Cruisair - No Heat or AC

[Irie308]

Dewinterized all systems this weekend and I am not getting any heat or ac from the forward ac unit. The salon worked fine and kicked out heat with no issue. However the forward berth is just blowing air. The compressor doesn’t kick in. I can hear the clicks of the reversing pump but still nothing. I’ve tapped on it in the event it was stuck but no dice. I also tried blowing warm air on the temp sensor to bring the temp up to 80deg to see if the ac function would trip the compressor and still no luck. There is also no water flow when running this unit. Any suggestions before I call in the pros?

 

[sbw1]

Dewinterized all systems this weekend and I am not getting any heat or ac from the forward ac unit. The salon worked fine and kicked out heat with no issue. However the forward berth is just blowing air. The compressor doesn’t kick in. I can hear the clicks of the reversing pump but still nothing. I’ve tapped on it in the event it was stuck but no dice. I also tried blowing warm air on the temp sensor to bring the temp up to 80deg to see if the ac function would trip the compressor and still no luck. There is also no water flow when running this unit. Any suggestions before I call in the pros?

Prime the water pump and see if you get water flow and cooling.

 

[Stee6043]

+1 to SBW. You can prime it by using a garden hose pressed up against the thru-hull. Pretty easy assuming you can reach it...

 

[Irie308]

Forgot to mention that when i run the salon AC unit i get flow out of all the AC discharge lines. I assume this is because both units share the same loop. So there is water flow but the forward unit doesn't turn the pump on when it runs by itself. If i turn on the Salon unit (which would provide flow to both units ) the forward compressor still doesn't kick in.

 

[bmac]

You've likely got a bad trigger as far as the pump problem goes. That would not be the cause of the compressor not kicking on though.

 

[Little Ducky]

Have you tried to "factory reset" your thermostat to see if that corrects things?

 

[quality time]

I agree with Brian. Bad trigger.

 

[Irie308]

Have you tried to "factory reset" your thermostat to see if that corrects things?

yes, tried a factory reset and also tried swapping control pads between the salon.

 

[Irie308]

You've likely got a bad trigger as far as the pump problem goes. That would not be the cause of the compressor not kicking on though.

I thought the trigger would only be activated if the compressor kicks in? BTW limited knowledge to how this works (all based on what I've googled).

 

[bmac]

I thought the trigger would only be activated if the compressor kicks in? BTW limited knowledge to how this works (all based on what I've googled).

I'd have to look at the CWD but the compressor and trigger probably get the same start signal from the controller.

 

[bahamabreisus]

If you have no water flow to the front, assuming you only have one pump. There is a valve shut off not allowing flow to the front.

 

[bmac]

If you have no water flow to the front, assuming you only have one pump. There is a valve shut off not allowing flow to the front.

That’s very unlikely. Read post #4. He has flow out of the forward ac discharge when the pump is running. The pump is not running when demand is calling for it from his forward unit. Bad trigger is the likely cause. The compressor not starting is a completely separate problem. Could be any number of issues unrelated to the pump (bad capacitor, bad compressor motor, bad controller).

 

[ttmott]

The compressor not initially starting at all is not related to raw water flow. If the system was not flowing raw water the compressor should start, run for about 30 seconds, then shut down due to high head pressure and the controller should indicate HiPS. A bad raw water pump trigger relay will not prevent the compressor from initially starting up; there is no relay position feedback to the logic board. There also is no raw water flow switch or other instrumentation that would verify raw water flow.
When cooling (or heating) demand is given, the fan speed should ramp up then the raw water pump starts, then reverse cycle valve actuates (if for heating demand), then the compressor starts. You should hear a noticeable "click" which is the relay on the system control board turning on the compressor. If you do not hear that click and have confirmed demand for cooling or heat then most likely an issue with the board. If you hear that relay click but no compressor then probably the start capacitor which is located next to the board. The system could be low on refrigerant but then the controller should indicate LoPS. Running the system to heat will actuate the reverse cycle valve which will be another noticeable click from different relay on the board. The logic boards are a bit expensive so best to have a service tech take a look at what is going on.

 

[Irie308]

Thanks all for the the input. Made a few calls yesterday and suggestion are leaning to what ttmott stated above. When the heat mode is set I do hear the click but no compressor. There are also no error codes on the control pad. Tech on the phone said it could be a "Triac" switch. Going to have them come out and verify the components. I just didn't want to pay someone to come out and press a button.

 

[Irie308]

Swapped out the triac and $45 later we are back in business.

 

[bbwhitejr]

What exactly is the "Triac" and where is it located? I have a newer salon unit acting up.

Thanks,
Bennett

 

[Irie308]

It’s on the control board and from what I understand it it switches the AC power (above my pay grade). From what I’ve read it was the common cause of the symptoms I saw on my unit. See aatahed diagram.

 

[Woolfkat]

Where is the reverse cycle valve? I am trying to plan ahead if my heat does not work this Spring. Last Spring, it worked, but by late summer, the heat would not work. Blower worked, just no heat. A/C was fine. I am now seeing that you should turn your heat on throughout the Summer to keep the reverse cycle valve from sticking. This being said, does anyone have a picture of where I might locate this reverse cycle valve to hit softly with a rubber mallet? (as seen in previous posts as a possible easy fix) Hopefully, after sitting over Winter, when my marina opens the boat and gets everything going, this problem will not exist and I will maintain properly over Summer, but just in case, any help is appreciated. It will be cold in May
Kathy

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Following as mine is not working either. AC works and blower but not the heat. I have a spare unit to look at but not sure which is the reverse circuit valve/switch.

 

[Irie308]

This was the best pic i could find online. Not sure if yours may differ. Its located at the bottom of the unit, sort of where all the tubular pipping comes together. You could probably tap on it with something like the handle of a screwdriver if it is indeed stuck.