Freezer plate not freezing completley

[Caladh]

Per the heading. I’m guessing there must be a leak in the letter box Frigoboat freezer compartment I have. It dates from 1996 ish. Can I assume the compressor would be ok if I just replace the letter box ?

 

[Clancy Moped]

What state are the seals in on the lid/door?

 

[Slowboat35]

The letterbox is merely an evaporator, it's most unlikely there is anything wrong with it.
The usual cause of a fridge failing to get cold with the compressor running is simply that it's leaked out its gas, not surprising in a 1996 unit. The solution is simply to re-gas it. Any fridge engineer can do that and some units can be re-gassed DIY. Youtube will have tutorials.
There are numerous threads here on this subject if you search for them.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I have a Frigoboat fridge and freezer setup

First check the connectors on the various components to ensure the is no leaks

It is lack of gas that causes the issue you quote so it has leaked out soone where and the connectors are a point to check before going for regassing

 

[vyv_cox]

Stab-in connectors always leak a little and cannot be fitted on new equipment. Re gassing will probably solve it but ideally the connectors should be brazed. This may help Recharging marine refrigeration systems

 

[superheat6k]

You mention 1996 ish - R12 was phased out in 1997, so your fridge would have been made in the transition period from R12 to R134a, so could be on R12, in which case R134a will not work, unless you can somehow drain the original oil and replace with a POE oil grade.

There were some direct replacements for R12, but as the gas has been gone so long now, so also have those interim solutions, e.g. Isceon 49 (R413A) or Isceon 49 plus (R437A). I have had a look on line and this would only be available from refrigeration wholesalers, so would only be available in at least 12 kg cylinders, and would require you to hold F Gas company registration to purchase it. I expect it will be at least £50 or more per kg.

The fridge on my 1991 boat is on R12, and could do with some gas adding, but R12 is just not available, although using it (i.e. adding it to a system) is illegal, although it remains perfectly OK to continue to run functioning equipment containing R12.

If your's is marked R134a then yes a re-charge might help (note that after 27 years it could be the compressor is worn out), but not before the cause of the loss is established and resolved. For a fridge of this age this is likely beyond economic recovery.

 

[Caladh]

You mention 1996 ish - R12 was phased out in 1997, so your fridge would have been made in the transition period from R12 to R134a, so could be on R12, in which case R134a will not work, unless you can somehow drain the original oil and replace with a POE oil grade.

There were some direct replacements for R12, but as the gas has been gone so long now, so also have those interim solutions, e.g. Isceon 49 (R413A) or Isceon 49 plus (R437A). I have had a look on line and this would only be available from refrigeration wholesalers, so would only be available in at least 12 kg cylinders, and would require you to hold F Gas company registration to purchase it. I expect it will be at least £50 or more per kg.

The fridge on my 1991 boat is on R12, and could do with some gas adding, but R12 is just not available, although using it (i.e. adding it to a system) is illegal, although it remains perfectly OK to continue to run functioning equipment containing R12.

If your's is marked R134a then yes a re-charge might help (note that after 27 years it could be the compressor is worn out), but not before the cause of the loss is established and resolved. For a fridge of this age this is likely beyond economic recovery.

Compressor is a BD35 taking R134a