My issue may be similar to the message posted recently but I'm not sure. We purchased a boat (1988 Catalina 30) with an A-B Cold Machine. Since the purchase, however, the refrigerator simply attempts to start, waits a period of time (probably several seconds or maybe a minute), attempts to start again, and repeats that process over and over. We've cleaned all the electrical connections and the machine did run for a time, maybe two hours or so, then reverted to this cycle of failed start attempts. There is a sudden voltage drop, a very short sound like a small "bump" of the motor attempting to start, the the period of inactivity before the cycle begins again. Thus far, we've always given up and turned the refrigerator off since the problem persists. I attempted to e-mail this question to Waeco(AB) but have not received a reply. We're interested in thoughts or suggestions as to how to pursue a resolution. Our boat is at Channel Islands Harbor in CA. Maybe there is an authorized repair facility in that area or some direction in which I should look for a solution. Thanks in advance for your reply. We really like A-B Cold Machines and would love to have ours working again. Gary Kunkel
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Call AB
Gary Why not simply call AB and talk directly to Gary. Many folks try to use email to obtain responses from companies, like AB and Catalina, and for some reason don't just pick up the phone. ABs # is right on this website in the Refrigeration Experts part, I believe. Good luck, Stu
Gary Why not simply call AB and talk directly to Gary. Many folks try to use email to obtain responses from companies, like AB and Catalina, and for some reason don't just pick up the phone. ABs # is right on this website in the Refrigeration Experts part, I believe. Good luck, Stu
voltage drop
Gary, It may be a voltage drop problem. Measure voltage at the control module. If it drops more than 1/2 a volt when the compressor attempts to start, drop a temporary line directly to the battery(s). If the problem continues, send me the control module for testing.
Gary, It may be a voltage drop problem. Measure voltage at the control module. If it drops more than 1/2 a volt when the compressor attempts to start, drop a temporary line directly to the battery(s). If the problem continues, send me the control module for testing.
Thank you
Thanks for the quick response. I'll check the voltage drop this weekend and will send in the control module if it looks like it needs testing. Gary Kunkel
Thanks for the quick response. I'll check the voltage drop this weekend and will send in the control module if it looks like it needs testing. Gary Kunkel
Check for Voltage Spike as well
what your compressor sounds like is a hard start. if you put an amp meter on the compressor leads, adn amps jump high and drop to 0 Amps, the compressor failed to start. as compressors age they get weak and cant overcome the freon pressures to start the pumping action. you can install a Hard Start kit. the ampreage that you read should hit FLA, if it goes to LRA reading it is a case for a hard start kit. you can get them for the HP size of your compressor and any local HVAC supply house. I have installed hundreds of these on systems from 1/5HP to 100 HP. What happens is your compressor hits the LRA "locked rotor amps" and the internal overload kicks in, it is a auto resetting thermal limit switch in the motor windings. once it cools down it trys again. I preffered a kit called "Kick Starter" it has a relay and capacitor built togather and you only have to put two wires onto the existing capacitor, and your done. Check that next time your at your boat and see if that might be your problem. And yes that is my profession, HVAC. I hope that might give you some help and what to look for.
what your compressor sounds like is a hard start. if you put an amp meter on the compressor leads, adn amps jump high and drop to 0 Amps, the compressor failed to start. as compressors age they get weak and cant overcome the freon pressures to start the pumping action. you can install a Hard Start kit. the ampreage that you read should hit FLA, if it goes to LRA reading it is a case for a hard start kit. you can get them for the HP size of your compressor and any local HVAC supply house. I have installed hundreds of these on systems from 1/5HP to 100 HP. What happens is your compressor hits the LRA "locked rotor amps" and the internal overload kicks in, it is a auto resetting thermal limit switch in the motor windings. once it cools down it trys again. I preffered a kit called "Kick Starter" it has a relay and capacitor built togather and you only have to put two wires onto the existing capacitor, and your done. Check that next time your at your boat and see if that might be your problem. And yes that is my profession, HVAC. I hope that might give you some help and what to look for.
Sounds like......
a failed module (non repairable), but easily replaceable with a checkbook that has about $300 in it Jeff
a failed module (non repairable), but easily replaceable with a checkbook that has about $300 in it Jeff
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