I recently purchased a good used windlass and had an old AB refridgeration unit tossed in with the deal. It is a circa 1991 Super cold machine. The evaporator is rough - some corrosion
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Try a conversion
Jim: You can't buy R12 without a license and in some States, you can't but it at all. Of course, you could take it to a repair facility...It's also possible your problem isn't the amount of refrigerant--I would want that gauged to know for sure. It could be something as simple as a clogged expansion valve. If your problem is a low level of refrigerant, another option would be to attempt a conversion. I am more familiar with auto AC systems but they are similar in their workings. Basic steps: Evacuate the present system and flush with esther oil and recharge with R134. Ensure you include an oil charge. The fittings are different, however there are conversion kits available. Many people will tell you you have to change some components, the 134 doesn't cool as well, and numerous other "stories" but my experience with cars has been good. I don't know if a cold machine has a receiver/dryer but I would also replace that if possible at the time of recharging. You will find the cost of R134 and associated hardware is less than the cost of R12. Just a thought from "one non-expert experimenter" to another. K
Jim: You can't buy R12 without a license and in some States, you can't but it at all. Of course, you could take it to a repair facility...It's also possible your problem isn't the amount of refrigerant--I would want that gauged to know for sure. It could be something as simple as a clogged expansion valve. If your problem is a low level of refrigerant, another option would be to attempt a conversion. I am more familiar with auto AC systems but they are similar in their workings. Basic steps: Evacuate the present system and flush with esther oil and recharge with R134. Ensure you include an oil charge. The fittings are different, however there are conversion kits available. Many people will tell you you have to change some components, the 134 doesn't cool as well, and numerous other "stories" but my experience with cars has been good. I don't know if a cold machine has a receiver/dryer but I would also replace that if possible at the time of recharging. You will find the cost of R134 and associated hardware is less than the cost of R12. Just a thought from "one non-expert experimenter" to another. K
I'm not expert, either....
but I have one and believe the following to be true. Neither AB or my repairman recommend changing to R134. The units come from AB without a servicing valve. If your has one, it has been added. The units come pre charged from the factory and although the connections seal when removed, you lose a little charge each time you connect or disconnect the fittings. The units don't require much R12, but charge amount is critical. My recommendation is take it to a specialist and have it vacuum tested. If it leaks, it probably would not be cost effective to repair. I replaced my evaporater 2 years ago, and it cost over $300. A new compressor would have been $250 and a control module $250 and you still would have a R12 system. (The new ones are R134) Good luck.
but I have one and believe the following to be true. Neither AB or my repairman recommend changing to R134. The units come from AB without a servicing valve. If your has one, it has been added. The units come pre charged from the factory and although the connections seal when removed, you lose a little charge each time you connect or disconnect the fittings. The units don't require much R12, but charge amount is critical. My recommendation is take it to a specialist and have it vacuum tested. If it leaks, it probably would not be cost effective to repair. I replaced my evaporater 2 years ago, and it cost over $300. A new compressor would have been $250 and a control module $250 and you still would have a R12 system. (The new ones are R134) Good luck.
Send it in
A 1991 SuperCold would have a Danfoss BD25 compressor, which is not compatable with 134A. There are alternative HCFC's which can be used, but they are also restricted to certified technicians. Why not send it to us? We'll give you an estimate, and our opinion if you'd be better off deep sixing it. All it will cost you is the shipping to Connecticut. Address it to: WAECO Adler Barbour, 8 Heritage Park Rd. Clinton, CT 06437. Be sure to send both the evaporator and compressor assembly, and request an estimate. Gary
A 1991 SuperCold would have a Danfoss BD25 compressor, which is not compatable with 134A. There are alternative HCFC's which can be used, but they are also restricted to certified technicians. Why not send it to us? We'll give you an estimate, and our opinion if you'd be better off deep sixing it. All it will cost you is the shipping to Connecticut. Address it to: WAECO Adler Barbour, 8 Heritage Park Rd. Clinton, CT 06437. Be sure to send both the evaporator and compressor assembly, and request an estimate. Gary
r-12 replacement
I've recently had my frigoboat system worked on, the technician recharged the system with a new refrigerant, that is a "direct replacement" for R-12. It is enviro friendly, and EPA approved and A LOT Cheaper than R-12. The Tech thinks that it will eventually available in auto stores, but for now service techs have it. I'm sorry, but I do have the name of the stuff, but when I see the guy again ( I need a new evaporator, that's on order) I'll try to get the name.
I've recently had my frigoboat system worked on, the technician recharged the system with a new refrigerant, that is a "direct replacement" for R-12. It is enviro friendly, and EPA approved and A LOT Cheaper than R-12. The Tech thinks that it will eventually available in auto stores, but for now service techs have it. I'm sorry, but I do have the name of the stuff, but when I see the guy again ( I need a new evaporator, that's on order) I'll try to get the name.
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