So I put a gauge on my Cruiseair AC unit

[k9medic]

I started getting a LO PS reading on my 16,000 btu Cruiseair AC unit about 3 weeks ago. The compressor has been pretty loud since I bought the boat 3.5 years ago and the unit is original - 1998.

The weekend I borrowed a gauge from a friend and here are the readings -

Low/suction side when compressor is running - 15psi.
High side when compressor is running - 105psi.

Looking at the charts it appears that low side should be around 65psi and high side should be 225 or so?

Am I reading these correctly? I'm temped to just add some R22 but I also know 20 years on an AC is pushing it and I might just bite the bullet and buy a new unit.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Call Mike Potter at Noah’s Ark. Very knowledgeable and helpful professional.‭(321) 403-1466‬

 

[Maggieiscrazy]

Make sure your filter is clean and your evaporator coil is not frosted up. That will drastically effect refrigerant pressures. But 15/105 psi is way too low for r22. 65psi suction and 225psi discharge sounds about right but pressures are effected by condenser temperature and evaporator temperature. You should find a chart that takes these values into account. Or go by your superheat. But it looks like you are definitely low on refrigerant. Don't buy a new unit. By the way I have over 35 years in the refrigeration industry.

 

[Rocket]

For proper charging you need to calculate the subcooling of the condenser along with the superheat. They both go together for proper charging. My recommendation is to find your leak first. Then repair, evacuate and recharge per nameplate on the unit. If you don't have the knowledge or means for proper charging and calculations and just want to gas and go, then for R-22 you want to target a 40 Degree evaporator or 68 PSIG on the suction side and hope for the best.

 

[Robski97]

LOL... u really just tell him to check his superheat and sub cooling ? Man I love u!
Yea do what Rocket said ... 68 psi on the blue gauge . Currently its at like 38 . I'm not liking ur head pressure though. How warm is the water the boats in.

 

[k9medic]

Sorry for the delay guys.

The water is about 72 degrees constant. I decided to pull this unit and replace it with a new one. I have the old one out and am thinking about having it serviced and then reselling it.

Now my aft AC is acting up just the same. It too say s LO PS.

Why would both go bad in a months time?

 

[Steve S]

Now my aft AC is acting up just the same. It too say s LO PS.

Why would both go bad in a months time?

Just to drive you crazy?