Great Expert Forum! Thanks Richard!

[jmcclain]

Your forum has answered my questions concerning the Adler Barbour factory installed system on our 1996 Beneteau 321. Your responses indicate that I need a charge in our unit and that the lid gasket needs to be improved.Since the unit is of 1996 vintage, will I be faced with converting to more friendly refrigerant? Is this something that can done by yours truly? "Out of pure curiosity" How come that we do not see propane refrigeration on cruising boats? Is it a function of fuel consumption/storage?....or are there safety issues. I still remember the old Servel gas refrigerator at my parent's house in the fifties, silently performing without a hitch for some ten years.

 

[Richard Kollmann]

There is no such thing as normal seepage

I would not add refrigerant if 90% of the evaporator frosts over but replacing the servicing cap might be a good idea. It the frost line shows a loss of 30% or more you need to find the leak. There is a good chance the leak is in the evaporator and can not be repaired. If your AB now uses R12 there are no friendly refrigerants to use in that unit.Propane refrigerator are not designed for or recommended for use in boats.

 

[jmcclain]

More Info!

Thanks for the input. While it continues to cool somewhat, the evaporator is frosted only on about 20% of its surface. The lid to the refrig is sealed only with open foam tape stripping. The reduction in cooling performance has been fairly gradual, occurring over a span of several months.Thank again for your help!