Heatcraft Walk-In Cooler Intermittent Cooling Repair – Bastrop, TX 09.16.26
Setpoint Services performed commercial refrigeration diagnostics and repair on a walk-in cooler at Smokey Mo’s Bar-B-Q in Bastrop, Texas after the restaurant reported intermittent cooling problems. The system includes a BOHN/Heatcraft BCH0008MBACZA0000 condensing unit and Heatcraft evaporator operating with R-448A refrigerant.
When our technician arrived, restaurant staff had already reset the evaporator controls by cycling power to the system. The walk-in cooler was operating and holding approximately 36°F, so additional testing was performed to recreate the intermittent failure. The system was forced through defrost and cooling cycles until the fault returned. During testing, the condensing unit started but then pumped down rather than continuing normal refrigeration operation.
Setpoint Services contacted Heatcraft technical support for additional troubleshooting. Following the manufacturer's recommendations, the condenser delay timer was bypassed, the low-pressure control was adjusted to 30 PSI cut-in and 15 PSI cut-out, and the evaporator controller and electronic expansion valve (EEV) were reset. The system was then restarted and repeatedly tested.
As part of the commercial refrigeration service, the condenser coil and evaporator coil were cleaned and the evaporator drain line was cleared. Operating pressures were approximately 48 PSI suction and 275 PSI discharge, with an 8°F target superheat specified during troubleshooting with Heatcraft technical support.
After the control adjustments, cleaning, and repeated operational testing, the intermittent fault did not return and the walk-in cooler was maintaining proper temperature. Setpoint Services followed up with the restaurant several days later, and store personnel confirmed the cooler was still operating properly at approximately 35°F. Continued monitoring was recommended due to the intermittent nature of the original problem.
