Compressor Noise

[Ressler s/v Blowdacious]

I have a standard cold machine that I installed about a year ago. Recently, the compressor has started to "clatter" a bit when running normally otherwise. It is especially noticable at night when everything else is quiet. Is the compressor a reed valve machine? That is the sound I'm hearing. I am a bit familiar with compressors and systems in general as I make my living designing LARGE industrial refrigeration equipment and have been for 37 yrs. This clatter is starting to get annoying. Have I got a compressor problem?

 

[Phil Williams]

Noise

Things to look for are loose metal parts in the area of the compressor itself, tubing or sheet metal. When the compressor is on and you hear the noise place your hand on the top of the compressor and move it slightly, it is on rubber mounts. If the noise changes then look at the mounts to see the nuts on top are tight.The condensing unit is mounted to the shelf by several screws, remove them. Now with the compressor running and the noise being heard gentle tip the compressor unit base to about 20 degrees, if the noise continues it is not the compressor. If you tip it 30 degrees the compressor motor will hit the wall of the can, this is normal, and make a louder noise. The comopressor has four springs which the motor mounts on. It is possible one of the spring mounts has come lose. This is very rare.Most often noise which is attributed to the compressor is actually from surrounding lose parts.