosted or have an ice
ball close to the entrance of the metering device. Frost may
continue on the suction line back to the compressor.
Often a partial restriction of any type can be found by feel, as
there is a temperature difference from one side of the restriction
to the other.
With a complete restriction, there will be no sound at the
metering device entrance. An amperage check of the
compressor with a partial restriction may show normal current
when compared to the unit specification. With a complete
restriction the current drawn may be considerably less than
normal, as the compressor is running in a deep vacuum (no
load.) Much of the area of the condenser will be relatively cool
since most or all of the liquid refrigerant will be stored there.
The following conditions are based primarily on a system in
the cooling mode.
Restricted Refrigerant System
Troubleshooting a restricted refrigerant system can be
difficult. The following procedures are the more common
problems and solutions to these problems. There are two
types of refrigerant restrictions: Partial restrictions and
complete restrictions.
A partial restriction allows some of the refrigerant to circulate
through the system.
With a complete restriction there is no circulation of refrigerant
in the system.
Restricted refrigerant systems display the same symptoms
as a "low-charge condition."
When the unit is shut off, the gauges may equalize very slowly.
Gauges connected to a completely restricted system will run
in a deep vacuum. When the unit is shut off, the gauges will
not equalize at all.