I remove broken evaporator and find I need to replace the panel on which food rests

[MikeTheHunter]

I'm installing a smaller evaporator - only one I could get as Isotherms are back-ordered till the end of year! - because of a leak. I also want to secure the new evaporator horizontally for an ice tray. I found that the Perspex panel with holes on which the food rests was cut up and one piece is missing (where the old evaporator was). Do you have a suggestion about what to replace the panel with?

 

[dmax]

Plexiglass, Lexan or Starboard would be suitable choices. I would rather work with Starboard than the other two so I would go that route.

 

[MikeTheHunter]

Plexiglass, Lexan or Starboard would be suitable choices. I would rather work with Starboard than the other two so I would go that route.

I just doubt my ability to do a decent job of cutting it. I was thinking maybe a wire shelf as a crude solution.

 

[MikeTheHunter]

Plexiglass, Lexan or Starboard would be suitable choices. I would rather work with Starboard than the other two so I would go that route.

I see Starboard is a good idea, but I don't have suitable tools.

 

[jssailem]

doubt my ability to do a decent job of cutting it.

Starboard is very forgiving. Just measure twice and cut once.
Starboard cuts with standard wood cutting tools.

 

[jssailem]

Drill holes to let the air pass through the starboard. You can sand the edges round. It can be screwed in place.

 

[MikeTheHunter]

I've decided to make a cardboard template (of the very irregular rectangle) and bring the Starboard to a carpenter. The only saw I have is a hacksaw. I could drill the holes though, with my keyhole drill bit!

 

[NoReverse]

Take your cardboard template or the old acrylic piece to your local acrylic provider they will make the cuts/holes/round the edges etc.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Your could buy all the saw you need, do it yourself and have a saw left over for the next project

 

[JamesG161]

Compact multi-Tool and will do most boat work...
https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-4000-2-Performance-Attachments-Accessories/dp/B002L3RUVG?th=1

Jim...

 

[DeniseO30]

Pardon my confusion but if you have no tools who how did you replace the evaporator? I'm only asking because that's generally outside DIY skill sets

 

[MikeTheHunter]

Pardon my confusion but if you have no tools who how did you replace the evaporator? I'm only asking because that's generally outside DIY skill sets

I don't have any power tools except a drill. Also, I've never cut Starboard or acrylic before.

 

[DeniseO30]

I was actually asking who did the refrigeration connections evacuation and refrigerant (usually around 5 oz) which is a skill set that escapes many highly experienced in technicians also

 

[MikeTheHunter]

I was actually asking who did the refrigeration connections evacuation and refrigerant (usually around 5 oz) which is a skill set that escapes many highly experienced in technicians also

I just unscrewed the evaporator from the inside and cut the copper tubes. The freon had long since leaked out. I haven't removed the compressor yet. Is there something I should know? Needless to say, I'm replacing all components. The previous owner did not, thinking he could save money. But the connectors between the evaporator and the compressor are designed to be single use, as I understand it.

 

[DeniseO30]

Good decision! Yes they are one time self piercing fitting you might want to do is put a drop for two of refrigerant oil on the threads when you go to make your new connections, good luck!

 

[sailcapt340]

I’ve been reading your thread and went and found my Adler/Barbour Manual for my 340. On my boat, the part your referring to (the evaporator/freezer) (vertical style) itself is fastened to the wall of the refrigerator with screws into 4 threaded grommets.
Is it possible for you to use one or to of those to mount your new evaporator above the shelf itself? Like mine is. Yours would be higher in the refrigerator than mine, given your mounting horizontally, giving you an added shelf underneath for storage.
Mine is only about 2 inches worth of shelf space, but yours would be more.
I believe there is a ledge around the middle of the refrigerator to rest new plastic on.
This might be an option for you.

 

[MikeTheHunter]

Thought I would complete the circle on this. I went to get the smallest piece of Starboard from Home Depot, with the idea to do it myself, and it was $73! I looked around for a local carpenter. First one said the job would cost 200. Then I found one who said he had scraps of Starboard and could do it for 70. He did a fantastic job using a cardboard template I provided.

 

[kappykaplan]

Great news, @MikeTheHunter !