[C320-list] Adler Barbour Recharge Help

[warren updike]

Joe, it's important to know what type of refrigerant the unit was originally
charged with. The older units used R12 (Freon) that is difficult to get.
Generally only the professional service people have it and it is EXPENSIVE.
The later units, hopefully, use R134 which is most likely what's used in
your car and can be bought along with the gages in an auto store. Their
might even have been other types used between R12 and R134. BTW, the gage
sets are different for R12 and R134, as are the connectors to prevent
mistakes.

Do not replace R12 with R134 unless the system is properly purged. They
don't mix well.  Even a small amount of R12 left in the hoses can be a
problem.

If the ID plate on your unit doesn't state what type of refrigerant is used,
take the serial no. and call the company. I did and they were quite helpful.
Save your questions for them if you call. Sorry, I don't appear to have the
phone no. here at home.

I have not recharged my own unit and am not knowledgeable on the process.
The above is only what I have learned while investigating the issue.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay



-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph A Tamucci [mailto:jtamucci at comcast.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 9:06 PM
To: C320 LIST POST
Subject: [C320-list] Adler Barbour Recharge Help

Last year I had a refer tech come and recharge my Adler Barbour cold machine
for $145.  He didn't detect any leaks in the system and it worked fine all
year.  This spring I turned on the frig and the compressor works fine but no
perking sound in the ice box and it won't cool.  Obviously there's a small
leak in the system that can't be detected.  I watched the tech and he just
used a set of hoses with a gauge and used AC refrigerant that I saw at Wal
Mart.  I don't remember exactly what he did and I don't know where to
purchase the hose/gauge setup he had.  I'm sure I can do it myself and I'd
rather not spend the money on a new machine if I can just recharge once a
year.

 

Can anyone provide me with info. on where to by the hose/gauge set and also
the process used to recharge the system?  

 

Thanks,

 

Joe Tamucci Andante #619