Hi all, my sanyo started freezing my kegs. Im sure its an issue with the thermostat, but there are NO replacement parts anywhere. Ive read about external temp controls, but I need to know how to take the original temp/thermostat offline in the keggerator so the aftermarket unit will work. I believe the best one Ive read about is johnson controls a419. Any help would be great. Im just tapping beer, not dealing with fermenting issues. Thanks, Jeff
The A419 would work just fine for you. As to taking the other thermostat offline, you could probably just set it to the highest setting...assuming the thermostat isn't completely screwed up. Even so, it doesn't matter, the A419 will turn your fridge completely off when it reaches the temp you've set...it bypasses the original thermostat entirely.
To add a little to what JohnSnowNW said: You are really not taking your Sanyo thermostat offline, rather you are using an external controller to switch your kegerator on/off. You literally plug your Sanyo into the controller and it's thermo probe determines when the unit cycles on or off, all based on how it's programmed. Typically you set your kegerator at the coldest setting and Mr. External Controller's probe determines when the kegerator gets juice to run. Normally this probe is snaked through the seal in the door opening. I use a Ranco (pleased) but hear good feedback about the Johnson. You will need to splice-in a medium duty extension cord . . . some units come with this already configured (for an extra charge). You can search around in Home Bar and get more feedback about other's experiences. Also, search youtube for Johnson or Ranco controllers and you can see them in action.
Thanks so much for the info. This is my first time posting a question, and replying, so i hope im doing it right. I saw a lot of home brewers use the temp control to chill and heat, but Im strictly just keeping beer cold at the tap handle. Thanks again
Thanks for the fast reply. I went to a few forums, and most folks liked the a419, with its digital display. I didnt realize it could take control over the in-unit thermostat. Mine has failed, so I was leary if an external unit could take its place without disabling the internal OEM unit. Thanks
No worries. @PortLargo explained it a bit better. I was thinking in terms of how I use mine, with a chest freezer as a ferm chamber, and the temp of the OE thermostat is never going to come into play. With a fridge, you would want the OE thermostat set to a lower temp than the A419...otherwise the OE thermostat will interfere. That said, it seems like your OE is on the frits in the correct direction for your use. Good Luck!
