Used Crosby holding plate system. Should I buy?

[Richard Mogford]

I may be able to buy a complete Crosby holding plate system with both 110v and engine driven compressors for about $850. It is off an 1979 CSY sailboat and was apparently only lightly used. I don't know much about refrigeration, but have a friend who does. Is this a good unit and price?Please send an email to richard.h.mogford@nasa.gov

 

[Phil Williams]

OLD CROSBY UNIT

The system you described uses R-12 which is very expensive to purchase. The condition of the system can be deceptive, the outside may look great but the inside can be contaminated due to moisture. If the system had been installed and never taken out of the boat and there was refrigerant in the system the entire time it may be in good condition. I would suggest doing a compression test on both compressors to see if they have the ability to pull a vacuum and build high head pressure. In 1979 that system sold for around $3,000Phil

 

[Joe]

Old Crosby system does not need R12

I have serviced many CSY boats here in Florida as well as many other types of boats and systems. I use 409a refrigerant instead of the R12. Its a direct replacement for R12. The 409a is about 10% more efficient then the 134a used in everything today. The only drawback to 409a is that it is part of the CFC/HCFC phase out and is to be phased out in the year 2030. I find its much more stable then 134a. The cost of 409a is about the same as 134a so its not at all expensive.Joe