Refrigerator Replacement

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dpower
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Joined: 6/20/08
Posts: 237
Refrigerator Replacement

After 19 years of almost continuous running, it appears that it is time to replace the original Adler Barbour Cold Machine.  We noticed last spring that the compressor was beginning to draw more than usual, which our technician said was indicative of the bearings getting old.  Then, just now, having had to turn the system off for out of water servicing of the boat and dealing with this hurricane season, it would not cool.  The technician had to recharge the system after his "snifter" detected a leak.  It did cool the box down quickly and is currently maintaining about 35 degrees with the box empty.  The technician suggested we consider replacement before our cruising season begins.  Apparently, the newer generation compressors are much more efficient in amp usage and there are many options available at a cost less than the Adler Barbour.  One requirement is that it has a box evaporator to make ice and hold frozen foods. The original system worked quite well in that regard.  We do not want a vertical ice tray system either.  I have looked at Isotherm through Defender.  With the age of our boats,  I am sure some of you have had to address this issue.  Any recommendations/suggestions would be appreciated.

David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL

dpower
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Joined: 6/20/08
Posts: 237
It's been almost 3 weeks since our Cold Machine was recharged and it is running better than expected. Our technician said that it is a very slow leak and the system could last more than a year before needing a recharge. He added that a recharge is a lot less expensive than a new system. Actually, it is now drawing only 1.7 amps/hr on average. We also reinstated the inside of the box. Although not directly related to this topic, our one year old semi=flexible panels were recalled and the new ones are exceeding our original expectations, producing more than 7 amps/hr. It covers the operation of the refrigerator during the day and puts back in the majority of the night consumption. Th he Isotherm system was going to be a perfect replacement with minor modification in mounting the evaporator. When needed, that is the system we will use.

David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL

bakerha's picture
bakerha
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Joined: 7/23/10
Posts: 267

David:  I'm impressed that your Cold Machine is running at 1.7 amps and keeping the frig that cold.
I have the same unit and it runs almost constantly at 4.8 to 5.6 amps.  Maybe I should have mine looked at too?  Also interested in your flex solar panel if you would share info on that.  I'm doing Solar in the Spring to keep from having to run the generator so often. 
We also heard the same comment from a vendor at Strictly Sail Chicago about the new compressors being much better on the Amp usage.  A little pricey though and I hate to replace things that are working.

_____________
Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP

dpower
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Joined: 6/20/08
Posts: 237
We are using two 95 watt Gioco semi flexible panels mounted on our bikini, in front of the back stays, using Velcro. We are also using a Genasun controller on each panel. In essence, we have two separate systems. If the output on one panel is affected by shading, we still have the other panel unaffected. We also reinsulated the inside of the box with material from Home Depot. We also keep insulation pads over the top doors. Recently, relying solely on the panels, over 24 hours our net consumption was .8 amps/hr, for a total of about 18 amps. We are hopeful that in late winter/spring our net consumption is 0. Now during full sun, the panels easily meet the needs of the refrigerator.

David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL

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