410 spill over fan

Jan 12, 2011
930
Hunter 410 full time cruiser
It seems that the spill over fan in my refrigator only runs when the compressor runs (which runs off the freezer temperature). So the temperature in the regrigator increase and goes though big swings.

Is this how others 410 spill over fan operates as I would think that the fan should run indepentent of the compressor.
 
Jan 12, 2011
930
Hunter 410 full time cruiser
My is independent -has own termostat.

My fan has it's own thermostat also. But if the compressor isn't running (meaning that the freezer temp is above the setting) I can turn the thermostat and hear it "click" in, but the fan doesn't run. But if the compressor is running the fan runs.

So my fan must be wired downstream of the freezer thermostat
 
Jun 2, 2004
241
Hunter 410 Charlevoix, MI
Mine is wired so it operates independently of the reefer unit. A spillover frig setup must be wired this way to be able independently control levels in each box separately.....
 
Jun 4, 2004
1,087
Mainship Piliot 34 Punta Gorda
Don't know how you keep the beer cold with the spiller over set up. I installed a separate refrig for the frig and closed up the cross over holes. It works great. Installed the compressor behind the oven.
 
Sep 25, 2008
15
Morgan 28 Progreso
Mine is wired independently (even on its own breaker). I'd suggest moving the +12volt connection to your crossover fan upstream of the compressor thermostat so it can come on anytime.
 
Jan 12, 2011
930
Hunter 410 full time cruiser
I never asked if the spill fan SHOULD only run if the compressor is running, I asked how other 410 owners systems are. I find it hard to believe my system is different.
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Fan

Why not just wire the fan to run all the time and see if that helps,seems that these ref are not the easiest to keep cooling.
You could try different things and maybe add 12 volt low amp fan wired with a seperate on and off switch and test to see if it helps and shut off over night and than turn on during the hot day.
Or even try one of those RV ref fans that uses D batteries,maybe trysome different things to see which works best for your situation.
Sounds like the fan only is suppose to come on when the compressor comes on and really needs to come on when the temp go's up and that is not working in your ref.
nick
 
Jun 1, 2009
1,852
Hunter 49 toronto
Let the fan run continuously

Why not just wire the fan to run all the time and see if that helps,seems that these ref are not the easiest to keep cooling.
You could try different things and maybe add 12 volt low amp fan wired with a seperate on and off switch and test to see if it helps and shut off over night and than turn on during the hot day.
Or even try one of those RV ref fans that uses D batteries,maybe trysome different things to see which works best for your situation.
Sounds like the fan only is suppose to come on when the compressor comes on and really needs to come on when the temp go's up and that is not working in your ref.
nick
The small muffin fans are computer fans. They are rated to run 24/7z
In fact, I think it will hurt it to cycle it.
My theory is that moisture will build up on the fan if you shut it down. That will kill the bearings. Running it will avoid that.
 
Sep 26, 2010
45
Hunter 410 Cheboygan Michigan
I purchased these "computer" fans through Fry's.com . They're about $6.00 each.

My refrig fan has it's own thermostat separate from the freezer thermostat. I've owned two 410's and they were wired the same.

I also found that pre-loading my freezer with 4 blocks of ice in their own bags all placed in one plastic bag significantly helps keep the refrig colder. The refrig runs less often. I do have to defrost the freezer about once every 8 to 10 days. It takes about 5 to 8 minutes to take out food from the bottom of the refrig putting it in a large plastic bag to keep cool. Empty the freezer into same bag/s. Pouring hot water over the freezer plates taking the frost off. Wiping the freezer and refrig down quickly, then replacing the items. I've got a system and it really saves the compressor use a lot.
At the end of the season, my block ice is virtually the same shape as when initially placed in. They're used as a shelf for the frozen food placed there. Without the ice, freezer runs a lot just to cool the large almost empty space.
Good luck,
Roger
S/V Sailstarr
 

snows

.
Aug 22, 2011
30
Hunter 410 Charleston, SC
I never asked if the spill fan SHOULD only run if the compressor is running, I asked how other 410 owners systems are. I find it hard to believe my system is different.
Our 410 also has totally independent controls for the freezer side and refrigerator side.

