Vintage Cellars Napa Winekeeper 4 bottle - Manual (Page 11)

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5. How do I tell the difference between a dual range thermostat and a white wine / standard
thermostat?
Dual range thermostats have a sliver tube with a bulb about 4" in length fastened to the back wall on the
inside of the bottle compartment. A white wine thermostat will have a small white tube inserted into a
white rectangular clip attached to the cold plate.
6. Why is my unit having a cooling problem?
Cooling problems for cold plate style refrigerators generally fall into four categories:
1. Inadequate ventilation.
2. Thermostat failure or maladjustment.
3. Ice builds up in the cold plate.
4. Compressor failure or refrigerant leak.
New units are factory set for 44 o - 45 o F for white wines, and 62 o - 64 o F for red wines. There is a different
thermostat for white and red wines. Proper vented air space is 12" above, 3-6" behind, 1-2" each side. If
your new unit has adequate ventilation, is running, but not getting cold, call WineKeeper for instructions.
For older units, check and clean the rear coils, otherwise the same guidelines apply. Any unit that has been
working properly, but is now failing to cool down, is possibly having an equipment failure, as opposed to
a thermostat maladjustment or ventilation problems. Call WineKeeper for instructions.
7. What kind of regular maintenance should I perform on my unit?
Visually inspect the latex rings on each stopper assembly for wear or splits. Replace as needed. Inspect all
O-rings on the inlet and outlet sides of the regulator and any quick disconnect fittings on your unit.
Replace when showing signs of wear or cracking (silicone lubricant or mineral oil applied to these O-rings
will increase their longevity). Clean all parts that come in contact with the wine every 4 weeks (see
cleaning instructions). Replace the white pinch clamps as needed.
8. How do I replace my stopper assembly?
You must first be sure to pinch off the nitrogen pinch clamp and release pressure from the wine bottle,
then remove the complete assembly from the cabinet by loosening the hose clamp using either a slotted
screw driver or a 1⁄4" socket or nut driver. Pull the wine tube (with the hose clamp still connected) off of
the stainless steel siphon tube that passes through the stopper assembly. Pull off the 1⁄4" O.D. nitrogen
supply line from the brass fitting on the rear of the stopper assembly. (Before replacing this tube on the
brass fitting later, you may need to cut off approximately 3/8" so that you will have a tight connection).
Now that you have completely removed the stopper assembly from the cabinet, grab the stainless tube at
the bottom where it is bent, and pull it out of the stopper assembly. Insert the stainless tube into the new
stopper assembly, use a little water to lubricate the first 3"- 4". Simply reverse above steps to re-install.
9. Which gas is better for my WineKeeper unit, nitrogen or argon?
Nitrogen, which comprises approximately 80% of the air we breathe, is inert (it has no odor, taste or
color, and displaces oxygen). Argon has similar properties, but is slightly heavier than air and tends to
form a blanket between the surface of the wine and any air trapped in the bottle. Neither gas has any
special properties, such as neutralizing or encapsulating oxygen. Oxygen is what causes wine to oxidize.