I have an Anchor Manufacturing Model PH16-IR-D air conditioning unit in my Hunter 34'. After running for a short time (<10 mins) the digital display shows a low freon pressure error. Could this error be caused by low sea water flow causing the freon to not cool off properly? If not, and this is truely a low amount of freon (R22), can I recharge it or does this require a license of some sort to buy the freon. I've never had a boat with an AC in it before so I'm still learning how it works. Thanks,
Air Conditioning Low Freon pressure
- Thread starter Chris3608
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off subject, but....
where did you place it? i just bought a ac unit but not sure where to put it mike
where did you place it? i just bought a ac unit but not sure where to put it mike
off subject, but....
It was installed prior to me buying the boat but it is under the aft dinette bench just forward of the galley. From there the duct can run directly up the side and up to the v-birth through the head. But, of course, that is just the layout of the 34'. I heard of folks putting it under the settee as well.
It was installed prior to me buying the boat but it is under the aft dinette bench just forward of the galley. From there the duct can run directly up the side and up to the v-birth through the head. But, of course, that is just the layout of the 34'. I heard of folks putting it under the settee as well.
I"m
not an HVAC technician but I do play one on TV. AC units typically have a high and low pressure lock out which protects the compressor in case of problems. Your digital read out is most likley a version of this, which is indicating that the system is not getting up to the correct parameters to adequatley evaporate the coolant. Could be low coolant (R-22), or could be compressor not functioning correctly. You should have a qualified repair tech with pressure guages look at it. The EPA will not allow noncertified people to play with coolant. Al Gore would be upset...........good luck.
not an HVAC technician but I do play one on TV. AC units typically have a high and low pressure lock out which protects the compressor in case of problems. Your digital read out is most likley a version of this, which is indicating that the system is not getting up to the correct parameters to adequatley evaporate the coolant. Could be low coolant (R-22), or could be compressor not functioning correctly. You should have a qualified repair tech with pressure guages look at it. The EPA will not allow noncertified people to play with coolant. Al Gore would be upset...........good luck.
may not even have on but worth a look
All automotive AC's have a sight glass on the liquid side after the condenser. I've not done a survey of boat AC's there is no reason your could not have one too. It is in the line between the condenser (tube where the water cools the freon) and evaporator (ice box part). With the AC on and compressor running you should not see any bubbles in the glass. Bubbles indicate a low freon charge.
All automotive AC's have a sight glass on the liquid side after the condenser. I've not done a survey of boat AC's there is no reason your could not have one too. It is in the line between the condenser (tube where the water cools the freon) and evaporator (ice box part). With the AC on and compressor running you should not see any bubbles in the glass. Bubbles indicate a low freon charge.
How old?
Is the A/C system? If it older, it could be R12, which doesn't mix with anything. Most likely it is a R134a, with is what current boats and Autos have. You could hook up a manifold and gauge to it. They run about $150 from NAPA auto and see what the presure reading is. A/C systems are complicated and if i explain it, i will have a book here. If you have low Freon pressure, it could either have a leak in the system somewhere, or you pump is on the way out the door depending on where the sensor is.
Is the A/C system? If it older, it could be R12, which doesn't mix with anything. Most likely it is a R134a, with is what current boats and Autos have. You could hook up a manifold and gauge to it. They run about $150 from NAPA auto and see what the presure reading is. A/C systems are complicated and if i explain it, i will have a book here. If you have low Freon pressure, it could either have a leak in the system somewhere, or you pump is on the way out the door depending on where the sensor is.
Bill
Automotive A/C systems haven't used sight glasses in over ten years. An easy check would be to take the temp of both sides. The low side should be 30's while the high side should be up around 180. Freon (R12) and the newer refrigerant (R134a) use different adapter fittings to prevent inadvertent mixing. Home and industrial A/C systems use R22. Unfortunately they use the same adapter fittings as R12 but are not interchangeable. If you can get hold of a manifold gauge set, this will give the definitive answer to what ails your system.
Automotive A/C systems haven't used sight glasses in over ten years. An easy check would be to take the temp of both sides. The low side should be 30's while the high side should be up around 180. Freon (R12) and the newer refrigerant (R134a) use different adapter fittings to prevent inadvertent mixing. Home and industrial A/C systems use R22. Unfortunately they use the same adapter fittings as R12 but are not interchangeable. If you can get hold of a manifold gauge set, this will give the definitive answer to what ails your system.
Chris, trust me.
I have my own refer company and most all needed tools. Forgetaboutit! Call a tech.
I have my own refer company and most all needed tools. Forgetaboutit! Call a tech.
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