Turned refrigerator into an icebox - By mistake

OS2Dude

OS2Dude

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May 7, 2011
239
Catalina 36 1430 Lake Lanier
We have a Norcold 'L' shaped refrigerator in our 1985 Catalina 30. (Not sure of the model) It had iced in some items and while I was trying to chip them out either I or some ice ruptured the cooling plate. :eek:

Anyone have experience fixing this kind of issue? Can it be, or will the whole thing need to be replaced since FREON was outlawed? (I assume it used FREON.) :bang:

If the whole thing needs replaced, any thoughts on if we should keep with the Norcold unit or go to something else? I would really like something that didn't ice up all the time.

Thanks
 
woodster

woodster

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Sep 15, 2009
6,244
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
i don't think they make frost free units for boats our size so you will just have to do it like in the old days defrost from time to time and next time use a hair dryer instead of ice pic :D
 
J

JohnShannon

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Jan 4, 2010
1,037
Farr 30 San Francisco
No expert, but I think R134a is an acceptable replacement for Freon, but you will need a new evaporator.

My boat electric guy says the new stuff is way better. So there is the "forced upgrade" possibility.
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

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Feb 10, 2004
4,233
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
The amount of ice you get is dependent upon how good the seals work, how often you open the refrigerator, and how humid it is.

Regarding a repair, I would expect that you can buy a new evaporator (L-shaped unit) and get the system recharged. Freon is not outlawed, it is still available. Depending upon whether it is the old R-12 or the newer R-134, you may be able to do it yourself or you may have to hire a licensed tech to recharge it.
 
B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,213
CC 30 South Florida
Frost is an issue of the fridge lid gaskets, an efficient running unit and how often you reach for that beer. A costly lesson; never chip away ice with a pointy instrument but allow the ice to melt. A well running an insulated unit should not ice up very frequently.
 
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