I have a 1993 cold machine in my boat. I replaced the control module once with the same type module, and two years later it again shuts off with just the fan running. My question is this, should I just replace the compressor, or pay the extra $300 and replace the evaporator also? Can I use the same copper tubing, or is it best to replace the tubing? Is this a job an average boat owner should be able to do, without hiring a professional?
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If you replace the compressor you will need to replace the evaporator also. Your system used R-12 refrigerant the new compressor will have R-134a refrigerant in it, you can' mix the two. The tube set will come attached to the evaporator. The average boat owner should be able to do the job. Read the directions and be carefull on the couplings.
module
Greg, If you replaced the original module with the same model Danfoss 102N3030 or 3031, then the problem may well be the module again. We manufacture our own module which will replace the Danfoss for $290.00. You may get another 10 years from your system. You can send the module to us for testing, and then decide which way you want to go.
Greg, If you replaced the original module with the same model Danfoss 102N3030 or 3031, then the problem may well be the module again. We manufacture our own module which will replace the Danfoss for $290.00. You may get another 10 years from your system. You can send the module to us for testing, and then decide which way you want to go.
Replace it...
I also had a 1993 system on my 37.5. I nursed it along for a year. Finally replaced the whole thing with A/B and am very satisfied. IMHO, a 10 year old system isn't worth another $300. Isn't a new system $1000 or so?
I also had a 1993 system on my 37.5. I nursed it along for a year. Finally replaced the whole thing with A/B and am very satisfied. IMHO, a 10 year old system isn't worth another $300. Isn't a new system $1000 or so?
Replace with new
Unless you have a CFC card you can't even buy 134. You need a vacumm pump to remove any air or moisture that may of gotten in to the system. Is there a stem to add any refrigerant? I fixed someone's cold machine and I had to add a stem before adding any refrigerant. Also I used R-404, my HVAC teacher wanted me to use it instead of R134. He thought R134 was dirty and would clog up over time. You don't need to replace your compressor or evaaporator. I would remove the system and have someone who knows what they are doing charge it.
Unless you have a CFC card you can't even buy 134. You need a vacumm pump to remove any air or moisture that may of gotten in to the system. Is there a stem to add any refrigerant? I fixed someone's cold machine and I had to add a stem before adding any refrigerant. Also I used R-404, my HVAC teacher wanted me to use it instead of R134. He thought R134 was dirty and would clog up over time. You don't need to replace your compressor or evaaporator. I would remove the system and have someone who knows what they are doing charge it.
Bad Advice on Refrigerants
Bill, I am sure you mean will but, you either misunderstood the teacher or he was referring to a system that was designed for R404, and 134 is not a CFC it is an HFC. As far as I know HFC 134a is available in all states without a license. R404A is a blended HFC refrigerant designed to replace CFC R502 and is to be used in compressors containing Polyol Ester Oil. If someone were to follow your advice with a small unit like Greg has, in a warm climate bad things would happen due to the extreme high pressures. Check the Pressure Temperature charts on these refrigerants and you will see over a 100% increase in pressure with 404. I just finished an article for one of the boating magazines on how misinformed refrigeration technician’s are, this is costing boat owners thousands of dollars by not understanding the new refrigerants and their oils. It you need good advice get it from the manufacture of the system as training is not keeping up to changes in these industries. This reply is from the author of four books on boat refrigeration.
Bill, I am sure you mean will but, you either misunderstood the teacher or he was referring to a system that was designed for R404, and 134 is not a CFC it is an HFC. As far as I know HFC 134a is available in all states without a license. R404A is a blended HFC refrigerant designed to replace CFC R502 and is to be used in compressors containing Polyol Ester Oil. If someone were to follow your advice with a small unit like Greg has, in a warm climate bad things would happen due to the extreme high pressures. Check the Pressure Temperature charts on these refrigerants and you will see over a 100% increase in pressure with 404. I just finished an article for one of the boating magazines on how misinformed refrigeration technician’s are, this is costing boat owners thousands of dollars by not understanding the new refrigerants and their oils. It you need good advice get it from the manufacture of the system as training is not keeping up to changes in these industries. This reply is from the author of four books on boat refrigeration.
Richard, Please
Could you tell me anything about a propane based refridgerant that a technician put into my A/B Cold Machine. Is it, as claimed compatible with either oil.
Could you tell me anything about a propane based refridgerant that a technician put into my A/B Cold Machine. Is it, as claimed compatible with either oil.
HC290
J Baker, The refrigerants containing propane (HC290) I'm (somewhat) familiar with are replacements for R502 and should not be used in any version of the ColdMachine. Do you remember what color his refrigerant cylinder was?
J Baker, The refrigerants containing propane (HC290) I'm (somewhat) familiar with are replacements for R502 and should not be used in any version of the ColdMachine. Do you remember what color his refrigerant cylinder was?
Flammable Refrigerants
There are many new refrigerants out there and even some with flammable properties. Those with Propane/Butane may be expectable subject to narrowed use limits. Example there is a product R414 called hot shot that has a very small amount of butane in it. The EPA has listed Hot Shot on their acceptable SNAP list for automobile A/C systems. The EPA dues not approve refrigerants they evaluate them for effects on health, safety and air quality. Refrigerants used in boats unlike cars do not have high air flow through the bilge area and these flammables are heavier than air they could collect in the boat’s bilge. Because the EPA’s SNAP list dues not have a category for boat refrigeration to except or reject refrigerants, I have recommended that any amount of a flammable chemical in refrigerants was not acceptable. Without knowing the refrigerant name and number there is no way to tell if it is compatible with the oil in your compressor. If you have an old system and the original refrigerant was R12 then the oil would have been mineral. If the refrigerant added to the system was Hot Shot then it is listed as compatible. If it was Hot Shot, put in the system I would not be overly concerned, as there is less than ½ pound of it in your system and in that ½ pound there is only 1.5% of it butane. If the refrigerant is lost again and it probably will. I would repair the leak and put R12 refrigerant back in the system. What would concern me is if you can't determine what is in the system, straight Propane could be there, and you might not notice the differance. I do have a page in my web site on refrigerants. http://www.kollmann-marine.com
There are many new refrigerants out there and even some with flammable properties. Those with Propane/Butane may be expectable subject to narrowed use limits. Example there is a product R414 called hot shot that has a very small amount of butane in it. The EPA has listed Hot Shot on their acceptable SNAP list for automobile A/C systems. The EPA dues not approve refrigerants they evaluate them for effects on health, safety and air quality. Refrigerants used in boats unlike cars do not have high air flow through the bilge area and these flammables are heavier than air they could collect in the boat’s bilge. Because the EPA’s SNAP list dues not have a category for boat refrigeration to except or reject refrigerants, I have recommended that any amount of a flammable chemical in refrigerants was not acceptable. Without knowing the refrigerant name and number there is no way to tell if it is compatible with the oil in your compressor. If you have an old system and the original refrigerant was R12 then the oil would have been mineral. If the refrigerant added to the system was Hot Shot then it is listed as compatible. If it was Hot Shot, put in the system I would not be overly concerned, as there is less than ½ pound of it in your system and in that ½ pound there is only 1.5% of it butane. If the refrigerant is lost again and it probably will. I would repair the leak and put R12 refrigerant back in the system. What would concern me is if you can't determine what is in the system, straight Propane could be there, and you might not notice the differance. I do have a page in my web site on refrigerants. http://www.kollmann-marine.com
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