Refrigeration issue?

[fero]

Hi again,
Last time I was on the boat ( before haul out for hurricane season ), I tried to run the frige. After quite a few hours of continuous running the cold plate was only look warm while the connection fitting was completely frosted up (see the attached picture).
I suspect that the expansion valve is in this fitting and it froze, thus preventing evacuation/cooling of the cold plate.
It is the Adler-Barbour 12v system, I believe originally installed on Legends 40.5. Searching web I was unable to find anything pertinent. I understand the older systems used capillary tubes which was changed to expansion valves later, there is no capillary tube on my system.
Comments, advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Frank

 

[Stu Jackson]

Searching web I was unable to find anything pertinent.

Had you come across this?

Kollmann Marine - Index

Kollmann Marine - Index

www.kollmann-marine.com

 

[MikeHoncho]

I recall that this condition is indicative of a low refrigerant condition where the expansion takes place before getting to the plate. Research low refrigerant conditions.

 

[fero]

Yes Stu, I did a real good site, wealth of information but I didn’t find my answer.
Thanks

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

While impossible to diagnose from afar, if it’s original and that old, it’s a miracle it’s worked without leaking thus far. Consider yourself lucky and have someone check for leaks and pressure, both of which are cheaper to fix than replacing components based on guessing.