Air Conditioner Failing

Apr 17, 2013
176
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
Have the original Vector Compact Model MCP16K 2001. Everything is working except it is not putting out cold air, the air coming out is cool but not cold enough to drop the temperature. I think it is time for a replacement, has anyone replaced their original unit and with what model? I just replaced my refrigeration so I don't think it would be a major project. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark
 
Feb 26, 2009
716
Oday 30 Anchor Yacht Club, Bristol PA
Mark, there are some very simple things you can do to determine if it actually needs to be replaced.

( it is very likely to NOT not need refrigerant, )

You want to first make sure you have good water flow through a clean strainer, the pump is running like it should, you have a good strong discharge coming out the condenser thruhull.

with a Shirt pocket dial thermometer At the cooling coil (not down in the ductwork) air should be 15 to 20 degrees cooler then the ambient return air going into the coil, make sure coil is clean and the condenser fan is running like it should. Clean air filter?
Another thing you can do is check the temperature of the discharge water should be about 10 degrees warmer than the water going in to the unit condenser.
 
Apr 17, 2013
176
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
Mark, there are some very simple things you can do to determine if it actually needs to be replaced.

( it is very likely to NOT not need refrigerant, )

You want to first make sure you have good water flow through a clean strainer, the pump is running like it should, you have a good strong discharge coming out the condenser thruhull.

with a Shirt pocket dial thermometer At the cooling coil (not down in the ductwork) air should be 15 to 20 degrees cooler then the ambient return air going into the coil, make sure coil is clean and the condenser fan is running like it should. Clean air filter?
Another thing you can do is check the temperature of the discharge water should be about 10 degrees warmer than the water going in to the unit condenser.
Did clean the air filter it was dirty, the water flow looks good but I will check the filter. Looking at the manual it shows a evaporator coil shroud with condenser coil inside. The shroud has dents in it and debris on it, I will vacuum it and see if it helps. I guess I will have to remove the shroud to get to the coil. Thanks for your suggestions.
 
Apr 17, 2013
176
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
Mark, there are some very simple things you can do to determine if it actually needs to be replaced.

( it is very likely to NOT not need refrigerant, )

You want to first make sure you have good water flow through a clean strainer, the pump is running like it should, you have a good strong discharge coming out the condenser thruhull.

with a Shirt pocket dial thermometer At the cooling coil (not down in the ductwork) air should be 15 to 20 degrees cooler then the ambient return air going into the coil, make sure coil is clean and the condenser fan is running like it should. Clean air filter?
Another thing you can do is check the temperature of the discharge water should be about 10 degrees warmer than the water going in to the unit condenser.
Flushed out the system with muriatic acid water flow was good before and appears the same now. The strainer had very little debris. The coil and shroud is icing up now. Ran the heat and it deiced. Temperature is 78 tried to get it down to 70 and unit iced up again after 2 hours. Thinking of getting a new Marinaire 16000 btu unit. Any other suggestions?
 
Feb 26, 2009
716
Oday 30 Anchor Yacht Club, Bristol PA
Can't help much with out more information, but at those temperatures there is a chance it will freeze up trying below 70 degrees and depending on the location it's probably even colder at floor level. The usual causes for freezing up are; low/no air flow, blocked or restricted airflow, slow or bad fan motor, possibly low refrigerant and... remote possibility of a bad compressor; but not likely.

If you do replace, it will still need unimpeded air flow into the cooling coil and unrestricted discharge duct work. good luck!
 
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Apr 17, 2013
176
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
Can't help much with out more information, but at those temperatures there is a chance it will freeze up trying below 70 degrees and depending on the location it's probably even colder at floor level. The usual causes for freezing up are; low/no air flow, blocked or restricted airflow, slow or bad fan motor, possibly low refrigerant and... remote possibility of a bad compressor; but not likely.

If you do replace, it will still need unimpeded air flow into the cooling coil and unrestricted discharge duct work. good luck!
Thanks for the reply, I think it is time for a new one, I changed out the refrigeration system last year.
 
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