Refrigeration Problem

[Rob McLaughlin]

I'm having a refrigeration problem - I have an Alder-Barbour unit on a 1999 c36. Just bought the boat, and the fridge is not getting cold. A/C tech says "there must be a leak", but cannot pressure test the unit because it has only one connection point?? Wants to add another one ($700), or replace the whole unit - waiting on a price for this. Anyone else had issues with the fridge? Know where to get the best price on a replacement unit? Should I just insist that he put some freon in there & give it a try?

 

[Jeff Bacon]

The electronic module.....

....is frequently the culprit. Not cheap to replace, but can be easily tested. I'd guess at $400 to replace.Jeff

 

[Terry Cox, Hunter 42, Belle-Vie]

Rob, if your unit starrts and runs but does not...

get cold it sounds like a recharge is in order. At least that was the symptom with our boat when we first purchased it three years ago. Then a couple of months ago we had a different problem, which turned out to be the control module. Purchased a new one from WAECO for $290 plus S/H. I just installed it this morning and the reefer runs great.Terry

 

[Victor]

$700 for a port ?

If he wants to charge you $700 to add an unnecessary port to an $800 compressor module then the first thing you need is a new technician. You can buy a set of gauges from Grainger or other refrigeration supply houses for under $100. Attach it to the low side port to determine if you have a freon pressure problem. Much cheaper than guessing or paying someone to guess for you. It is a little more complicated than checking tire pressure on a bicycle. The procedure involves recording pressure at time intervals after startup. Perhaps someone here can provide an online reference for this procedure that lists the expected pressures.It is important that the pressure be in the specified range. More is not better. Too much refrigerant will impede the system's operation.