AC not cooling - anything I can check?

[skunkman]

Getting to the hot season here in Florida so I thought I would test the AC. The generator runs, the AC strainer is clean, there is good water flow, the fan is working, it is set on cool at 55 but the air is not cooling. Any thoughts or do I need to get it serviced. Since we are up top most of the time we really haven't used the AC much.

 

[RollerCoastr]

So the compressor isn't kicking on, or it kicks on but it doesn't cool?

 

[skunkman]

So the compressor isn't kicking on, or it kicks on but it doesn't cool?

This is my first boat with an AC so please forgive my ignorance - how can I tell?

 

[sbw1]

You hear it come on, voltage drops momentarily and the the compressor settles in to sort of a ongoing hum.

 

[skunkman]

Probably not kicking on then

 

[Doc O Rock]

That's why God made ac repair men.

 

[endless seas]

Do you have it on the a/c setting and is it cooler then the room temp?

 

[skunkman]

Yes it is on "cool." The air blowing out of the vent is room temperature.

 

[sbw1]

Usually the water flow is on only when the compressor runs. I think you need a service call unless you have a dock mate with AC technical knowledge. We replaced our compressor under warranty when it did what yours is doing.

 

[Mittens]

An AC has both a high and low pressure switch, that will stop the compressor from coming on if its not in a certain range to save the head on the compressor.

If it worked before, then I would bet its LOW on Freon/r34, what have you... you can buy the right kinda at a auto store if its not real freeon, and add the correct amount and see if it kicks on. then you can adjust the pressure/lbs in the system to give you the correct temperature drop.

25-30 degress is the most you will normally get out of a system so if its 100out side, 70-75 degree out the vents. use a temp gun can adjust the pressure level to get them temp good, or can adjust to what its supposed to be, but normally you can make it a little more effective.

you can also unplug the high and low switch one at a time and either they may make it kick on, OR you have to jumper it and see if its will at least kick on this will test your compressor, just don't let it run long the limiters are there for a reason. but can test to make sure compressor kicks over. if its the low switch add some. maybe you have been dealing with a slow leak, and its finally just to low... add some and bam good for a while/season or 5 ha

 

[bahamabreisus]

Switch to heat, see if it blows hot. If so, most likely the reversing valve is stuck. Usually a slight tap with a hammer will free it up.

 

[skunkman]

The boat just had a 2 year service but they did not check the AC according to my invoice. I will have to familiarize myself with the system more. I don't even know where the compressor is.

 

[skunkman]

Switch to heat, see if it blows hot. If so, most likely the reversing valve is stuck. Usually a slight tap with a hammer will free it up.

I'll try that.
Thanks

Hopefully that will work. I think my wife will kill me if I spend any more $$$ on repairs

 

[wrvond]

Assuming your thermostat has a digital display, it will normally display an error code if the air conditioner is not working correctly.
What is the brand/model on the thermostat, and is it displaying any code(s)?

Here's an example of a code that was displayed when the unit lost it's prime:

 

[skunkman]

I will check the brand but no error code

 

[endless seas]

Sounds like it needs a charge. Or maybe thermostat needs a re- calibration.

 

[hottoddie]

Switch to heat, see if it blows hot. If so, most likely the reversing valve is stuck. Usually a slight tap with a hammer will free it up.

This X2. Fairly common at the beginning of the cooling season when the unit has been in heat mode for several months.

 

[skunkman]

Being in Florida I have never needed to use the heat - does that rule out the reverse valve?

 

[bahamabreisus]

Maybe, but try it anyway. If you get heat, it could still reversing valve stuck

 

[RollerCoastr]

Wait guys, we have to back up here. We can't troubleshoot at all until we know if the compressor is kicking on.

Skunkman, when you activate the AC mode, the fan should come on immediately. When the t-stat calls for cooling, most displays will light an LED and the water pump and compressor will run. As was mentioned earlier, the compressor is a heavy electrical draw and the unit will make considerably more noise than it did with just the fan.