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

[Hans Dose]

I installed the same Nova Kool package as John (LT201 condensing unit w/
BT6 compressor) last week purchased from Sure Marine
https://www.suremarineservice.com/Galley/Ice-Box-Conversion/   It was easy
to install and I only needed a helper a few minutes to push/guide the lines
& thermostat wire through thtube to the aft lazarette.  It has a smaller
footprint than the Adler Barbour unit. The whole process took a couple of
hours.

My old unit went bad because of improper installation.  I called Nova Kool
support because the manual was vague on insulation placement. The
insulation is supposed to be placed where it enters the tube from the ice
box AFTWARD.  My original unit has the insulation in the box right up to
the condensing unit. The line developed lots of corrosion within
the insulation as it stayed wet.  Also, don't mount the new thermostat near
the top where it's convenient.  You'll have a surprise when you go to close
the thick lid (don't ask me how I know).

Hans Dose
1999 Hull #569 "King's X"

On Mon, Dec 6, 2021 at 10:11 AM John morrison <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>
wrote:

> 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
> >
>
>