Norcold fridges

quality time

quality time

Well-Known Member
Oct 30, 2007
2,366
Upper Chesapeake Bay
Boat Info
Miss Stress
2006 50' Post
Engines
Series 60 Detroits
My DE-461 fridge just took a crap last week so I was going to replace it with the newer version (DE-0061). While I was price shopping online I read the reviews on the WM website. 13 bad reviews and no good ones. Every reviewer said the new Norcolds are junk and the new fridges only lasted anywhere from 2 months to 3 years. They also stated trouble getting warranty work done.

Has anyone experienced this? I am going to look into having it repaired or replacing with a Tundra. The Tundra is a bit more expensive.
 
Look at anything that has a danfoss compressor such as an isotherm. They are very low amp hogs and very very very quiet...

I also understand some people have bought trucker refers but had to convince the company that you were installing in a truck. Why, I don't know... but bottom line, google "marine Danfoss compressors"

Check out defender industries website for good prices
 
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Norcold is a mixed bag. Mine is fine on Saint Max and was fine on my Regal. If I had to replace it I would:

1. get a 120V only dorm fridge for $200 and throw it out when it broke

or

2. get a Tundra or an Isotherm.
 
dpmulvey said:
Norcold is a mixed bag. Mine is fine on Saint Max and was fine on my Regal. If I had to replace it I would:

1. get a 120V only dorm fridge for $200 and throw it out when it broke

or

2. get a Tundra or an Isotherm.
Click to expand...

Isn't having 12 V capability important? Or do you always run the Gennie when anchored?
 
comsnark said:
Isn't having 12 V capability important? Or do you always run the Gennie when anchored?
Click to expand...


If you have batteries and a MBSS, it is probably hooked to the 12v system and will not be required to run the gennie for the frig. An Isotherm will take twice as long to run a battery down over the Nevercolds... and much quieter.. if your frig is 120v, you will need an inverter and or the gennie running... basically, you'll deplete your battery much faster...
 
I replaced the guts in mine several years ago. No problems since. Cost was around $800 including the labor. The thread may be on the old CSR site.
 
I have'nt done anything with it yet since it crapped out at the end of the season. I decided that I will replace the guts vs. replacing the whole unit but thought it was worth a try to re-charge it if possible.
 
Dougs right its usualy not freon related. USUALLY ...
pay the service charge or post what its doing. Ull have to pull it out. Basic questions .
1) is the compressor running
2) if yes is the evap coil cold in any location. ( any signs of frost? )


Then we go from there.

Rob
 
Rob,
The compressor runs but will not get the temp any lower than about 55 degrees. I have not pulled it from the cabinet yet.
 
I am curious to know how everyone with failures use there fridges. My Norcold 32 years old is still working great (touch wood) but I never turn it off except to defrost it so it is basically on 24/7 358 days a year.
 
Aaron,
So its safe to say ur getting some cooling . There should be a frost line that if unattended would become a giant block of ice and the rest of the coil will be ice free... LEt me know if this is the case ... and where the ice is ..

Rob
 
Heading up tonight to pull the fridge. Compressor is running but no change in temp. Have a local person that works on them but it sounds like it's gonna be interesting getting it out of the boat.
 
Boatdave said:
Heading up tonight to pull the fridge. Compressor is running but no change in temp. Have a local person that works on them but it sounds like it's gonna be interesting getting it out of the boat.
Click to expand...


Quite possibly not coming out in one piece. Not uncommon for SR to put in an item that cannot fit out the hatch. Not so bad cutting one up to get it out, however getting the new one in.........a bit tricky.
 
Dave,
U cant get the guy to come to the boat. I dont think it fits out the door. Is there any ice in the freezer ? Im trying to determine if the compressor is not pumping or if there is simply no gas in the unit. Prior to this happening was there an ice line in the freezer ?

Rob
 
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