Marine Air Problems

[Idratherbesailing]

Seems like I am jinxed with 16000 BTU Marine Air Units...I have an approximately 2000 model, so 7-8 years old in a 37 foot gulfstar. Unit installed under vberth, worked fine until the other day...I had left it in heat mode for a couple of days, came back to the boat to find it off, the main internal panel breaker for the boat thrown as well as the a/c breaker. Tried reset, both breakers trip again. In troubleshooting, I find that I can get the fan to work (Passport II digital control model), but if I try to get it to heat or cool, it trips both breakers. I think it is when the compressor tries to start, as I hear the reversing valve reset, nothing happens, then bam, both breakers trip. Nothing else trips the breakers, so I am reasonably sure the breakers are ok. I'm thinking locked rotor on compressor, or ??? My question is, is it worth replacing compressor, or does anyone think I have a control box problem. I had an older marine Air unit in another boat that I actually fixed the circuit board on (helps to have a EE for a friend), but this seems like a different problem, since the breakers are tripping..can the circuit board cause this sort of problem? I am having difficulty seeing how a circuit board could cause breakers to trip..any help appreciated...I especially need troubleshooting tips..Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

wild guess

This isn't something easily diagnosed over a computer but before you start with expensive parts replacement like the control board, check the starting capacitor as it could easily create the condition you describe - always start with the easy (i.e, cheap) stuff first.

 

[Andy1237]

Keep us informed

Jim, whatever you find out, keep us informed. It sounds like the compressor is locked up. Before I would put a new compressor on, I would compare the cost of a whole new unit. Seems like whenever AC units for house, car, or boat get to the c-word its big $$s and new units are more efficient.

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi Jim, sounds like Andy has the answer...

Our 16K BTU main cabin unit did close to the same about four a few years ago (1991 model) and I had the shop replace compressor and evaporator for around $500. Our 9K BTU aft cabin unit still runs fine. I never leave them running 24X7 while I'm away from the boat.Terry

 

[Idratherbesailing]

Remove Unit to have Fixed??

Seems it might be simpler to just pull the unit from the boat and take it to a repair shop...I know it is just an a/c unit, but getting someone to fix it on the boat just seems to be inviting a bunch of problems..Anyone know a source for good repairs in the New Orleans/Baton Rouge, LA area??By the way, I agree with the idea about putting in a new unit vs compressor is usually a good idea, but a new unit like this one is $2300 at West Marine...not much cheaper anywhere else, so it is probably worth fixing for $500-700..he rest of the unit looks like new.

 

[RichH]

Low voltage supply ????

My Marine air is VERY sensitive to line voltage. It seems to need a lot of starting torque and usually 'stalls' when the line voltage is low ...(below 115vac). As voltage goes down amperage requirements go UP and thats probably what tripped your breakers. If the voltage was very low you may have 'burned' / overheated your motor. Also check all the wiring connections as any corrosion will decrease the voltage which corresponds to larger amps draw. I wont recommend or tell you to do this ... but I use a capacitor start assist to get my Marine Air running when the line voltage are lower than normal. Such are not 'marine enviornment rated ... so I leave it to you to figure out this capacitor assist start for yourself ... or go ask a marine electrician. On dry land capacitor assist starters are common for starting up motors that have high starting torque requirements ... so they dont burn-up/overheat during the startup. When the marina line voltage goes much below 110 volts ... I usually dont even attempt to start my onboard AC without the capacitor start --- marina AC lines are typically underpowered (and undersized for the looong runs / distances they make), especially when the docks are full of folks on their boats.

 

[Capn Pete]

In the same boat

Jim,Your problem sounds familiar. I have a Marine Air 16K BTU AC on my boat, and on more than one occasion, after running a bit, it'll trip the breakers and shut down. To troubleshoot the problem, I plan to start by testing the system to make sure there are no obstructions from intake thru-hull to compressor to exhaust, and if that doesn't do the trick, I'll have to admit that my wife is right and try to determine if the problem lies in the Passport II control unit.Needless to say, I'll be following this thread with vested interest. If I come up with any useful answers, I'll be sure to post them so we can both benefit.Petes/v EmmieLou (Oday 322)Little Silver, NJ

 

[Randy Jarrell]

Installed a Marine Air 16K BTU about 5 years ago. Have all of the problems you are encountering and with the same thoughts, $$$$. The good news is all were easily remedied. The first thing you want to have checked is the freon charge. Most likely to be done by a certified specialist. Cost about $100. The other thing you must do is backwash the system. The system builds up deposits in the pipes and has to work much harder to disapate the heat. Every time I have had a problem with my unit, whether it be overheating, electrically related, or just fails to heat/cool this procedure has solved the problem. It is has now become a part of my normal maintenance.If all else fails call Dennis at Marine Air 800.330.3553. I have found him to be most helpful.Good Luck

 

[Jim Rushing]

Same Problem

with my boat when it was brand new. The split unit in the aft cabin worked great in the cool mode, but would kick the breaker in the heat mode. Turned out to be that the pressures weren't correct. Dealer pulled all the freon out, washed the line and recharged it. No problem since then.

 

[Fred]

ac

I wood call the factory 954 743 2477 Ask For Barry.He helped Me when I had trouble with my 16k unit.