Refrigeration equipment Stinol is deservedly famous for its reliability and durability, especially models released in the 90s and early 2000s. However, owners of equipment that has been in use for more than 20 years are often faced with the need to adjust the temperature manually, as the automation wears out over time. Understanding the principle of operation of the mechanical regulator helps to extend the life of the compressor and ensure proper storage of products.
The main difficulty is the lack of a digital display that would show the exact degrees inside the chamber. Older units are controlled entirely mechanically, requiring the user to rely on visual indicators and the status of the products. Correct setting thermostat allows you to avoid both defrosting the contents and excessive freezing of the evaporator.
In this article we will analyze the design of mechanical control systems, methods for diagnosing the current temperature and methods for fine-tuning various types of regulators. You will learn to determine when intervention is required and how to correctly turn the knob to achieve optimal operating mode.
The principle of operation of a mechanical thermostat
The basis for temperature control in models Stinol-101, Stinol-102 i Stinol-103 is an electromechanical device called a thermostat or thermostat. Its task is simple: to open the electrical circuit of the compressor when the temperature in the chamber drops to a set value, and close it when the temperature rises. Inside the device there is a bellows tube filled with refrigerant, which reacts to changes in thermal conditions.
When you turn the regulator knob, you change the tension of the spring, which acts on the contacts. This changes the temperature threshold at which the compressor will switch off. It is important to understand that there are no degrees Celsius on the thermostat scale, but there are conventional numbers from minimum to maximum. The higher the number, the lower the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment should be, and the longer the motor will work.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect setting of the maximum mode (number 5 or 6) on an old refrigerator can cause the compressor to work without stopping. This causes overheating of the motor and premature wear of parts.
There are several types of thermostats that were installed in Stinol equipment over the years. The most common models are K-59, TAM-133 and T-110. They have a similar principle of operation, but may differ in the operating temperature range and method of fastening. For the user, the difference lies only in the accuracy of getting into the desired mode when turning the knob.
How does the bellows tube work?
The bellows tube of the thermostat is filled with gas or liquid that is sensitive to temperature. As the chamber cools, the substance contracts, the pressure inside the tube drops, and the contacts open, turning off the compressor. When heated, the reverse process occurs.
Location and types of temperature controllers
It is quite easy to find a temperature controller in old-style Stinol refrigerators, since it is always located inside the refrigerator compartment. In most two-chamber models, it is located in the upper right corner, hidden behind a plastic casing or directly on the wall. In some modifications, for example, in the series RF, the regulator can be combined with a quick freeze button.
The main types of thermostats found in these models:
- 🌀 Thermostat K-59 —the most common version, has three contacts and a long capillary tube, often installed in later models of the old sample.
- ❄️ Thermostat TAM-133 —analogous to the K-59, but with different technical characteristics, often has a red button for defrosting the evaporator.
- ⚙️ Thermostat T-110 —an older type, differs in mounting method and range adjustment, typical for equipment of the early 90s.
You can determine the type of your regulator only by removing the protective cover and examining the markings on the device body. This knowledge is useful when purchasing a replacement part if the old regulator fails. However, to simply adjust the temperature, it is enough to know which way to turn the knob.
Instructions for setting the temperature mode
The process of adjusting the temperature does not require special tools, but requires patience and care. Since the refrigerator does not react to changes instantly, all manipulations should be carried out in stages. First, determine the current state: if the products in the upper part of the chamber are freezing, the temperature needs to be increased (decrease the number on the regulator).
If the milk sours quickly or the chamber is too warm, it is necessary to increase the cooling. To do this, turn the control knob towards higher values. Remember that one division on the scale usually corresponds to a temperature change of about 2 degrees Celsius. After each turn of the knob, you must wait from 4 to 8 hours to stabilize the mode.
Sequence of actions when setting:
- 🔍 Inspect the products and visually assess the current temperature (presence of frost, condition of milk, meat).
- 🖐 Turn the thermostat knob one notch to the desired side (clockwise to increase the cold).
- ⏳ Leave the refrigerator to operate as usual without opening the doors for several hours.
- 🌡 Check the result and repeat the procedure if necessary.
☑️ Algorithm for setting the cold
The optimal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is considered to be the range from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius. In older Stinol models, it is difficult to achieve perfect accuracy due to the natural wear of seals and automation, so a small error is allowed. The main thing is that the temperature does not fall below 0 degrees, otherwise the food will begin to freeze.
Diagnostics of temperature without a thermometer
It often happens that there is no special thermometer at hand, but it is necessary to understand whether the refrigerator is working correctly. In such cases, you can use traditional methods and monitoring the condition of certain products. These methods will not provide accuracy down to the degree, but will help determine critical deviations.
Pay attention to the following signs:
- 🥛 Dairy products —if the milk sours faster than 2-3 days, the temperature is too high. If it freezes at the walls, it’s too low.
- 🥩 Fresh meat —should remain soft, but cold. The appearance of an ice crust indicates freezing.
- 💧 Condensation - if water constantly appears on the inner walls or products ("sweat"), it means that the chamber is too warm or the air circulation is impaired.
Also an important indicator is compressor operating mode. Normally, an old-style refrigerator should work cyclically: for example, it works for 10-15 minutes, rests for 15-20 minutes. If the motor hums almost continuously and the inside is not cold enough, this may indicate a freon leak or a malfunction of the thermostat, rather than incorrect adjustment.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is running around the clock without stopping, and the food is not being cooled, do not try to solve the problem by adjusting the thermostat alone. Most likely, a refrigerant leak has occurred or compressor performance has been lost.
For a more accurate diagnosis, you can use a glass of water. Place it on the middle shelf for a few hours. If the water is covered with a thin crust of ice, the temperature is about 0 or lower. If the water is warm, the refrigerator cannot cope. The ideal state is cold water, but without ice.
Table of correspondence between settings and temperatures
Since there are no degrees on the thermostat knob, users have to rely on the symbols. Below is a table that helps correlate the position of the knob with the approximate temperature inside the chamber. This data is relevant for working Stinol refrigerators with a standard load.
| Handle position | Approximate temperature (°C) | Recommendation for use | Motor operating mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum (1) | +6...+8 | For storing vegetables, drinks | Short cycles, frequent stops |
| Average (2-3) | +3...+5 | Optimal for most products | Normal operating cycle |
| Maximum (4-5) | 0...+2 | For meat, fish, perishable food | Long work, rare stops |
| Max (6 or red dot) | Below 0 | Only for quick freezing (short-term) | Continuous operation without shutdown |
Using the maximum freezing mode (usually indicated by a snowflake or a red dot) is permissible only for a short time, no more than 24 hours. In this mode, the thermostat forcibly keeps the circuit closed, preventing the compressor from turning off, which is necessary for quickly freezing fresh food, but is dangerous for long-term operation.
Frequent problems during adjustment and their solution
Even with proper settings, owners of old refrigerators may encounter a number of problems. Often this is not due to the regulator itself, but to related factors affecting heat transfer. For example, if the refrigerator is located close to the wall or next to the radiator, it will be difficult to achieve a low temperature even at maximum mode.
One of the common problems is the “under-turning” or “under-turning off” of the compressor. If the refrigerator does not turn on at all after adjustment, you may have accidentally touched the contacts or the thermostat has completely failed. If it does not turn off, check that it is not frozen