Cockpit refrigerator problems!
- Thread starter BAC.94
- Start date
Highliner
Active Member
I've heard (but never experienced personally) that the fridge outlet is gfci protected. It may be wired to another gfci such as in the head so you might need to seek them out and reset any that you find. If that doesn't work I would start by verifying you have power to the outlet behind the fridge (access through the storage compartment).
Windjammer
Well-Known Member
If it's a Norcold, it could be the A/C power board on top of the unit..had the same issue a couple of years ago..took a while to get the replacement part, but changing it out was fairly simple..
Carpediem44DB
Well-Known Member
- Aug 18, 2015
- 3,230
- Boat Info
- 2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Volvo TAMD 74 P
My Norcold cockpit fridge is not staying cold either on AC or DC. Has anyone had good luck having their unit repaired. I'm thinking since it is fifteen years young it would be better to spend the bucks to just replace the entire unit. It's just hard to swallow spending north of a grand for such a small unit simply because it is for a boat! There doesn't seem to be one damn design feature that distinguishes a marine fridge from an RV fridge or a household unit other AC/DC and a to allow for securing it.
Chris-380
Well-Known Member
a buddy had a similar issue with his formula (same basic size as a cockpit fridge). His compressor was running, but seemed low on freon. he bought a kit for $40 with the self piercing valve and freon. The instructions said to add very little and observe, if no change, add a little more... working great. who knows how slow his leak is, been working great for 3 weeks... Here is the kit
R134a Charging Hose with BPV31 Piercing Valve for Bullet, Refrigerant Can Tap with Gauge R134a can to R-12/R-22 port https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHDQH6P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kw65EbW5PY2PQ
Last edited:
bbwhitejr
Well-Known Member
Rusty-I tried the "bullet valve" and R34 on my galley Norcold. Had I known what I was doing in the beginning, maybe I could have saved it. Bullet Valve is a self piercing valve. It goes on the low pressure side and is nothing more than a schrader valve that pierces the copper refrigerant line. Then you hook up to the same can of R34 that goes into your car(like $4.99/can at Wally World and need only one) and you put in a minimal amount. I had a set of HVAC gauges and did not know what the pressure should be. I finally found out it should be -2 to +2psi. I put far too much in it and screwed up the compressor. It did work for a time after I got the pressure corrected. Just does not take much R34 at all.
Bennett
Carpediem44DB
Well-Known Member
- Aug 18, 2015
- 3,230
- Boat Info
- 2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Volvo TAMD 74 P
I routinely check my AC units with my gauges and was trying to figure out how I could check my cockpit fridge.
Thank you both. I just ordered a kit. I’ll let you know if it works. Thanks for the heads up on the volume and pressure too.
Thank you both. I just ordered a kit. I’ll let you know if it works. Thanks for the heads up on the volume and pressure too.
Carpediem44DB
Well-Known Member
- Aug 18, 2015
- 3,230
- Boat Info
- 2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Volvo TAMD 74 P
I serviced mine after installing a Schrader valve assembly. Before I put any Freon in I was reading about 40 psi on the low side with the fridge on. Since it was not getting cold I shot a few ounces in and put a digital thermometer inside and left it run overnight. Today I went to the boat and found the fridge running but the temp at 59 degrees. Not sure where to go from here other than cave and just replace it as it is 15 years old.