Crusair unit trips circuit breaker 340 Sundancer 1999

[georgelbenson]

My Cruisair Heat/AC unit trips the circuit breaker off when it comes on. It will run for a few seconds and then trip the breaker off. I can switch the breaker back on and after 3 or 4 times, it will stay on. Same for Heat and/or AC. The SMX II digital control does not have any error message. HAS ANYBODY HAD THIS TYPE PROBLEM AND WHAT WAS THE SOLUTION. Thanks in advance for your help.​

 

[Larry]

More than likely it is the AC sea water pump that is bad, this will cause the circuit breaker to trip when the AC compressor comes on it also triggers the pump relay to engage. If you are comfortable to disconnect the pair of wires that go to the pump up at the AC control box that is next to the AC unit under the forward bed, then turn on the circuit and the AC and see if when the compressor engages that the circuit is good now? If it is, you confirmed it is the pump... It is in the bilge and about $275 for a new one.... I would bet that this is your problem.

 

[Old Vet]

What size breaker is it?

I would want to check amperage draw of that unit. Is it in fact drawing a high enough amperage to pop a good breaker? Or do you have a weak breaker? Checking amperage draw could help determine which direction to go.

Good luck.

 

[The W.A.V.E.]

I had a simialr issue. it was waterflow due to the pump losing prime. Check your strainers, check and make sure the pump is working by looking for waterflow exiting the hull. Mine did throw a code however.

I replaced my ac pump 2 years ago and paid $135.00 It's an easy do it your self job if you can access the pump. My suggestion is check your strainer and check for waterflow before you replace the pump.

 

[georgelbenson]

Thanks for the advice

 

[tdschafer]

George,
I had a similar issue after taking a side flash lightening strike this past summer. It turned out the electronics on the actual compressor unit had gone bad. I didn't get any code either. It also would work occasionally if it didn't draw too much current at start-up. My mechanic replaced most of the electronics on it and it seems to working fine now.

 

[PlayDate]

I would start with replacing the breaker. They tend to fail and when they do .....they trip consistently. I'm not suggesting that the sea water pump or compressor don't have an issue......the breaker is the first thing I would replace to eliminate that possiblity (and it is the least expensive repair to do).

-John

 

[electricaldoctor]

My Cruisair Heat/AC unit trips the circuit breaker off when it comes on. It will run for a few seconds and then trip the breaker off. I can switch the breaker back on and after 3 or 4 times, it will stay on. Same for Heat and/or AC. The SMX II digital control does not have any error message. HAS ANYBODY HAD THIS TYPE PROBLEM AND WHAT WAS THE SOLUTION. Thanks in advance for your help.​

Most AC systens have to prove water flow before energising the compressor. As advised in other posts, start with the pump. Wire it direct from the breaker to isolate a possible pump motor failure. If the pump operates without tripping the breaker, you might have a look at the starting capacitor.

 

[georgelbenson]

thanks for all the responses

 

[370Dancer]

If it only goes for a few seconds, and then trips the breaker at the panel, you may also be looking at a shorted compressor. That won't be fun. Typically on the digital units, they will run withoout water flow for a bit, and shut down, but the blower will keep running. It will try to restart itself 3 times before giving up, and throwing a high pressure code.
The compressor usually doesn't engage until 15-30 seconds after you power it on.

 

[Vida]

George, I had the same problem a few weeks back. The circuit breaker for the A/C is a 30 amp breaker which is composed of two sides in may case one of the sides was very weak and could not hold the load. As you stated sometimes it did work when you flip it a couple of times. I removed the breaker and directly connected the wires as a test. I replaced the breaker for $85.00 dollars. Note! The breaker is your protection so don't leave the unit connect without it.
I would check for all the other tips mentioned - since water flow is important and the A/C will protect itself if there is no flow.

 

[300SR]

My Cruisair Heat/AC unit trips the circuit breaker off when it comes on. It will run for a few seconds and then trip the breaker off. I can switch the breaker back on and after 3 or 4 times, it will stay on. Same for Heat and/or AC. The SMX II digital control does not have any error message. HAS ANYBODY HAD THIS TYPE PROBLEM AND WHAT WAS THE SOLUTION. Thanks in advance for your help.​

If you don't have any luck call flagshipmarine.com and ask for Tom.