Fridge Problem

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Capt_Scarlet

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Our 12V compressor-driven fridge / cool box is not working properly - compressor seems to be running, compressor housing (domed saucepan sized bit) gets very hot - just about tolerable to touch, and the bit in the ice-box gets only slightly cool.

This is not acceptable performance for beer storage.

The unit may be up to 20 years old and is probably made by Danfoss.

Any suggestions as to nature of fault, whether it is worth repairing and recommendations for repairers (Solent area) would be most welcome.

Thank you.
 
We have the same problem - suspect you may have a gas leak so the compressor is not pumping the gas around (either that or a blockage on the evaporator plate).

Not sure on anyone local - but a general fridge engineer will be able to re-gas it for you.

Jonny
 
Have got the same problem also. Getting someone to re-gas might be a problem as the old Danfoss BD 2.5 may have R12 gas which has been phased out as environmentally unfriendly. Seems the answer is a replacement compressor.

That was the answer I got when trying to get mine fixed. Hope that is the wrong info but doubt it.

Donald
 
We had the same problem on our recent holiday which is why our propeller fell off!! Don't ask /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Compressor running (not as hot as yours) and fridge temp. only 12 ish or would eventually reach 6 if left on all the time. Which is why the propeller fell off! No, please don't ask /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Had it re-gassed and all well. Can't help you with the specific manufacturer but the guy came on board with a HUGE gas bottle which he simply connected to a pipe on the compressor. I imagine that providing your connection is 'universal' the make is incidental.
 
I said don't ask /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif .

1. Took prop off winter time to replace anode. Volvo saildrives have a cone and a long SS bolt to hold the prop on.

2. APPARENTLY ... even though it looks brand new, you have to replace the bolt with a new one as there is a tiny tiny hole in the thread filled with some sort of Loctite.

3. I didn't

4. I didn't know /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

5. Planned to spend 5 days wibbling round The Morbihan so fridge was full of food ... not beer /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

6. Picked up a bouy

7. SWMBO says ''milk going off'' Notice that fridge seems to be on a lot longer than usual = excessive battery drain.

8. Run engine to keep service battery topped up.

9. Had read 300 years ago that diesel engines shouldn't be run on tickover as it glazes the bores so....

10. ran it in reverse for an hour a day just above tickover. Sitting on a bouy this was fine.

11. Got ready to leave ...cast off ... engaged gear ...

You may have guessed the rest /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif


I wish you hadn't asked ... off to the drinks cabinet now /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
One question re the gassing though - I was told that re-gassing may cure the problem, but as the system is sealed, the necessity of a re-gas shows there is clearly a leak somewhere which needs to be addressed when the system is re-gassed or in 6 / 12 months time you'll be back to square one (ableit hopefully with a prop attached! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )
 
Lesson learnt:
In order to prevent bore glazing in diesel engines running at low revs to charge the batteries to operate a fridge that has not enough gas because the gas has leaked out and therefor the beer is not getting cold enough always engage the FORWARD gear!
 
Good point Jonny. In my best Franglais I asked the guy if a unit 5 years old should need a re-gas. He kind of said yes and no. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Apparently not unusual but I am sure there are lots of units out there that have never needed it. From memory mine is a Waeco and freezes the food now at the bottom of the fridge if set mega low. Guess it's working then /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Most likely you have lost your gas. This can be replaced in situ if your have a nearby regassing service. Or you'll have to do as I did and haul the whole kit out and send it for regassing!

Irritating, and you will not match my comment with what you feel is happening, but it's the most likely explanation for what you describe!

PWG
 
There are replacements for r12.Getting some one to come to your boat to repair another problem.some friges have very small leaks which can never be found a top up may last several years.2 or 3 hours labour on the boat testing for the leak and repair plus travel time at say £30 an hour.Get the picture.How much is a new unit.
 
on any fridge system you can tell how effective it is by feeling the TEMERATURE DIFFERENCE across the cooling matrix or water-cooled pipe. If there's little or no difference it's not working and may either have got water in the gas or lost it's gas charge (water in the gas will freeze on the evaporator nozzle and block it) Gassing up - apart from the ozone layer, the gas has to be compatible with the oil used for the original charge as well, so make sure he uses the stuff on the label. When he comes to the boat, he should connect a vacuum pump to the system and some guages. this should be run for a considerable time (hours) to totally evacuate and dry the system before gassing up. This is especially true with screw-together kits like Waeco.
 
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