Freezer frosts up

[captmaddog]

We are only able to go sailing on our Hunter 420 passage about every other week. We leave the fridge/freezer on while we are gone as well as the air conditioning system. Problem we have is every time we come back to the boat, the freezer is completely iced up about 2 to 3 inches think all over. Is this normal, or anyone have any ideas? I've tried varying the temps and still no change.

 

[justsomeguy]

"Frost-free" type freezer?

Check the door seal first. Check it by closing the door on a piece of paper.

The paper should be difficult to pull everywhere along the seal.

 

[captmaddog]

"Frost-free" type freezer? Check the door seal first. Check it by closing the door on a piece of paper. The paper should be difficult to pull everywhere along the seal.

Not sure if it's frost free. I doubt it. But still shouldn't frost up like it is.

 

[Don Lucas]

Start by making sure there is no exposed water in the refrig/freezer. Than means no water in the bottom of anythiung that could be leaking water (like frozen water bottles that may have a crack in them) or any open ice trays. All those just result in water being pulled onto the plates.

BVut it is more likely you have a leaky seal. Check to sure none of the plastic latches are bent up and stuck (VERY common). Then consider replacing the door seals or adding some weather strip to the edges.

When mine system freezes up fast (that being a lot less than what you describe) I know I have either standing water or a leak (normally a latch problem).

 

[John T1594]

Frost

Sealing the door is the most important thing you can do. You might also put a cork or rubber stopper in the drain hole to stop the heavy cold air from draining into your bilge, drawing the warn moist cabin air into the refrig/ freezer.

 

[captmaddog]

Sealing the door is the most important thing you can do. You might also put a cork or rubber stopper in the drain hole to stop the heavy cold air from draining into your bilge, drawing the warn moist cabin air into the refrig/ freezer.

That sounds like what I was thinking as well. I thought moisture might be coming up from the bilge, Great idea to plug it up, thanks for that idea!.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Better to put a 'trap" in the drain line. Then the drain can drain and keep the bottom dry but the cold air cannot get out. Just a loop in the hose is all that is needed. orient it vertically and make sure all the loop is below the level of the freezer bottom. Another option is to make an actual trap shape if you don't have that much hose. another nother option is to raise the hose end so it is just below the level of the freezer bottom then the whole hose is a trap.

 

[captmaddog]

I'll look and see how much hose I have Bill. Thanks

 

[eianm]

I'll look and see how much hose I have Bill. Thanks

I had the exact same problem on my 42- problem solved after many months by completely re-sealing the freezer lid with soft closed cell foam strip- only about 1/4" wide and 1/8" thick- adhesive on one side- they have this as draft excluder at the hardware store- I also used a champagne cork as a plug in the freezer drain.

 

[thinwater]

I'll look and see how much hose I have Bill. Thanks

Also check the hose type; clear vinyl, for example, will kink close in a few days.

 

[captmaddog]

Thanks folks. I should be able to solve the problem no. Appreciate all the help!