Refrigeration ID help please

[reelmanmi]

Hello all,

I'm attempting to get the refrigeration unit on my 1976 E29 operating and it would be helpful to know whos unit I'm dealing with. Please see attached pics and if anything looks familiar please chime in.

The 12v fuse leading to the refrigeration unit is hot and good. The control unit obviously has issues.

Is this a savable unit, parts still available, was a POS even when new, "you're better off converting to a _ _ _ _"? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks from the Sacramento Delta / Bay.

 

[supersailor]

Sure Marine of Seattle is the best source of information and parts that I've found. Send them the info and pix.

You might want to think about changing that sink drain and hose. My boat was almost a total loss from a similar setup. I changed to a threaded drain and a stiff hose that can't bend over after damages of tens of thousand dollars. Also, double clamp the hose.

Good luck with the refer.

 

[kapnkd]

Hello all,

I'm attempting to get the refrigeration unit on my 1976 E29 operating and it would be helpful to know whos unit I'm dealing with. Please see attached pics and if anything looks familiar please chime in.

The 12v fuse leading to the refrigeration unit is hot and good. The control unit obviously has issues.

Is this a savable unit, parts still available, was a POS even when new, "you're better off converting to a _ _ _ _"? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks from the Sacramento Delta / Bay.

One of the more popular brands going was the Adler Barbor unit, which is still available as far as I know. Here's a link you can download their owners manual at:

http://realitycheck.me/docs/Adler Barbour Coldmachine Manual.pdf

LOTS of info and even drawings of suggested installations. What you want starts with Page 25 where a trouble shooting section starts and then on page 33 is a parts list. Hope this can be of help to you.

In reviewing Frank's recent post just below, here's the Norcold site for manuals...just pick your model:
http://www.thetford.com/customer-support/product-manuals/
-kerry

 

[Frank Langer]

I'm sure it's a Norcold Ice Box conversion kit, cause it looks identical to the one i have, though an older model. This is my second one--the first one lasted over 15 years, and my current one has been good for the past three with no issues or concerns. They work quite well, and if you can get it working again it would be worth it. A new one costs about $750.

There is a manual and troubleshooting tips on line if you do a Google search.

Frank

 

[reelmanmi]

Sure Marine of Seattle is the best source of information and parts that I've found. Send them the info and pix.

You might want to think about changing that sink drain and hose. My boat was almost a total loss from a similar setup. I changed to a threaded drain and a stiff hose that can't bend over after damages of tens of thousand dollars. Also, double clamp the hose.

Good luck with the refer.

Thanks Bob, for the lead and the heads up. I'll get on that drain pronto.

 

[reelmanmi]

One of the more popular brands going was the Adler Barbor unit, which is still available as far as I know. Here's a link you can download their owners manual at:

http://realitycheck.me/docs/Adler Barbour Coldmachine Manual.pdf

LOTS of info and even drawings of suggested installations. What you want starts with Page 25 where a trouble shooting section starts and then on page 33 is a parts list. Hope this can be of help to you.

In reviewing Frank's recent post just below, here's the Norcold site for manuals...just pick your model:
http://www.thetford.com/customer-support/product-manuals/
-kerry

Thanks Kerry and Frank, it's nice to at least know it's worth putting some time into.
After a bit of sleuthing, I would have to agree it looks like a Norcold SCQT 4408L and I'm looking for a 1601 182 40 Control Assy. to start. It looks as though it may be obsolete though.
I'll take Bobs suggestion and ck with the outfit he mentioned in Seattle.

Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[Frank Langer]

If you can't find the control assembly, let me know. I might have kept that piece from the older one I replaced, so it could be in my storage locker. It looks the same as in your pic, but I can't guarantee that I can find it or that it's correct.
But if you let me know, I'll start looking.
Frank

 

[reelmanmi]

If you can't find the control assembly, let me know. I might have kept that piece from the older one I replaced, so it could be in my storage locker. It looks the same as in your pic, but I can't guarantee that I can find it or that it's correct.
But if you let me know, I'll start looking.
Frank

Thanks for the magnanimous offer, Frank. I might have to take you up on it. I've been searching all afternoon and nothing.
I have an inquiry in to Sure Marine in Seattle as Bob suggested, but they probably wont get it till Monday.

I'm an auto/marine electrician by trade for the last 40 glorious tax paying years and as such would love to get my hands on a troubleshooting guide to make sure the rest of the unit's worthy.

As you can see by the pics they didn't exactly set it out in the open, but I'm sure I can get a test light and jumper in there somehow.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Frank Langer]

View attachment ncoldtekII Trouble Shooting Guide.pdf

Hi,
I have attached the Norcold Troubleshooting guide, which is quite detailed and would likely be very helpful given your electrical skills.

Frank

 

[reelmanmi]

View attachment 24085

Hi,
I have attached the Norcold Troubleshooting guide, which is quite detailed and would likely be very helpful given your electrical skills.

Frank

Holy Moly Rocky, I bet you can pull a rabbit outta your hat too!
Thanks Frank, I've already printed page nine and informed the bride she has tomorrow to herself.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the help I've gotten here in the last 24 hrs.

 

[Frank Langer]

I'm glad that's helpful. There are so many knowledgeable and helpful people on this site that have helped us all at different times. It's one of the great things about owning an Ericson, and keeps many of us visiting this site, even when we don't have a problem to solve. It's amazing what one can learn just by reading the posts daily--a great hobby!

Let us know if you are able to get your refrigeration unit working again.

Frank

 

[gengel]

Refrigeration Control

If you are not concerned with staying mechanical Rparts.com has a replacement digital controller package.

 

[Guy Stevens]

If and that is a big if all you need is a temperature controller $14

Go digital for $14.00 get it tomorrow on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JYXZP9U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Guy

 

[Guy Stevens]

Oh and that is a POD

That unit was poor when new, and I would bet also has leaks in the Evaporator panels (Most do after this age because the Aluminum corrodes). It probably isn't going to work no matter what you do, and it never worked good to begin with..

Call Dave At SeaFreeze of America and tell him Guy sent you. He makes the best units out there. You will be able to install it yourself, (Unless you have no hands only fish fins, or pirate hooks or something like that).



http://www.seafreezeinc.com/

Guy

 

[supersailor]

Guy has some points. Also, when my old unit failed due to refrigerant leaks, the quote to recharge the unit and check the leaks was as much as a brand new Isotherm unit. If I had recharged the old unit, it still used 13.6 amps and sounded like a threshing machine. The new Isotherm uses 2.2 amps and you have to have exceptional ears to hear it run. I was so impressed, I sprang for a 3.5 amp unit and turned my second ice box into a freezer. I still use less than half the power the old unit did and I have amazing capacity. Don't need that extra battery after all. No refrigerant specialist wants to get anywhere near a boat. Believe me, it was like pulling teeth trying to get anyone out to look. These new kits are designed to be self installed with no need for charging. It was a snap.

I also installed a new Noricold box (complete unit not icebox kit in my SJ26 to replace a balky old unit. The new unit draws 1.7 amps versus the 12 amps the old one was using. It is nosier than the Isotherm but not unacceptably so.

No one, and I mean no one wants to work on a sailboat refer system. It is usually best to think about replacing it and you won't have to puzzle out where to add that extra battery as you won't need it any more.

 

[Mel Snyder]

Check Kolmann

http://www.kollmann-marine.com

Richard knows all about marine refrigeration. Sold me a $15 refurbished part that saved a 33 year old Adler Barbour system declared a total loss ("failed compressor") by a local thief.