Q: What are the signs of a flooded start?
Signs of a flooded start are: worn or scored rods or bearings, rods broken from seizure, and an erratic wear pattern on the crankshaft.

Q: What causes a flooded start?
Flooded starts are the result of refrigerant vapor migrating to the crankcase oil during the off cycle. When the compressor starts, the diluted oil cannot properly lubricate the crankshaft load bearing surface causing an erratic wear or seizure pattern.

Q: What can be done to avoid flooded starts?
(1) Locate compressor in warm ambient or install continuous pump down.
(2) Check crankcase heater operation.