Keeping Refrigeration Repairs Costs Down

[Richard Kollmann]

I hope each of you that have followed this two week review of boat refrigeration problems and leave with a few simple ideas about refrigerator operation and maintenance. In most cases a service repairman is not required, but if you do have to ask for assistance or call a repairman be ready to ask and answer questions correctly. Here are some things YOU SHOULD KNOW about your refrigeration system before seeking help: • Who manufactured the refrigerator system? • The approximate age of the system. • Type of compressor and the model number. • What type of refrigerant is in the system; R12, 134a, 409B, 404A, R502, R414B, Hot Shot, or some other type refrigerant? • Current history of problems and corrective action.  QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK a repairman before hiring him. Do you have _____ refrigerant which is the type refrigerant in my system today? Do you have experience with a _____________ refrigerator? Do you have an electronic leak detector? A refrigerant leak can always be located with soap and water but the electronic detector saves time and dollars. Be careful of a repairman if he offers these types of comments. You can’t find leaks with electronic units they only work some of the time. Not True, if you know how to use them and they are properly maintained.This refrigerant can be mixed with your present refrigerant., Not true. This refrigerant is approved by the EPA for use in your system. Wrong not true, EPA does not approve refrigerants they accept them for air quality and health hazards. The compressor manufacturers approve the types of refrigerant and oil to be used in their compressors and no one else. Your system is very low on refrigerant so all it needs is to be recharged. Wrong, most refrigerators do not leak refrigerants, as they are tightly sealed. Open shaft driven compressors and systems with hoses instead of metal tubing are the exception and may need topped off with refrigerant occasionally. When a system has lost refrigerant there is a leak, if the leak is not found and repaired a repeat service call will be required. By doing a check of the system yourself and knowing what questions to ask can save you those huge repair bills. I sometimes think, I only see the dark side of boat refrigeration. I answer several e mails daily from boaters with refrigeration problems and at least once a month I hear another sad story.I am retired now and boat refrigeration is my hobby. To support this hobby I sell my two current books; Do It Yourself Refrigeration: for the mechanic and those with large holding plate refrigeration. !2/24 Volt Refrigeration Manual: that covers the smaller more popular ice box conversion units.Where else can you buy a technical book and be able to communicate with the author for support free. For equipment trends and updates on boat refrigeration watch my new web forum at: http://www.kollmann-marine.com I will be giving a presentation at the SSCA’s annual meeting in November, see you there.Richard Kollmann

 

[Rick D]

Here Here, Richard *5

You did a great job by participating in this forum and adding to the knowledge base. I know it takes time and patience and I can only add that you had a willing and appreciative audience.By the way, I have your book and wish I'd had it before my last four service calls! Thanks again, Rick Dinon on behalf of the SailboatOwners sites.