Glacier Bay Mark Ii 12 V Refer

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Nov 12, 2010
2
Ericson 36c Los Angeles
This should start some brain cells sparking.
We are located in Curacao, last month at about 0300hrs our fridge kicked on, as it started it runs for 1-2 min then kicks into compressing and as it did the compressor started to hammer,and I mean hammer loud.It only lasted for 2-3 seconds, woke us from a very sound sleep and by the time I was able to figure out what was happening it was over. Well I knew that the fridge because I sleep between my wife and the refer system, we are long time friends. So I could hear it running(the fridge) for maybe 2min then the hammering again very loud, I instantly turned it off the switch(it was there too). We didn't know what to do so the next I tried to call Glacier Bay, no joy. I checked for refrigerant and according to the sight glass it filled and bubbles went away when I turned it on and oil level was right in the sight glass. WOW!!! It fixed it self!!!!! No more hammering too good to be true. I thought that I would let it run and pump down the cold plate. Well no such luck. Didn't compress either now it just moves refrigerant around and does not get cold, and neither does the beer

Just a little back ground on the fridge, I installed in 1997 as just a fridge to keep it simple. It's a Glacier Bay Mark II 12v(don't knock it yet) It has been running for about 13yrs, only had to replace temp probe for holding plate,water circulating pump. and one damper between motor and compressor. It runs 60 to 90 min in 24hrs or about 20 to 30 min 3 times in 24hrs. I think that because it is only a fridge and not freezer and well insulated box that it has worked well. So now it doesn't work well, I'm a patient man and spent the next 5 weeks trying to get a hold of Glacier Bay that is another story. Anyway no joy until yesterday they call and tell me that they do not support that product anymore, but give the number of a new co that will,Pacific Sea Breeze(aka R-Parts). I email and call,,, no return. Now I'm good with a wrench and understand mechanics but what I'm looking for is something that will send me in the right direction before I tear the whole thing part
Any help would be helpful. Thanx
 
May 24, 2004
7,164
CC 30 South Florida
The fact that it was working one minute and then all of a sudden it failed sounds to me like some valve or switch may be the culprit. It does not eliminate the possibility of a failed compressor. Don't quite understand why you may be calling the manufacturer when at this stage what you may need is a refigeration repairman. Once the problem is diagnozed and perhaps a replacement part is needed then it would be the time to call (R-Parts). Get a diagnosis and then figure out if it is worth fixing it or if it would be better to replace. You do not mention if you have shorepower available or not but if you do allow me to suggest you purchase a small 1.7 CF household refrigerator, suited to local power, to keep your perishebles and beer cold in the meantime.
 
May 24, 2004
7,164
CC 30 South Florida
I looked it up and they have some weird power in Curacao at 127V 50hertz and it does not sound very stable so you may need a special transformer for a home refrigerator. Don't know if you have an inverter availble or what recharging capabilities may be at your disposal.
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,182
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
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