Norcold Fridge Replacement or Repair

J

JDeBene

New Member
May 24, 2009
23
Great Lakes
Boat Info
1996 330 Sundancer Raytheon RX11, NAV 398
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454 Mercruiser Bluewater
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I have a 1996 330 DA with a Norcold DE-541 fridge that the compressor is shot. Has anyone had experience with replacing the fridge with a new one vs. repairing the existing one? I have read in other posts that getting the new fridge in through the hatch is the big issue here. Some posts seem to indicate that Norcolds are not very reliable to begin with. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
HI,
I have a 2005 340DA with a small Norcold fridge on the aft deck. Nothing but problems and crap attitude from Norcold. I originally wanted to buy the parts and get it repaired. Nobody and I mean nobody, even Norcold don't have parts. Can you believe that the manufacturer doesn't keep parts for it's own products? They told me to check with some of their distributors! Well, after at least 20 calls, I have determined that the closest parts are in Japan. I will never buy another product from Norcold.
 
Been there last season...... My Norcold died mid season. I was told that the circuit board in my model was a "known" problem by a local RV dealer. I had an HVAC tech (friend) check it out. He could get is running and really cold, but not cycle on and off. I spend a day or more calling everyone under the sun including Norcold.....No one had a circuit board from CT to CA all for the average price of $225.00. Finally, I went to Defender and bought a new one. Hated to do so, but the Norcold is the only one that fit exactly in my 240 DA. I saved the old one in case this newer compressor craps out, I can use the good circuit board in the old frig. Norcold is worthless on customer service IMHO.
 
Take some measurements and start looking for a 120V-only non-marine/RV model. Stores are stocking them up now for the "back to college" rush. 1/5 the price. Hopefully you can get a new unit through the cabin door.
 
My Norcold died a few weeks ago. It was more to repair than to replace. I called Norcold and got the direct replacement number (upgraded since 95) and checked on EBAY. I found a store in NY had one (new with warranty) and it was just over $600. It fit right in and works great (so far).
 
Lots of bad reviews about the new Norcold fridges and even worse reviews about there so called warranty.
 
I just talked with a guy that replaced his fridge with a new Norcold and he was disapointted as to how noisey it was. I am now looking at a Dometic XR-1110U/F. Anybody have any experience with getting this unit in?

 
I would highly recommend looking at any frig that has a danforth compressor. They run VERY quiet and use 1/2 the amount of electric as a NeverCold does... I can't wait for my current NeverCold to die so I can replace it...

I bought an Isotherm but there are others out there that have danforth compressors...

You can just buy a cold plate compressor, install it yourself and still use the Nevercold also...

http://www.great-water.com/pages/isotherm.htm
 
Go Aweigh2452 said:
I would highly recommend looking at any frig that has a danforth compressor. They run VERY quiet and use 1/2 the amount of electric as a NeverCold does... I can't wait for my current NeverCold to die so I can replace it...

I bought an Isotherm but there are others out there that have danforth compressors...

You can just buy a cold plate compressor, install it yourself and still use the Nevercold also...

http://www.great-water.com/pages/isotherm.htm
Click to expand...
Danfoss
 
I just bought a Vitrifrigo model C115ac fridge and put it in. The norcold is in the dumpster. The Vitrifrigo has a Danfoss compressor. It is so.... quiet it is unbelievable. Thanks to Go Aweigh2452 for the advice on the Danfoss compressor. Thanks to all for your input.
 
Jim,

How did you get the old one out and how did the new one fit in the cabin door and in the existing hole for the fridge? I am thinking of replacing my Norcold DE 541. What was the cost of this unit and who did you get it from?
 
I spoke with a Norcold repair facility here in Portland and the serviceman strongly recommended repairing the existing unit vs. replacement. The original fridge is larger and has better electronics than what Norcold offers today. (This was in 2006) I repaired my fridge.
 
I took the norcold apart as much as I could, the cooling unit, the door and the flange. I took the sliding door off the boat and the norcold parts all came out fine.
The new one fit through the door fine. I just took the flange off, that's it.
The old rough opening of the Sea Ray is 2 inches narrower than than what the new Vitrifrigo calls for. I had to reduce the opening with some 1 inch pieces of wood, doesn't look good yet, but I am going to frame it in nice when I get some time....
 
What are the demensions of the cocpit ice maker hole I am buying a used sea ray 340 sundancer and the ice machine is dead
 
JDeBene said:
I have a 1996 330 DA with a Norcold DE-541 fridge that the compressor is shot. Has anyone had experience with replacing the fridge with a new one vs. repairing the existing one? I have read in other posts that getting the new fridge in through the hatch is the big issue here. Some posts seem to indicate that Norcolds are not very reliable to begin with. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I always chuckle when I read anecdotes about how unreliable the norcold units are. Assuming it was the original unit, that one lasted for 25 years. I think that qualifies as pretty damn reliable.

That said, technology, particularly compressor technology, has advanced over the years. I think you'd be hella happier with a new unit. The new ones are whisper quiet, as opposed to the dull roar of your old one.
 
My Norcold. 30 yo and still ticking and freezer tray keeps ice cream bars frozen. I think they make a great product.
I do turn-it to 5 a day before we going to use it (not every weekend), usually Thursday, then 3 remainder of weekend does the trick.
 
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