Coltri MCH16 Auto Drain Problems

[dchango]

I purchased a used Coltri Sub MCH16 Compact a few weeks ago. Does anyone know how to set the auto drain timer? The service manual states that the timer should be purging the system every 7 minutes for 3 seconds, I don't believe it is. I don't recall ever seeing or hearing it activate. When I push the manual purge button it dumps. I can tell it is dumping by the gauges and the condensate blowing into the bucket.

In the service manual it doesn't state which way the DIP switches should be set or the where the dials should be turned to. I went to the timer manufactures website "CDC" but they don’t make this style anymore it has been replaced, but they still use the same part number TU56, so that didn’t help.

I will try to post pictures of my timer and the one in the service manual. My timer DIP switches are set first row, 1 up, 2 down, 3 up, 4 down, second row 1 up, 2 up, 3 down, 4 up, 5 down, 6 up. In the service manual it appears to be first row, 1 down, 2 down, 3 up, 4 up, second row 1 up, 2 down, 3 down, 4 down, 5 down, 6 up.

Thanks
Damon

 

[dchango]

“Update” I got in touch with Coltri Americas to see if they can help. After sending them an email explaining the problem and inclosing a photo of the timer in question. They replied that the timer was a aftermarket timer and they couldn’t help. I then sent them back page 128 of the service manual showing that the timer was an original timer identical to the one in the manual. I was then instructed to call them, so I did.

The person that I spoke to said that I am not understanding there is nothing that they could help on because this is not the timer that Coltri uses, and he was even getting agitated when speaking to me. I debated his response, as the manual clearly shows it is the timer in question. He then stated that my compressor was built in 2003 and they didn’t open this store until 2007 and they must have changed the timer and there is nothing they could do to help, other than he could call the factory in Italy and try to get an answer from them but this option seemed to just frustrate him more (why even offer it then).

I told him that yes the style of timer TU56 made by CDC of Italy has changed according to their website. They still use the TU56 designation for the timer. Although Its appearance has completely changed (no more DIP switches) it still functions the same. So I am trying to get some literature from CDC on the old style timer.

He also stated that they use Siemens parts for their electrical components as if to imply that my control package is not factory, I told him that most all the other parts are Siemens.

Wow, this is great customer service you would think that he could try to find out some information for me, or at least act as if he had some concern in finding a solution to the problem. Well he did offer one solution, it was to ship my compressor back to him and he could tinker with it (yea, I can keep pressing the purge button for that amount of money).

I never thought that just because my compressor was a few years older than the Coltri Americas dealership that they couldn’t help me. Now I’m starting to worry about the new Chevrolet dealership that is being built in town will not be able to assist me with 2003 Corvette if any problems arise (knock on wood).

I also emailed Nuvair after talking to Coltri Americas, still waiting to see what they come up with.

Well one thing is for sure, I will not be spending any more money at Coltri Americas (they were so nice when I wanted to order pieces & parts for my new setup).

On a more promising note I did find a electrical diagram on the web that shows the DIP switch and dial settings. I just have to wait until later on tonight when our electrical rates change to startup the compressor and see if it does the trick (Arizona 115F, I would rather pay for the air conditioning). I tried to attach the diagram but it keeps failing. I'll try again later.

Damon

 

[dchango]

"Update of the Update". Nuvair just emailed with a diagram confirming the settings of the DIP switches. They did this without me ever spending a cent with them. They have just earned a loyal customer. :cool3:

 

[KenJr]

“Update” I got in touch with Coltri Americas to see if they can help. After sending them an email explaining the problem and inclosing a photo of the timer in question. They replied that the timer was a aftermarket timer and they couldn’t help. I then sent them back page 128 of the service manual showing that the timer was an original timer identical to the one in the manual. I was then instructed to call them, so I did.

The person that I spoke to said that I am not understanding there is nothing that they could help on because this is not the timer that Coltri uses, and he was even getting agitated when speaking to me. I debated his response, as the manual clearly shows it is the timer in question. He then stated that my compressor was built in 2003 and they didn’t open this store until 2007 and they must have changed the timer and there is nothing they could do to help, other than he could call the factory in Italy and try to get an answer from them but this option seemed to just frustrate him more (why even offer it then).

I told him that yes the style of timer TU56 made by CDC of Italy has changed according to their website. They still use the TU56 designation for the timer. Although Its appearance has completely changed (no more DIP switches) it still functions the same. So I am trying to get some literature from CDC on the old style timer.

He also stated that they use Siemens parts for their electrical components as if to imply that my control package is not factory, I told him that most all the other parts are Siemens.

Wow, this is great customer service you would think that he could try to find out some information for me, or at least act as if he had some concern in finding a solution to the problem. Well he did offer one solution, it was to ship my compressor back to him and he could tinker with it (yea, I can keep pressing the purge button for that amount of money).

I never thought that just because my compressor was a few years older than the Coltri Americas dealership that they couldn’t help me. Now I’m starting to worry about the new Chevrolet dealership that is being built in town will not be able to assist me with 2003 Corvette if any problems arise (knock on wood).

I also emailed Nuvair after talking to Coltri Americas, still waiting to see what they come up with.

Well one thing is for sure, I will not be spending any more money at Coltri Americas (they were so nice when I wanted to order pieces & parts for my new setup).

On a more promising note I did find a electrical diagram on the web that shows the DIP switch and dial settings. I just have to wait until later on tonight when our electrical rates change to startup the compressor and see if it does the trick (Arizona 115F, I would rather pay for the air conditioning). I tried to attach the diagram but it keeps failing. I'll try again later.

Damon

I also have a MCH 16 and called Coltri Americas for a service manual, I was told this is high pressure air and they would not sell to a private party. They would however sell me parts(figure that out). Anyway, they were no help what so ever. Atitude is everything. By the way I found the service manual I was looking for on line for free.
Ken

 

[dchango]

“Update Part Three”

I tried the settings up, up, down, up and up, down, up, down, up, down but the purge continued to run. This wasn’t the proper settings for this compressor. I emailed Nuvair early (4am) this morning to tell them the disappointing news, and to see if they had a replacement timer for my unit. I thought this one was bad. I told them I was going to be out of town all day but they could give me a call if they wanted to.

I received a call from Dan Graham of Nuvair about 11am. He told me that he did have a new timer but it wasn’t the exact same one. It would fit and work fine, but before I went down that path he wanted me to try (when I got back home) a new group of settings down, down, up, up and up, down, down, down, down, up. Then let him know how it worked. I tried the new configuration……………………………….and it worked. I ran the stopwatch first it was 2.4 sec purge and 5 min 22 sec off. I readjusted the dials and now have it 4.5 sec purge and 7min 19 sec off.

This is great customer service, he could have done the easy thing and sold me a new timer, but he didn’t. My hats off to Nuvair and their staff, good job.


Ken, I feel your pain......... Check with Nuvair if you need anything for your compressor in the future, I bet they can help.


Damon