Alder Barbour Failure

[asilverman]

My 1990 Pearson 34-2 came with an Alder Barbour Cold Machine (probably installed 1990) when purchased in 2000. This season it failed. I am told that the compressor is frozen. The power supply tests OK. One refrig repairman advised to replace the compressor, power supply and refigerant. A-D advises to replace eveything with a new unit. This would require re-running all the refrigerent lines from the compressor to the frig. Your advice? Should I consider something other than an A-B? Thanks.

 

[Richard Kollmann]

Are you sure it is the compressor?

These Danfoss compressors rarely fail so I would want to be sure the module was good and the only way to test it is to put it on another unit. The only way to possibly tell the compressor is frozen is if it hits full scale on a ten amp ammeter when it tries to start. A faulty fan or a boat wiring problem can prevent the compressor from running. A troubleshooting chart from my book for that model BD 2.5 will be in one of the answers this week..If you must hire the work done a new compressor installed and serviced will cost $400 to $500. The next problem is the Evaporator will fail and another $400. Aluminum evaporators coils seem to have a life limit of 8 to 10 years in these units. Which ever, water or acid caused the compressor to fail will surly cause the evaporator to fail soon.I agree with Adler Barbour I would buy a new unit and sell the old electrical module on E Bay.