Time for a Charge

[George]

I have an AB in my ice box. I suspect one of the fittings came loose due to boat vibration and I lost the charge (the fitting that goes to the ice box was loose). I was told by AB that the unit holds about 2 oz of R134. I have noticed in auto parts stores that I can purchase a can of 134 for about $10.00. A connection hose with shutoff is a few bucks more. Should I attempt this my self? Do I need to pull a vacuum first? What could go wrong? I figgured I would weigh the can before and after to check on the amount sucked up.

 

[Jon Bastien]

I'm not sure, but...

I think the system will need to be vacuumed down first, for maximum efficiency.--Jon BastienH23 '2 Sheets to the Wind'

 

[George Henry]

Maybe?

If you have a access connection (looks like a tire air valve with a plastic or brass cap) you can check to to see if system is still under pressure. Be careful escaping gas can frost bite you. If under pressure, no need to pump down system.If no pressure system could have air in it. It is now necessary pump down to remove all noncondensibles or system will not perform properly.Best to find leak by pressurizing with nitrogen or dry CO2.This is a job for a refrigeration tech with a certification license.Small appliance repairman would be my choice, check at a local appliance dealer (not a national chain) and feel them out as to how experienced the tech is. I own a HVAC service company and I don't do my small appliances, there is enough of a difference in the controls and operation to warrant paying for an expert in the small appliance field. Besides my small appliance servicer charges about half my service rate and my techs wouldn't know where to start on the small stuff. "Remember Jack of all trades and master of none." "It's for a boat? Then it"s twice as much."May the wind fill your sails and your beer be cold!

 

[Bill Thomas]

RECHARGE

It is possible to service it yourself, but as the others have said, if it has air in the system, it will need to be evacuated. Even if it still under pressure, it may have air or moisture. This could happen if the leak is in the low pressure side of the system. The unit may have been operating in a vacuum and air and moisture would be pulled in.Also you will need to get the "schraeder" to "acme" adaptor to use the auto hose. Some kits include this, some don't.

 

[Ron Johnson]

Hydroscopic Refrigerant

If the atmosphere has invaded the system there is more than an even chance that the refrigerant has taken on moisture. Best completely purge and fill with fresh after the leak is fixed. Next item of business is the vibration. IS this an inboard? Check engine alignment and motor mounts.

 

[Jerry]

Vacum the system

You can do this yourself but there areseveral caveats.1) When you check to see if the system is still under pressure WEAR SAFTY GLASSES - If you get this stuff in your eye(s) it can freeze - literally - the surface of your eye causing blindness !!2) Vacum the system to remove any mosture there may be (any time one of these systems is 'opened' it should be pumped down)3) There should be some sort of dessicant bag somewhere in the system. This is to absorb mosture in the systemand it should either be dried out (in an oven) or replaced. You've seen this stuff before usually packaged with electronic gear in a packet saying 'do not eat' or something to that effect.4) One of the reasons for all the concern about moisture is, at least with R12 (the old stuff) freon and water formed a corrosive compound - not something you want in your system !!)Good LuckJerry