97 330 EC Refrigerator Replacement

Tony D

New Member
Mar 16, 2018
20
Monmouth County New Jersey
Boat Info
97 330 Express Cruiser
Engines
Twin 7. 4 MPI
The wife isn't happy with the condition of the refrigerator. It's a little rusty inside, paint is peeling off the front panel on the bottom and the door latch is missing. Actual all of that when I looked at it and planned on replacing it. On top of that I can't get it working and even if I do not sure if I want to keep it. I'm having a hard time finding an exact fit. Has anyone updated theirs. there is no room to modify the opening larger whatsoever.
 
I’m also an owner of a 1997 330EC looking to replace my old refrigerator. I have found one that will fit but am skeptical to make the purchase due to some of the negative reviews so I am looking to anyone out there for advise please. I have found only one so far that will fit which is a Norcold DE-0041 AC/DC. Any other options are welcome.
 
Have had a couple of Norcolds and both in the 10-12 yr old range with no complaints other than they are very loud when the compressor is running. Just installed a Nova Kool in the cockpit and you cannot tell when it is running. Super quiet and love it. Here is a link that may be helpful and allow you to see all options:

http://www.suremarineservice.com/Galley/Refrigeration-Size-Comparison/

Bennett
 
So the model I prefer is 1” taller in height, without removing my current fridge does anyone know if I have enough tolerance to accommodate the extra as it looks fairly close. But I really like the extra cubic feet the NovaKool offers considering I am gearing up for some traveling to the Keys and Bahamas.
 
So the model I prefer is 1” taller in height, without removing my current fridge does anyone know if I have enough tolerance to accommodate the extra as it looks fairly close. But I really like the extra cubic feet the NovaKool offers considering I am gearing up for some traveling to the Keys and Bahamas.

On my 97 330 DA I had to trim the opening by about 3/4 inch but there was enough space to put in the 5810 Nova Kool. ITs huge in space, but fit where the Norcold was. I had to bang in the lower right corner to fit over the stringer in back but there is only insulation under that spot. Not sure about the fit in the 330EC though.

Here is what mine looks like installed:
IMG_0045.JPG
 
On my 97 330 DA I had to trim the opening by about 3/4 inch but there was enough space to put in the 5810 Nova Kool. ITs huge in space, but fit where the Norcold was. I had to bang in the lower right corner to fit over the stringer in back but there is only insulation under that spot. Not sure about the fit in the 330EC though.

Here is what mine looks like installed:View attachment 61881

Great. That is a huge improvement over the NorCold and if it fit in your DA it should work for my EC too. Your set up looks similar. I’ll let you know. I really want the extra space so I’m going to count on it fitting!
 
I am about to replace my Norcold de441 with a Vitrifrigo with out he freezer. and they make a flange for replace that old norcold
 
Thanks for the reply. Do you also have a 330EC? Can you let me know how it works out for you and which model Vitrifrigo you use, and the part number for the flange too? The more info the better thanks!
 
I have a 2002 340, but I think both the 1999-2002 340 and the 330s used the same norcold 441 fridge

C115IBP4-F-1 This is the fridge with No freezer compartment
C1151BD4-F-1 That's the fridge with the freezer compartment
R-128110.C That's the flange kit to replace a Norcold DE-441
 
I actually have the NorCold DE541 but it is the same dimensions as the 441 which means the Vitrifrigo you got will work. I noticed it is 2” narrower so let me know if you end up needing to do anything special to fill in that extra space or the flange takes care of it. Thanks again!
 
So had some time.
Pulled mine out the counter.
Checked fuse and it’s good
On AC power nothing works, not even the front LED. I did verify the AC power outlet works.

On DC power. The front LED works.
Followed these trouble shooting instructions:
https://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/detrbleshooting.pdf

The temp control checked out to 3ish Volts

Compressor checked out to 4.3 ohms

And the AC voltage at the compressor was 19.3. But the compressor does not come on...

So anyone want to give me some advice?
 
Does it work at all on just DC Power? I was able to test mine by unplugging the AC Power Cord. If it works, it sounds like the AC Power Board is bad.
 
No AC all dead.

DC it comes on but never gets cold and the compressor is getting 19.3 VAC.. but compressor is not doing anything.

My guess is the compressor locked, and the kickback took out the AC power supply side? But it still works DC but the compressor won’t work?


Also I was under the impression the whole fridge was DC and that there was a AC CONVERTER that when plugged in to AC used that to convert to DC. But that is all wrong. As the compressor is AC. And moves up and down on the AC 60 hz.. 15-25VAC. So they are AC fridges that have a DC TO AC inviters I guess.

Any ideas or thoughts about weather I am correct, dumb, wrong, or anything else is welcome
 
Refigerator1.JPG
Refigerator1.JPG I thought these things were 12VDC. The board on the right is the AC that I replaced, and the input is Black, White, and a Green ground wire. The output is 2 wires and connects to the DC board (white connector). From the DC board the output is a 2 wire connection going to the compressor. When I put this in last week, it was a little cool, and the compressor was very quiet. There is also a fan on the back that I suspect only comes on when the air temp is higher. Fan did not come on while I was installing but the refrigerator started working and was getting cold.
Refigerator1.JPG
 
So on mine, fan come on with power.

Compressor locked. About to order the replacement vitr one...

One question, anyone used the norco door panel (cherry wood in my boat) and got it to fit or trimmed to fit the replacement fridge?
 
On my 97 330 DA I had to trim the opening by about 3/4 inch but there was enough space to put in the 5810 Nova Kool. ITs huge in space, but fit where the Norcold was. I had to bang in the lower right corner to fit over the stringer in back but there is only insulation under that spot. Not sure about the fit in the 330EC though.

Here is what mine looks like installed:View attachment 61881
 
It’s been awhile but is this a stainless? I have a 2000 340 SD and the cabin fridge rough opening is 23 1/2 x 31 1/8. Make/model. Ty
 

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