I've had a Cold Machine in my Flicka for about 3-4 years. Yesterday while motoring in our charging lamp and low pressure lights went crazy on the motor panel then when I hurried below I smelled that dreaded electrical odor which I traced to cold machine. It was starting smoke and then the fuse burned through. I don’t know if the engine warning lights and fridge were connected but after the fridge fuse blew everything seemed to go back to normal after we shut everything off for awhile. Once back at dockside I put a meter on everything and supply voltages seemed normal. I tried another fuse to see if something had locked up (and then come loose again) but the fuse blew immediately. At this time I’m wondering if something has gone bad in the compressor causing it to draw increasing amperage until something gives. I’ll probably contact the factory tomorrow but was wondering if anyone had any input at this time. Also, are these things repairable or do you generally end up buying a whole new unit? It’s worked great but 3-4 years in the Pacific Northwest climate seems a little short on the longevity side. Should I expect these units to last longer or is that just the nature of the beasts? Any input is appreciated. Thanks. Steve S/v SplitpersonalityToo
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A/B & Engine Lights
Steve I agree with the first reply, and you may want to also copy your question directly to the A/B Expert Forum. However, or in addition, you need to seriously diagnose WHY the engine lights flamed when you fridge did. You noted: "I don’t know if the engine warning lights and fridge were connected..." They should be on two separate circuits, and my initial diagnosis (form zillions of miles away and not ever having seen your boat) is that your A/B wiring is run (physically, not electrically) in parallel with your engine wiring. Easy to do physically, but I would recommend that you find a way to separate the two wires even if it seems logical to run one next to another. The "frying" firdge wires could have impacted the engine alarm wires. It seems odd that your engine was the warning device for your smokin' fridge. A/Bs last a long, long time - we've had the original 1986 on board and only had to replace the old cooling fan early this year. They are superb performers with great factory assistance, and this forum. This Expert Forum is very valuable and helpful using the search engine. Gary at A/B, among the other great folks there, is very knowledgeable and helpful. Good luck, let us know how it comes out. Stu
Steve I agree with the first reply, and you may want to also copy your question directly to the A/B Expert Forum. However, or in addition, you need to seriously diagnose WHY the engine lights flamed when you fridge did. You noted: "I don’t know if the engine warning lights and fridge were connected..." They should be on two separate circuits, and my initial diagnosis (form zillions of miles away and not ever having seen your boat) is that your A/B wiring is run (physically, not electrically) in parallel with your engine wiring. Easy to do physically, but I would recommend that you find a way to separate the two wires even if it seems logical to run one next to another. The "frying" firdge wires could have impacted the engine alarm wires. It seems odd that your engine was the warning device for your smokin' fridge. A/Bs last a long, long time - we've had the original 1986 on board and only had to replace the old cooling fan early this year. They are superb performers with great factory assistance, and this forum. This Expert Forum is very valuable and helpful using the search engine. Gary at A/B, among the other great folks there, is very knowledgeable and helpful. Good luck, let us know how it comes out. Stu
Compressor
The failure you have described is one that will require some careful inspection of your wiring system. The compressor problem should have never affected your charging light or low pressure alarm. The ColdMachine must be wired on its own circuit with a in-line fuse or circuit breaker on the DC distribution panel. This fuse or breaker should have blown or tripped well before a charging light ever coming on. The rating the fuse or circuit breaker should be less than 15 amps and in most cases 10 amps depending on the model of unit you have. If the problem is caused by the compressor do not attempt to replace just the compressor, replace the entire system. The reason being is eletrical problems within a refrigeration circuit can create acids which will destroy the refrigeration circuit over time. Putting a new compressor on a dirty system will fail in time. Phil
The failure you have described is one that will require some careful inspection of your wiring system. The compressor problem should have never affected your charging light or low pressure alarm. The ColdMachine must be wired on its own circuit with a in-line fuse or circuit breaker on the DC distribution panel. This fuse or breaker should have blown or tripped well before a charging light ever coming on. The rating the fuse or circuit breaker should be less than 15 amps and in most cases 10 amps depending on the model of unit you have. If the problem is caused by the compressor do not attempt to replace just the compressor, replace the entire system. The reason being is eletrical problems within a refrigeration circuit can create acids which will destroy the refrigeration circuit over time. Putting a new compressor on a dirty system will fail in time. Phil
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