[C320-list] Refrigerator Replacement - 1995 Hull 268

[Jack Brennan]

Hi Cliff:

1) The veneer is just a couple of screws. I too had condensation when some of the plumber’s putty around the refrigerant tube went awry. It will cost you a couple of dollars to buy a new can, and all should be fine.
2) I bought the new model of the Adler-Barbour Cold Machine from Defender. Works fine and reasonably priced. Buy a new evaporator, too, because I believe the fittings have changed. I can’t speak for other models, but 320 owners seem reasonably pleased with them, too.
3) You’ll hold your breath at times, but it’s not difficult if you pay close attention to the directions and the threads here on how to run the tubing through the passage. You have to be able to climb down into the port stern locker and move around a little.
     
   These units are much more efficient than the old ones. I’m guessing I use 35-45 amps to keep the fridge running in a hot West Florida summer; much less than that around now. 

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




Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Cliff Lee
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021 11:56 AM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com TtS
Subject: [C320-list] Refrigerator Replacement - 1995 Hull 268

It is time to replace the fridge after 25 years.  While I think the
evaporator may be the problem, better to replace in whole and get the
efficiency improvement.  I've read a lot of the threads on the C320 site,
but I would appreciate your thoughts on:
1.  There is a long, thin wood veneer running along the port side of our
aft berth, about 2 feet above the mattress.  We have routinely had moisture
at the forward point of the veneer over the years.  I suspect it may be
condensation around the refrigerant tubing leaving the fridge, but don't
really know.  I can't find any other leaks in that area.  I am thinking I
may need to remove that veneer anyway to gain access to run the new
refrigerant tubing from the fridge to the port aft locker where our
compressor/condenser is/will be.  Does this sound right and how difficult
is it to remove that veneer?
2.  Suggestions for make/model of fridge?  We currently have an older
Adler-Barbour evaporator mounted vertically on the left side (looking in)
of the fridge compartment, with the compressor and condenser on a shelf in
the aft port locker - that seems like a good spot for us, since there is a
lot of room for cooling air circulation.
3.  How difficult is this project really?  I'm not looking forward to
contorting myself but have been told it is not bad and costs for
professional installation can be pretty high.

Thanks,
Cliff Lee - Comfort Zone 1995 - Hull 268