Hello Community - Any suggestions of a good process to check if my 2005 Adler Barbour refrigerator needs servicing (if that's even an option) or replacement? The system cooled down only to about 42 degrees even with pre-cooling down to 58, and with contents precooled and/or frozen from home before putting them in. We ran if for roughly 2 hours each day. Ambient temps in the cabin were roughly 78 in the day, 70 at night. Over the course of 3 days it wouldn't even maintain 42 degrees, although we were very careful with opening the cover, etc.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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"Gra-Sea"
East Greenwich, RI
2005 C36 MkII #2224
Tall Rig/Fin Keel/M35B
I would check the fan and radiator to confirm that they are clean and not covered in dust or dirt. That might be contribute to not keeping the fridge at the temperature you expect.
S/V SUNDOG
Homeport: Kingston, ON
2003 Catalina 36 MKII #2134
Wing Keel
Two hours would not be enough to cool down the interior of the box. I'll turn ours on at the beginning of the season and let it run for at least 24 hours before I expect to reach a good number and leave it running for the season. We also added 2 inches of insulation on the inside. Check the insulation on the edge of the opening. You might want to have the "freon" checked.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
I agree with David. It's really a "leave it on the whole time you are using it" situation. 2 hours a day won't get the job done.
Dale and Nikki
1998 C36 mkII SR hailing from Poulsbo, WA
1989 C25 TR/WK
It sounds to me you need to have it serviced. I replaced original many years ago and bought Kollmann's book on refrigeration along with gauges and recharge freon. I'm on a mooring not plugged in on a dock. Run most of the day, solar seems to keep the battery up fridge is about 40 degrees usually have ice within 2-3 hours. Haven't recharged in 3-4 years.
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
Thanks everyone. All valuable info. I've started with the easiest approaches first. I removed the grill in the galley and the condenser coils were indeed largely obstructed with dust and dirt. Fan ran fine. I vacuumed out the condenser coils and ran for 85 minutes with the cockpit locker open for improved ventilation. The temp dropped from 78 to 42 deg, and even though the icebox was empty, this is improved performance. I'll next try just running it longer, with contents, when underway, and tying up to a dock the night before a cruise to run it for 24 hrs (we're on a mooring).
"Gra-Sea"
East Greenwich, RI
2005 C36 MkII #2224
Tall Rig/Fin Keel/M35B
I have one other comment to add. Our refrigerator guy has always told us it is hard on the system to always be turning it on and off, such as weekend trips etc.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
Leave refrigerator on ALL the time. When refrigerator is left off, the insulation will slowly, very slowly gain ambient temperature. It takes a lot of energy and time to cool that insulation.
peter g
2000 C36, MK2, Hull. #1897
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! ! !. 5 th Catalina