Do it your self recharge

[Greg]

I have a 95 model 336 with an alder barbour refrig unit. The unit has slowly lost its charge, I assume it was due to a loose fitting. It also has the older carbon steel base which has rusted slightly. This winter I plan to remove the condenser/compressor unit from the boat and sand and repaint the rusted parts. I was wondering if I could recharge the unit myself, and if anyone has done this before?I called alder and they told me that it takes only about 2 oz of freon.Any hints?

 

[Michael Cohn]

Not

It takes some fairly specialized equipment to get the pressures right. I would opt to pay a pro a few bucks to do it, having tried it myself once long ago and made a real mess.MC

 

[Dave Kelton]

go for it

I recharged my Adlor Barbour, the biggest thing was putting a valve in to hook up to. Buy whats called a "saddle valve", at a refigeration and heating outlet for the size tube. Install it in the line that is returning from the refrigerator to the condensor. The condensor is the "radiator" by the compressor. That will be the "low side". Charge the system until it is about 5-8lbs. Of course you will need a guage set to do this, they're available at auto discount houses. Dave

 

[Phil Williams]

Re-charge

The Adler/Barbour system on your boat has a port built-in to allow re-charging the unit in the event of a leak. I would recommend using a refrigeration technician to do the re-charge as it can be tricky to get the charge just right. Also the tech has the equipment to check for leaks.