Bavaria 38 Ocean fridge conundrum

[AB1707]

We have a 1997 Ocean. We've had to replace the fridge with a fan assisted Waeco system.

The problem is that the new fridge is not retaining its temperature.

The gas has been checked and the pressure had been too high but it's fine now.

The temperature rises crazily quickly from 2deg to 8 deg in less than two minutes.

The walls are boxed in. Any ideas as to possible reasons we are all confused.

Thanks

Adam

 

[nigelmercier]

Not sure myself, but someone on my Bavaria Yacht Forum may have the same problem. See my signature.

 

[AB1707]

Thanks Nigel, I've posted on there and the CA technical forum.

Regards

 

[AB1707]

Hi all,

It took a while to solve but this has now been successfully completed.

We had two causes, during the investigations (Paul the Fridge, Haven Refrigeration - based in Ipswich)
changed the thermostat from the new air thermostat to the more common wire around the evaporation plate. In hindsight this created a further complication.
The real culprit was the auxiliary fan. The effect of this was to slow down the internal fan and prevent it doing its job. It was difficult to identify as it was still spinning and appeared to be working. This fault was causing the evaporation plate to clog up with ice.

The solution was to return the air controlled thermostat and disconnect the auxiliary fan. The fridge now works perfectly. I know many people including ourselves use auxiliary fans but for our system they need an independent power source.

Paul the Fridge was excellent. Throughout this he was helpful and reassuring. He followed the problem solving diligently, was always supportive and left us in no doubt that he wouldn't walk away from the job until we were happy. I cannot recommend him highly enough to other East Coast sailors.

Fair winds

Adam