Adler Barbour Cold machine

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Jun 4, 2004
37
Catalina 320 MDR
I have been having problems with my A/B refrigeration after many years of good 24hr service. Before the thermostat would be at about 3 now it needs to be up at 7 and even that is not enough. I’m getting power to fan and compressor, but I did notice the fan only turned on for a few seconds than stopped ran back and forth for a few seconds than it stopped. Anyone have any ideas. I been told the electronic module need to be changes out every once in a while. Also, where is s good place to get parts? Thank you, JOHN

PS: It is turned off for now.
 
Feb 26, 2004
22,984
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
1. check the voltage at the unit
2. a less expensive fan replacement can be found at Radio Shack, 4 inch fan, fits fine, needs longer bolts
3. find a local refrigeration outfit near you - I found one by calling, but A/B is now Waeco and recently got gobbled up again by someone else. Try calling anyway, they may know someone near you, since I only have one guy for northern California that I know, but that's how I found him.
4. your refrigerant charge may be low and a fillup required.
5. take off, clean and replace the connections at the module - they've been sitting there for a long time
6. less expensive modules are available from an outfit in Florida, as I recall, read this old post I saved. Gary from Clinton, CT was the AB rep who used to be on the expert forums here. He really knew his stuff - don't know where he is these days.

The following is a discussion forum thread from the CatalinaOwners.com

COLD MACHINE REFERENCES

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Original post:
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Submitted by Terry of Semi-ah-moo on 03/24 at 07:36AM regarding Hunter 42:
Title: Cold machine operation
"Gary, I need your diagnostic help. Our 1991 P42 has two side-by-side AB cold machines. I normally keep them running all the time. The fridge runs fine but I noticed the other day when I came aboard that the freezer was cycling. The fan would come on for a few seconds, the compressor would try to start, then the fan would come back on. The cold plate was still freezing. I shut the unit off and let it rest for 30 minutes. It seemed to cycle just fine after I turned it back on. I then turned it off until I could determine whether something was failing. A skipper friend told me that the control unit was probably going out. Thanks. Terry"

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Replies:
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Submitted by Gary of Clinton, CT on 03/24 at 09:11AM regarding Hunter 42:
Title: module
"Terry, If the ColdMachine has the model# 102N3030 or 102N3031 Danfoss control module, it's most likely the problem. Turning it off and back on resets it, but it will only happen again. Replace it with a WAECO model AB3016, which can be ordered from our Customer Care dept. at 860-664-4911. "

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Submitted by Terry of Semi-ah-moo on 03/24 at 01:16PM regarding Hunter 42:
Title: Gary, thanks for the speedy response...
"The model number on both machines is DCM-12L. Does this make a difference in the type of control module? Terry"

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Submitted by Gary of Clinton, CT on 03/25 at 05:50AM regarding Hunter 42:
Title: DCM-12
"DCM-12 indicates you have a ColdMachine, but there have been several different modules used through the years. The problem you describe is normally associated with the BD3 module, 102N3030 or 3031. The AB3016 module will work on any pre-digital ColdMachine."

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Submitted by Terry of Semi-ah-moo on 03/25 at 08:24AM regarding Hunter 42:
Title: Gary, thanks again for your help...
"Did I talk to you yesterday? I first need to ohm out the machine to make sure that it is a module problem? A replacement module is $290 plus S&H? Do you have rebuilt or remarketed units that cost less? Thanks. Terry"

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Submitted by Gary of Clinton, CT on 03/26 at 08:05AM regarding Hunter 42:
Title: modules
"Terry, Sorry, we don't rebuild modules. Miller Marine in Jacksonville repairs older modules, models 102N3015 and earlier. If you have a 102N3030 or 31 it is not repairable. Miller Marine can be reached at 904-388-3690. I believe repairs run around $100."

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zeehag

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Mar 26, 2009
3,198
1976 formosa 41 yankee clipper santa barbara. ca.(not there)
how is the refrigerant pressure? sounds like a coolant issue-are there any leaks in the coolant system? what condition is your copper tubing in?? is it kinked? is it good?? corroded?
 
Feb 26, 2009
716
Oday 30 Anchor Yacht Club, Bristol PA
apply power right to the fan motor.. if it does not run continuous it's bad. a bad condenser fan/motor will make the unit work like it's in a super hot environment. it's called "high head pressure" That would make you have to set the stat lower and lower because it reduces the amount of cooling it was designed to make..
Don't put guages on the unit if your not trained in hvac. just the hoses hold 3 to 6 ozs of freon. most units this small only need a few ounces to run properly
 
May 29, 2009
98
Lancer 27ps Suisun City
the compressor and the condensor fan should run at the same time, if the compressor starts but the fan doesn't run it will indeed trip on high head pressure, if the compressor and fan both start, and only run for a moment it could be high head,caused by a blocked orifice or H valve, or low suction pressure, caused by low refrigerant charge. Either way it needs attention from someone who can hang a set of guages on it and make a good diagnosis.
Good Luck

Rich
 
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