Frosty

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Chris Bloor

Phil, I wrong several weeks ago on the problem with the front door of the refrigerator/freezer on our C-42. What led to our discovery of this problem was the water from the thawed frost on the OUTSIDE of the freezer compartment melting while under sail (we were turning the fridge off to save energy) and filling up the miniscule amount of floor space before flooding out the door and under our galley floor. In any event, you suggested turning the refrigerator down, not off, and we will try that. But in the meantime, any ideas as to why we have so much frost on the outside of the compartment? The refrigerator itself seems to keep things pretty cool, but the amount of frost that forms on the outside of the freezer compartment is quite extraordinary. If you're not familiar with the set up, the refrigerator is a top-loader (with the aforementioned front access door that we will probably remove!) with a small freezer compartment located in the top rear. It's similar to what I had in my first apartment: it's a small box made of a sort of rounded corrogated (sp?) aluminum with a front door on an upper hinge. Any suggestions??? Thanks...Chris
 
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Phil Williams

Air leak

The problem you are having is to the lack of a proper door seal to keep the warm moist air out of the box. The front opening door is allowing to much air into the box and creating the frost build up. Door gaskets are difficult to install and get good a seal. To check the gasket seal open the door and place a door bill so that when you close the door the bill is still held in your hand and trapped between the door and the gasket. Now gently pull the dollar bill out, if it pulls out with little to no resistance the gasket is not sealing. Do this test all around the box. You can sometimes shim the door to provide more pressure on the gasket. Do this dollar bill test on the other door openings as well. A leaking gasket will reduce the performance of your refrigeration system. If the frost on the outside of the freezer compartment is the outside of the box then you do not have sufficient insulation in that wall to reduce the amount of heat transfer. I would suggest you make a simple drawing of the box and areas of frost and fax to our service department for assistance on resolving the problem, fax number is 860-664-4907.
 
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Chris Bloor

Thanks, Phil!

Will try it when Bob gets back from the Mack races and let you know what we find. Appreciate the quick response. And love your forum! Catalinas, Hunters, Beneteaus -- who cares? We're all sailors! Thanks again for the expertise! Chris Bloor Great Escape III C-42 #372
 
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