[C320-list] Fridge compressor replacement

[Jack Brennan]

When I bought my 1998 320 about two years ago, the fridge was dead.

My first thought was to repair it, but I was persuaded that the new units are so much more efficient that it would be foolish to do so.

I bought a new Adler/Barbour Cold Machine for maybe $1,400 or $1,500 total from Defender. It was as advertised. Even in hot (and currently  covid-ridden!) Florida, it doesn’t seem to consume more than about 50 amps a day, although I’ve never felt the need to actually measure.

My only problem in two years has been a thermostat that went out. Adler/Barbour sent me a new one for free. I installed it in 30 minutes.

I installed the system myself in a good part of a day, working slowly and cautiously because I’d never dealt with refrigeration before. Despite some jitters, it went well and I was glad I didn’t pay a pro 1K or more for the installation. 

The new Cold Machine has quick-connect lines that make it almost impossible for you to lose the refrigerant, which used to be the most common problem.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.








Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Graeme Clark
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2020 4:38 PM
To: Catalina list
Subject: [C320-list] Fridge compressor replacement

24 years wasn’t a bad life but my compressor/condenser unit has finally given up. 

It still runs actually but has corroded away in its rather exposed position underneath the gas locker and lost all the refrigerant!

It’s really not a great location ( I think) and I’m thinking of siting the replacement elsewhere. Not least because the installation will be substantially cheaper if I can keep the pipe run under 6ft

Has anyone done this and where did you put it? Were you able to reuse the thermostat and evaporator plate inside the fridge or did you have to replace everything?

Did you do it yourself or use an installer?

All thoughts welcome

Graeme
#366
1996
“Jaskar”
Falmouth, UK



Sent from my phone. Excuse typos!