[C320-list] Fridge not chilling as effectively…where to start?

[John morrison]

I replaced my Adler Barbour fridge a cuppla years back with the Nova Kool, LT201; BT6. The old unit was still functional ( I sold it to my dock neighbour, and it is still working, but he did have a refrigeration tech recharge it) but wanted a newer more efficient model. The Nova Kool has four running settings and the current draw goes from 2.3amps to 6.5amps ( the Adler Barbour runs at 6amps). I run it at the 2.3amp speed, takes a bit longer is all. The new unit cost about $1200 CAD. I wrote an installation piece which should be on our Members website. Anyhow it’s not difficult.
JohnM
1999#574
> On Nov 29, 2021, at 7:29 PM, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi David:
> 
> The immediate educated guess is that you have developed some small refrigerant leak, or perhaps have just run low over time. While I have met people who have done their own refrigerant work, it’s way beyond my skills and, I suspect, that of many people on the list.
> 
> Then it comes down to the cost of repair vs. replace. If you can find a reasonably priced repair person, it might be worth spending a hundred or two to get an assessment.
> 
> The trouble comes in if it’s a repair that runs into the many hundreds. A new unit with evaporator can be had for about $1,400 U.S. At some point, it becomes more sensible to just buy the new unit and get the updated, more efficient technology.
> 
> The good news is that replacing the unit is not difficult.
> 
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows
> 
> From: David Hayes
> Sent: Monday, November 29, 2021 7:09 PM
> To: C320 Assn Forum
> Subject: [C320-list] Fridge not chilling as effectively…where to start?
> 
> Hi all,
> Our fridge has always (ok, we've only owned the boat for 3 years but...) worked very effectively and we have always found that we have ice cubes after just a few hours.  But on our last couple of trips it was not quite as effective, and on a short trip this weekend it did not manage to freeze the ice cube tray at all even though we had it on full all day/night.  It is cooling, but just not as well as it normally does.  The weather is quite mild here at the moment so no environmental factors of note.
> I believe it's the original fridge which I think is the Adler Barbour...2006 model boat.  Compressor etc is located in stern port locker on the shelf.
> For some reason it's about the only appliance on the boat for which I do not seem to have a manual.
> 
> Any thoughts appreciated regards where I should start to investigate given the symptoms.
> 
> __________________
> David Hayes
> 2006 Catalina 320 Harlequin
> Mobile: 0478 956 056<tel:0478%20956%20056>
> 20 Cooks Outlet Road
> Loch Vic 3945
> Australia
>