Marine Air Reverse Cycle trips the breaker

[searay390]

Hello!
I'm new to the forum and hope someone has an answer. We have had a 1987 Sea Ray 390 EC for 15 years. It is in excellent condition except for this problem. We have 2 MarineAir reverse cycle units. The larger unit is on electrical line 1 and functions perfectly. The smaller unit is on electrical line 2 and randomly trips its breaker when the compressor switches on for A/C. The main line 2 breaker remains on. Freon level is fine and the unit operates perfectly other than that.
Ideas on how to repair this would be soooooooo welcome.
Thanks!

 

[vernh59]

When mine does that it is normally because the front unit isn't switching on the water pump. There is an "ice cube" relay under the salon floor that controls the water pump shared by the two units. In a pinch you can carefully remove the plastic cover and file the points so they make good contact and reinsert the cube. I always have a spare relay on board.

 

[searay390]

Thanks much - will look for the "ice cube" relay.

 

[kevin27]

You may want to replaced the breaker first. The breakers do get weak over time. With the high startup load of the compressor it may be enough to trip the breaker. My boat would trip the 30 amp main breaker at startup but was ok with all other loads. Turned out to be a quick cheep fix. Good luck.

 

[Redhook98]

You may want to replaced the breaker first. The breakers do get weak over time. With the high startup load of the compressor it may be enough to trip the breaker. My boat would trip the 30 amp main breaker at startup but was ok with all other loads. Turned out to be a quick cheep fix. Good luck.

+1 Yup! :thumbsup:

 

[tobnpr]

+2 on replacing the breaker.

Glad to have another 390 aboard!

 

[Rum Runner]

I'll chime in with my 2 cents. I would agree wth Kevin. I have had a similar problem in the past and I was told at the time to change the breaker before anything else, that worked, and I haven't had problem since. But of course, like Vern said, make sure your water pump is pushing water through the unit. Good Luck. R

 

[vernh59]

OK, Ok what was the problem???????

 

[searay390]

Here's the latest update - replaced the circuit breaker. Easy task, but didn't fix the problem. Can't seem to locate the ice cube relay yet...

 

[tobnpr]

If you have confirmed the pump relay is working properly and are getting a strong flow of raw water through the unit, and the breaker is still tripping at startup, there's a strong possibility that the compressor is shot.

 

[vernh59]

If you have confirmed the pump relay is working properly and are getting a strong flow of raw water through the unit, and the breaker is still tripping at startup, there's a strong possibility that the compressor is shot.

That would be my guess as well IF you have a good flow of water. You haven't said if you do. My A/C problems have always been related to water flow, either a bad relay or clogged strainer.