Uncool Cold Machine

[Dave]

I have an older R-12 A/B "Cold Machine" Refrigeration Unit on my 1992 Hunter 35.5. Beginning last season, I noticed the unit was not cooling as it had in prior years. The problem continued this year so I had the unit checked by a serviceman authorized to work with the now banned R-12. The problem points to the compressor and not to a leak in the system. Now, my questions:1.Can the compressor on the older units be broken apart to check/repair the seals? 2.Can just the compressor be replaced? 3.If a new compressor is not compatible with the R-12, can the R-12 be bled out of the existing lines, add new enviro-friendly approved refrigerant and then install a new compressor. My objective - besides cost - is to avoid replacing the lines and the evaporator if at all possible as the lines are very difficult to get at.I look forward to and thank you for your response.Daves/v Compass Rose

 

[Debra B]

check with A/B

I think the new compressors are compatible with the old refrigerant, but the old C. cannot use the new R.I don't think you can plug the old evaporator line into the new compressor. Check the Archives, as I believe this was a long discussion with the old A/B rep (who hosted a discussion here).A/B parts and service should be able to give you all the info. (Also check with the Europeans - they actually build the stuff)

 

[Richard]

Poor Performance

Have you cleaned or vacuumed the condenser coil? If the fan is in front of the unit you will need to remove the retaining screws and move the fan to the side to get access to the dusty area. Do not damage the fan wires. If there is adiquate cooling of the condenser the problem of poor cooling is more likely refrigerant charge not a bad compressor. Being authorized to use R12 refrigerant does not make a person knowledge to service these small units. After you check the air cooling run the system for an hour and see what parts are and what are not frosted. A properly serviced unit will have frost forming all over the evaporator with none returning on the line back to the compressor.Richard Kollmann, Author of boat refrigeration books