stuck reversing valve

[kling65]

Is there anyone out there that has had problems with reversing valve sticking on Amana heat pump? I installed one it it ran good through the winter (4 month), and than the reversing stuck in the cooling mode. The heat pump is a 3ton unit with R410A and has a Copeland Ultha tech scroll compressor. I have heard from another dealer (technician) that there has been a problem with them ??

[nike123]

Hit valve with rubber hammer few times and change operation mode after that. It may help.

[The Viking]

Normally when reversing valves get stuck, it's because there is "grit/impurities/sludge/crap" stuck in it's slide.
As Mr 123 pointed out, 9 times out of 10, you will be able free it by tapping the end of the cylindrical body with a hammer.

But, the more important questions that often are overlooked...
What is the state of the system?
Why is there any impurities in there?
What will the long-term effect be on the system?
Were good engineering practices followed when the system was built and installed?
(Half of that last question you, as the installer, would know the answer to but the other half only the manufacturer's assembly workers will be able to answer)

[andy c]

Have you checked that you are getting the correct voltage at the coil, more often than not it is the coil voltage at fault. It only needs to be a few volts short for it to cause such problems. I think i've changed one, maybe two valve bodies in 20 years, due to sticking sliders. Regards, Andy C.

[HVACGod]

Kling if I may, I would recommend some of the articles on this blog: http://wayneshirley.wordpress.com/2008/02/07/troubleshooting-heat-pump-systemsreversing-valves/ some very comprehensive heat pump specific articles here.

[EdC]

its certainly not a good sign.
I'll go out on a limb here, that system has
bigger troubles to come.

[dsp]

Do you have a strong cylindrical magnet? You can get them from most wholesalers. I usually give the valve a tap with a hammer to loosen the slide. Then I slide the magnet over the stem a few times to loosen it up before operation.

I agree with the above statements I think you may be in for more problems to come.

dsp

[Argus]

.

Reversing valves are operated by a servo mechanism at the solenoid that translates the compressor’s discharge pressure into the force that moves the internal piston assembly.

You may have a piece of debris small enough to have travelled past all the parts in front of the valve (the compressor, usually) but large enough to foul it so that it sticks in one position or another. That’s a tall order. If so, change the valve.

My experience in these cases is that the valve is not receiving sufficient pressure to operate the piston assembly. They generally need at least 100 psi (about 6 bar) from the compressor. Otherwise they will stay in the rest position.

I would suggest that you check that the compressor is pumping properly and that there are no blockages in the suction side before tearing out what is probably a perfectly good valve.

.

[OAT99]

I agree with 123 and the others that tapping the valve on the linear side may get it to move, also check the solenoid and it's connections. Most of my experiences on older units is to change out the valve and solenoid. This unit seems to be fairly new,check your operating pressures and consult the manufacturer, you should have a warranty.

[Larry2]

If I were the customer on a unit this new and it has a reversing valve issue that is more significant than an open coil or control failure, I would be asking for a new one from stem to stern. Trouble here so early says there is problems with the installation or the manufacturing process.