[C320-list] Reefer Problems

[jjemail at comcast.net]

Hank,

Your problem is a bit different than mine was. Over the last couple of years 
I noticed that the refrigerator would occasionally shut down and restart on 
its own, usually while I was away from the boat. I knew this was happening 
because I would go down to the boat and find that the unit was running normally, but the freezer was completely defrosted. This spring it stopped working altogether. The circuit board in the controller had shorted out. The 
Waeco/Alder Barbour/Danfoss replacement controller was backordered 
everywhere so I bought and installed a controller from Great Water. The 
refrigerator works better than ever. Their part number is FB-E-E254412 and 
it cost $200. Installation was fairly simple even though their controller 
does not use the original mounting holes (use wire ties) and requires that 
you crimp some different connectors to the 6 wires that connect it to the 
thermostat, fan and 12 volts. If that sounds challenging, you might have a 
simpler installation if you try purchasing the Waeco part from Defender 
(#401824?), but it does not look like the original controller either. Maybe 
it uses the same mounting holes.

Good luck.

JeffC


-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Adam Weiner" <esquirecatering at rcn.com> 

> We put a 5 inch square vent in front of the motor unit and that greatly 
> decreased the problem. I have hull 218. 
> 
> Adam 
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com 
> [mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Henry LeSieur 
> Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 5:22 PM 
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com 
> Subject: [C320-list] Reefer Problems 
> 
> 
> Our Adler/Barbour reefer is 11 years old. It is barely cooling, even at 
> the highest setting. I had a refrigeration mechanic check it out 
> recently. The freon levels are normal and it has not lost any since I 
> had it recharged 3 years ago. The only problem we could find was the 
> positioning of the unit. It was installed up against the port locker 
> bulkhead with approximately 1/2 inch of space for air circulation. I was 
> able to move it aft approximately 3 more inches. There has been no 
> discernable improvement in performance. 
> 
> On previous threads I have read about a replacement part that others 
> have purchased to improve the performance of the reefer. It might have 
> been referred to as a "controller" but I'm not sure. 
> 
> Perhaps someone knows something about what I'm referring to. Any 
> assistance or information would be greatly appreciated. 
> 
> Hank 
> #331 
> 
>