Refrigerator not getting cold

P

Peter Brito

New Member
Aug 16, 2018
9
Boat Info
240 dundancer
Engines
5.0 Mercruiser
Hi everyone.... my 2004 240 sundancer the refrigerator is not getting cold.

Any advice ? Can I get recharged or I need to buy a new refrigerator?

thanks in advance
 
Just a guess but it isnt that common that a closed system fridge needs recharging. Not saying it doesnt happen but its more likely you have a voltage problem. Depending upon the type of fridge, check for 12vdc at the back of the fridge. Most boat fridges are either 12vdc or dual voltage 110ac/12vdc. Even the dual voltage works on 12vdc and has an inverter box. I could be wrong. There are a lot of experts on here
 
Phasma said:
Just a guess but it isnt that common that a closed system fridge needs recharging. Not saying it doesnt happen but its more likely you have a voltage problem. Depending upon the type of fridge, check for 12vdc at the back of the fridge. Most boat fridges are either 12vdc or dual voltage 110ac/12vdc. Even the dual voltage works on 12vdc and has an inverter box. I could be wrong. There are a lot of experts on here
Click to expand...

yeah I try doing both, using the 12v and shore power no cooling.
 
Does the compressor run? Do you here a hissing sound? What make and model is the fridge?

check for GFI outlets buried in cabinets. Make sure they arent tripped. My 360 has one in the bathroom cabinet. If it is tripped the fridge and freezer quit
 
The refrigerator run but do not get cold cold
The brand is norcold.
 

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Sounds like the refrigerant has leaked out if the compressor is running. They are a closed system and not made to add R134a which is what they are charged with. I took what is called a “Bullet Piercing Valve” and put it on the low pressure side of the unit and put in some refrigerant. I initially put too much in and created too much pressure. Finally figured out the pressure should be between -2(vacuum) and +2psi. After bleeding off the refrigerant it ran for a short time and the compressor gave it up. I think when I overcharged it, I damaged the compressor. You can find a HVAC guy and give this a shot. I have heard of this working.

Bennett
 
bbwhitejr said:
Sounds like the refrigerant has leaked out if the compressor is running. They are a closed system and not made to add R134a which is what they are charged with. I took what is called a “Bullet Piercing Valve” and put it on the low pressure side of the unit and put in some refrigerant. I initially put too much in and created too much pressure. Finally figured out the pressure should be between -2(vacuum) and +2psi. After bleeding off the refrigerant it ran for a short time and the compressor gave it up. I think when I overcharged it, I damaged the compressor. You can find a HVAC guy and give this a shot. I have heard of this working.

Bennett
Click to expand...

Thank you all for the tips Intook the refrigerator out the boat and I’m taking to work for a friend with refrigeration background to investigate and see if can be saved. mid not I will have to look for a new fridge.

where is the best place to get one and not have to give a kidney away ?
 
Not sure those unicorns exist. Before you read on and click the links I am sending you, grab a stiff drink, sit down and brace yourself. This will make your butt cheeks tighten...

I would also check fpmarine.com for prices

https://www.defender.com/search.html?q=refrigerator
https://www.westmarine.com/marine-refrigerators
https://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/categories/boat-marine/boat-appliances/refrigerator-freezers
https://citimarinestore.com/en/320-dometic-marine-refrigerators-freezers
https://www.amazon.com/Norcold-Nr751Bb-Dc-Refer-2-7/dp/B00J3NW288/?tag=marinetalking-20

you could also call Wolf Marine in St Joseph Michigan. They have a huge marine warehouse at decent prices on some things
 
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Thank you everyone!!! I will keep you all posted on the outcome.
 
And many are stainless steel and make for a nice upgrade, granted, you lose a boat $, but that’s par for the territory.
 
Thank you all the refrigerator is shot
Bad compressor and board.

thanks for all the tips
 
Peter Brito said:
yeah I try doing both, using the 12v and shore power no cooling.
Click to expand...
We just had to replace ours too, doing the same thing. The replacement is a Norcold np751. We got it from West Marine but I found it on line much cheaper after we bought ours.
 
I feel your pain. Last year the refrigerator and icemaker both went out within 6 weeks of each other in the middle of the season. I just searched online for the cheapest price. Amazon for the icemaker. West Marine was cheapest for the refrigerator. I think my last email from Defender had refrigerators on sale.
 
With many problems, the refrigerator cools poorly, but not so much that it is immediately noticeable. Probably earlier, you could notice a reduction in the shelf life of perishable products: milk and meat. They are sensitive to an increase in temperature, even by a couple of degrees. I have addressed a similar situation to https://musiccityappliance.services/, which helped me fix the problem. I think you should contact them or another workshop to repair household appliances.
 
330DA said:
I feel your pain. Last year the refrigerator and icemaker both went out within 6 weeks of each other in the middle of the season. I just searched online for the cheapest price. Amazon for the icemaker. West Marine was cheapest for the refrigerator. I think my last email from Defender had refrigerators on sale.
Click to expand...
strange but my mother had a refrigerator from the 1930s or so (before they has non locking doors on refrigerators) but it is still working today. I find it odd that they can build something back then that is better quality than today. Actually it angers me of this planned obsolescence. most appliances today last 5 years and then it dies (bad board that costs more to repair than a new one costs). that should be criminal, sorry end of rant
 
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