I've made a few improvements to our refrigeration system and described those in our blog (http://svctime.blogspot.com/p/port.html).
 

rfrye1

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Jun 15, 2004
589
Hunter H376 San Diego
I'm with Mariner356. We put a bag/block of ice in freezer. Really helps. Plus I always have an ice cube for my scotch.
 

jsmac

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Jan 22, 2008
95
Hunter 410 Severna Park, MD MD
For those with the fan still, which way does your fan blow, from freezer to fridge or the other way? My fan has fallen out of the hole and I have not been able to figure out which way to put it back in.

Thanks
 

Mulf

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Dec 2, 2003
400
Hunter 410 Chester, MD (Kent Island)
Fan direction and blocks of ice

The spillover fan on Dreamboat pulls air out of the freezer into the fridge.

Instead of blocks of Ice, I fill up used cranberry juice bottles with water and fill all empty space in freezer. Once frozen that greatly cuts down on run time and if the fridge gets turned off no water runs anywhere. Do still have to defrost fridge regularly.
 
Jan 12, 2011
930
Hunter 410 full time cruiser
I have found that having ice in the freezer that is exposed to the air just increases how fast the plates ice up.
 

jsmac

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Jan 22, 2008
95
Hunter 410 Severna Park, MD MD
Open Air Ice

I have found that having ice in the freezer that is exposed to the air just increases how fast the plates ice up.
I think that's why everyone keeps it in the bag or some sort of sealed container. It certainly makes sense to pre-load the freezer. I like the idea of using soda bottles or sealable ice tea bottles, but then that will take up a lot of space and weight in my cooler when I travel to and from the boat. So many trade-offs!
 
May 16, 2007
1,509
Boatless ! 26 Ottawa, Ontario
The fridge and freezer each have a thermostat on our boat. The wiring from the fridge spill over fan goes right to the refrigeration unit and plugs in to the control module using a phone jack. The compressor must be running for the spill over fan to have power. I agree it is the wrong way to do it. I thought Hunter must have made a mistake but looking at how it was wired up it appears it was a plug and play install. This was an error by the manufacturer I think. I intend to rewire it so the spill over fan is powered all the time so just the fridge thermostat controls the fans operation.

If the freezer is empty it will not work well. I keep some bags of ice in to reduce run time and lower temperature fluctuations. It also helps a lot if you drop a bunch of meat in it that needs to be frozen, without the ice it could take a few days. I have been intending to drop a few bags of styrofoam peanuts in zip lock bags in the bottom of the freezer to add insulation, then add the bags of ice on top.

Let us know how the unit works when the spill over fan is rewired, I may not get to mine for another month or so, it's way down on my list.

Bob
 

jsmac

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Jan 22, 2008
95
Hunter 410 Severna Park, MD MD
Quick Survey;

Do you have a replacement system or original:
What manufacturer if replaced and what models of both evap and compressor:
Is your evaporator a box type, a wrap around your entire freezer section or a plate:
If it is a box type evap, how does this work for you? does it give you enough room to freeze provisions for most trips?:
If it is a box type does it keep the freezer cold enough to slowly thaw frozen meat? How long does it stay frozen?:
Did you install the replacement or have a pro do it?:
Are you happy with it, what changes would you make?:

I am in need of a replacement system and need some advice from other Hunter 410 owners.

Thanks
 
Jan 12, 2011
930
Hunter 410 full time cruiser
Quick Survey;

Do you have a replacement system or original: orginal
What manufacturer if replaced and what models of both evap and compressor Ihave an AB system:
Is your evaporator a box type, a wrap around your entire freezer section or a plate: wrap around "C" type
If it is a box type evap, how does this work for you? does it give you enough room to freeze provisions for most trips?: freezer is HUGE
If it is a box type does it keep the freezer cold enough to slowly thaw frozen meat? How long does it stay frozen?: meat stays frozen thill I take it out to thaw
Did you install the replacement or have a pro do it?:
Are you happy with it, what changes would you make?: I'm happy with it

I am in need of a replacement system and need some advice from other Hunter 410 owners.

Thanks

I ran my orginal installation system all last year while the boat was out on the mooring being powered from a 290W solar panel. Worked great once I installed some extra seals on the lids. Maintained 20 degrees or less in the freezer and 35 in the frig box.