Fridge Running off engine

[Jacksonboat]

My fridge or ice-box or whatever it would be called is a large aluminum block that is cooled only when the engine runs. I must turn a dial that allows a max of 45 minutes and it obviously runs Freon or some sort of coolant through this aluminum black and cools it down. It works spectacularly well and that 45 minutes will take the temperature of the ice box down to a great temperature. Not to freeze anything but keeps drinks perfectly cold.

The problem is after it runs it has a horribly tinny smell. Sure I'm being awfully cranky here but how in the world do I get rid of it? Is it normal (It has not been used regularly at all) - maybe its just a matter of use? I have put baking soda in it on a whim, not sure if that's the key though because after two or three uses so far the smell is still there.

Anything you've got will help!!!!

(food that takes on this smell is not really appetizing)

Thanks

 

[Lost Parent]

what does it smell like

 

[Jacksonboat]

what does it smell like

Tin/acidic and stale. Bit there was no smell before I ran it - just used ice instead - it is well sealed.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Have you cleaned the "box" THOROUGHLY anytime recently, including the bottom of the box where you have to stand on your head?

How do you associate the operation of the cooler with the smell? Is it that you get NO smell if you run the engine and NOT the cooler?

Do you leave the top of the fridge box open when you're not there?

Just trying to play detective.

What you have is called a "holding plate" fridge system, the compressor is run off the engine, not 12V DC power. It's a good system used by many charter boats in the BVIs for example, since everyone is (or was in the old days) told to run their engines 45 minutes in the a.m. and another 45 minutes in the p.m., which worked well with leaving and getting into anchorages/mooring fields.

 

[Jacksonboat]

No I admit I've never done a deep clean so that is something I must do first.

Right so if I do not run the holding plate there is no smell or at least not a significant one in the cooler.

And no when I leave it is always closed which is probably a bad idea.

 

[TommmD]

Vinegar works very well for cleaning / deodorizing.