Marine Air Systems Air Conditioner Failure

[Jim Logan]

Has anyone had a Marine Air Systems air conditioning system with the Passport II control fail in such a way that the fan runs at low speed but the compressor won't start? The control panel shows - - - (3 dashes flashing) when this is happening. I've downloaded the troubleshooting guide from the Marine Air site, but it doesn't cover this sort of failure - I'm thinking starting relay on the compressor, but is it possible that the starting condenser on the compressor would cause this? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Tom]

check for power

I would check to make sure I have power. Sometimes its possible with 115 VAC to have one "leg" not putting out the full 115. Since your compressor is basically just a motor it needs 2 legs of 115 and a ground.

 

[Bill Staiger]

Marine Air

Jim, I'm looking into either a Marine Air or Mermaid unit. Have you had any issues with your Marine Air unit (other than this one)? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[G]

Two Merimaid units

We have a Catalina 36 with 2 Merimaid units.Have been very happy with them. Both are installed inside the cabin, so here in Ga., we don't have to do any winterizing. Cool in summer, warm in winter. What more could you ask for?We bought the boat with the first unit installed by the previous owner. He tried to get too much out of a 16,500 unit with 3 vents and 2 of the blow-out vents installed on the floor. Duh? Cold air doesn't rise! So, we have a small fan on the floor blowing up. Can get very cool in the main cabin and especially in back cabin. The other unit is under the v-berth and you can freeze up there. Make sure all ducting is tight and straight as possible.G.

 

[Jim Logan]

For Bill Staiger

Bill, the Marine Air system of 1996 vintage has worked perfectly until now - which is why I am somewhat mystified - I've got a few things to try now, so when I get a chance I'll see if they work - It is probably either the high pressure switch or the compressor, according to Marine Air - but I am not sure they know exactly, since I seem to know more about the system than the tech I talked to. The only thing you have to watch is to keep the water filter clean, but that would be the same on any of the systems. I'll post the results when I get a chance.

 

[Tim Donley]

Call S.E. distributer

As a boatbuilder, I have had a few problems with some of the electronic controls, but nothing the distrubitor could not repair. Call T.K. Alley Inc. in Ft Lauderdale (954)-920-0300. They are the southeast distributor for cruise-air / marine-air. They have a tech crew that really should be able to identify your problem.Don't let someone talk you into changing your system when all you need is new controls. You have also the option to change to manual controls (the old dependable 3 knob panel )My old Irwin had a unit from 1978 that was still running strong when I removed it for re-fit.Save all the headaches and errant advice, please call these guys.