P42 Freezer/Frig Spill over?

[Jim_H42]

I had an "Ah-Ah" moment today when I realized there was an opening (spillover slot?) between the freezer and refrigeration on my 1992 P42. (I haven't owned the boat long so am still learning)

I have dedicated cooling systems for each box - but haven't run the freezer except to test it. The fridge ran quite a bit on my last4-dayy cruise - and frosted up the evaporator plates way too much (despite putting additional seals on the lids/door). I had the fridge on the lowest possible setting and yet it ran 70% of the time and actually froze stuff. I had read that by changing the amount of contact between the thermostat capillary tube and the evaporator it might improve temperature control.

Today while tracing the capillary tube I realized there is an opening between the freezer and the fridge back along the aft corner of the boxes. I couldn't see this because it is hidden behind the evaporator plates. Since I was using the freezer as dry storage (with the lid open) I suspect warm, moist Florida air was continually entering the fridge thru this slot (and hitting the capillary tube - causing the fridge to run more than needed, freezing food, frosting up the plates and explains why my vodka, stored in the turned-off freezer was chilled) It all makes sense now....

So the question to you experts -
1) Is this the way all P42 came from the factory?
2) If so can you tell me how far down the spillover slot runs? (from what could tell it's about 2" wide). I can't see the rest of it since it's behind the evaporator plates.
3) have any of you closed that slot up and if so how? (my top of mind thoughts are with ridged or expanding foam. Obviously, I have to take the evaporator plates off.....
4) is there a reason I should not close it up?

Thanks!

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi Jim, our boat has a slot between the two units, too. That slot was/is used to accept the large fittings between the evaporator and compressor when first installed. Hunter sealed the slot from the refrigerator box and engine room with plumbers putty. I suppose you could use the same material between the two boxes. It is pliable, easy to work with, inexpensive and makes an effective seal. Plus it does not harden over time.

I do not recall the slot being that large on our boat; more of a two inch round hole stuffed with putty. As far as the thermostat setting goes, I would call Adler Barbour technical support and pose your questions to them. They have always been very helpful whenever I called and that was when I replaced the refrigerator system after the original compressor died.