Norcold DE-451 Refridgerator

[SeaHarley]

Norcold DE-451 Refrigerator

Well all of a sudden my refrigerator stopped working on Sat.
And my microwave stopped on Sunday..... go figure!

But anyway, I pulled the fridge out, checked that I had 120 V and 12 V, and yes I did.
Then I pulled the access cover off the back of the electrical box connection and found a 10 Amp fuse that was blown. Yes........! But knowing there must be a reason why it blew.
Replaced the fuse, 12 V was off at the panel, plugged it back into 120 V. Tested and still nothing. Then put on the 12 V and the fuse blew again.

I'm thinking the compressor is locked, but don't know.
My boat is a 1999 310DA so that makes it 9 years old.
From what I've read about Norcold, seams like I'm 5 years ahead of the game????

Any ideas of a simple fix?
Or should I scrap it and replace?
It's only a 1.9 Cu. Ft. and we'd like to go bigger if we can.
I've looked at the Waeco, and they look like they are 12 V only but could use an adaptor for 120 V.

Thanks,
Lee

 

[AndersonAcres]

Hi Lee,

The fridge in our 97 250 'died' late last season. We've put in a new DE-451 and it works fine. Would also like a bigger unit, but that's all that fits in ours.

Good luck.

 

[xravenx]

Lee,

To check LRA (locked rotor amps): with the refrigerator plugged in, but turned off, put an amp meter around the 120 vac hot / black wire. Turn the refrigerator on and take the reading, then look at the LRA on the name plate. If the reading and the LRA on the nameplate are the same, the compressor is locked up. There are hard start kits that could free it and there is a meter called an "Annie" that reverses the rotation of a single phase motor that may be able to break it loose.

Changing the compressor is not a DIY job. You need to install line tap valves to hook up your gauges, a recovery machine to recover the refrigerant, a torch to unsweat / sweat in the refrigerant lines, a vacuum pump and new refrigferant. An a/c or refrigeration tech would have all the tools, but at $85 - $100 per hour plus parts, you would be right around the price of a new fridge. Even if it was my own, I would replace the refrigerator rather then the compressor.

I just put a Norcold DE-0051 (2.7 cu. ft.) in my cockpit last Saturday (it was to replace the ice maker), it was $620 from an RV vendor, the 1.7 cu. ft. unit was also $620.

Hope this helps, looking forward to seeing you and Dawn at your opening

 

[RonF]

Lee,

Replaced it with a DE-051 two years ago, but ours runs 24/7 all year round.

BTW - It will just go through the cabin door. Put some protective masking tape on the corners of the frig and along the sides of the cabin opening.

 

[SeaHarley]

Thank you.
I will check the door opening.

John, I couldn't get it to turn on at all when plugged into 120 Volts.
I had my meter right there.
The control module alone is $360 plus......

we believe I should just buy a new one. we are looking at a Cruise 65 and would love the Cruise 85 if it will fit. I'm heading down to measure if it will.

BTW John, I'm working on getting you a slip for opening weekend.

lee

 

[xravenx]

BTW John, I'm working on getting you a slip for opening weekend.

lee

COOL............I'm 99.9% sure I'm heading down Friday afternoon.

John

 

[RonF]

Lee,

I did not check out other brands, but I found that the DE-051 actually seemed smaller inside.

 

[Cocktail Time]

If you are going to toss your DE-451, I am in need of a couple parts and would love to buy them from you. My 7 yr old has managed to break one of the door shelves and the admiral busted off the door latch.

Let me know what you want for them and maybe we can make a deal...

Thanks, and sorry to hear yours crapped out...

Dan

 

[SeaHarley]

If you are going to toss your DE-451, I am in need of a couple parts and would love to buy them from you. My 7 yr old has managed to break one of the door shelves and the admiral busted off the door latch.

Let me know what you want for them and maybe we can make a deal...

Thanks, and sorry to hear yours crapped out...

Dan

You can have them.
I sent you PM.

We have decided to get a new one.
Looking at the Cruise 85.
Got prices today and figured out how to fit it in.
It is 3 cu ft instead of 2.
Also, 2 shelves instead of 1

 

[SeaHarley]

Due to a tight schedule and our club's opening this weekend, I had to go ahead and cut out the side of the cabinet right up to and against the counter top last night to fit in the new refrigerator.
The new one should come in today. And yes, I know it is risky to cut it out prior to having the actual new refrigerator in hand but I had to get a head start. I did call and verify the dimensions with the manufacturer.
It should fit in there - just like a glove.

 

[AndersonAcres]

I hope the installation went well. Did you get the optional ASU?

 

[SeaHarley]

I only cut out for it.
I'm waiting for the refrige to come in yet.
hoping today???

No, on the ASU. That is mainly if you are out and about like traveling long distances on a sail boat. It cost hundreds of dollars extra to add that and I could not warrant it.

 

[AndersonAcres]

K. Thanks for the explanation.