Refrigerator not cooling

[mooredriven]

I've noticed over the past few weeks that the refrigerator in the cabin is not cooling below 58 degrees. I've defrosted it so that's not the issue. I've done this several times over the years so I don't feel that anything has been damaged.

Earlier in the year, the coolest it would get was around 40 degrees. It may be loosing its coolant.

Is it possible to recharge the system?

Other thoughts?

I'm not sure of the exact size, but the refrigerator is made by Waeco. I think it's a 3.0 cubic inch.

Thanks,
Dale

 

[eauty]

I have a 2006 340 SDA and I had to have the refrigerator replaced as the Waeco model they installed at the factory was not "Marine tested". SeaRay has recalled MANY of the Waeco refrigerators as some models are not designed for marine useage. They lack the cooling capacity and they have improper insulation. Some of these models were designed for an enviorment with much more stable temps. The new refrigerator SeaRay installed was another Waeco and it has performed flawlessly. I have a temp guage in it and it is always at the proper temp. My old one would never get below 45 and would take forever to recover if I ever opened the door. I hope this helped.

 

[Southpaw II]

I've noticed over the past few weeks that the refrigerator in the cabin is not cooling below 58 degrees. I've defrosted it so that's not the issue. I've done this several times over the years so I don't feel that anything has been damaged.

Earlier in the year, the coolest it would get was around 40 degrees. It may be loosing its coolant.

Is it possible to recharge the system?

Other thoughts?

I'm not sure of the exact size, but the refrigerator is made by Waeco. I think it's a 3.0 cubic inch.

Thanks,
Dale

I notice you're in Texas (hot). You might try to negotiate with your local SR dealer to get a factory replacement, or at least a substantial discount on a factory replacement since there has been some sort of recall in the past. This board is full of good and bad testimonials on every brand. Typically, it is difficult to find a good repair source for these types of units, because most appliance repair guys consider them to be throw away units.

Whenever/however you end up fixing this issue, I would suggest using your A/C when temps in your area get above 85-90 deg., even while you are away from the boat. Even if you set the thermostat at 78-80 deg. it will help a lot. These units, because of their size, are not insulated well, and when the temps get high, they have to work very hard, generate lots of heat doing that, and consequently, their life is shortened dramatically. I'm sure there are exceptions...just my experience. I've only had to replace one unit.

 

[mooredriven]

Thanks for the replies. I will check with the dealer today. I wasn't aware of any recalls. It may be too late to take advantage of that program.

I have an Isotherm in the cockpit that stays around 40 degrees. Even during 100+ degree days.

 

[eauty]

Good luck, I'd like to know what you end up doing as I have a friend who has the same problem in a 2004 340 SDA.

 

[Daryl]

I have a problem with my freezer and the repair/replacement guys told me exactly what the guy above said. They consider these throw aways due to the small size of the cooling systems. Leaks are hard to detect and repair. I have yet to bite the bullet and spend $1,400 to replace the freezer. Hope you can work a deal with MMax.

 

[mooredriven]

This past weekend I was ordering my replacement refrigerator and needed the exact dimensions of the cut-out. I removed the refrigerator and noticed that a small 12VDC fan was not moving. I gave it a push with my finger and it started to spin again. The fan is connected to some aluminum coils that must provide cooling. It's not blowing internally into the frig, but sits externally with the compressor and copper lines.

It took about 24-hours for it to bring the temperature inside down about 15 degrees. I plan to replace the fan and save a thousand bucks. I find it hard to believe that a small fan can have that big of an impact on the interior temperature.

I think I got lucky this time.

Dale

 

[Hampton]

Does anyone know how to determine whether or not we ended up with the marine version versus the standard version?

 

[K-9]

Replace<*

 

[tony RENBARGER]

I have a 2006 340 SDA and I had to have the refrigerator replaced as the Waeco model they installed at the factory was not "Marine tested". SeaRay has recalled MANY of the Waeco refrigerators as some models are not designed for marine useage. They lack the cooling capacity and they have improper insulation. Some of these models were designed for an enviorment with much more stable temps. The new refrigerator SeaRay installed was another Waeco and it has performed flawlessly. I have a temp guage in it and it is always at the proper temp. My old one would never get below 45 and would take forever to recover if I ever opened the door. I hope this helped.

Do you know what the model # it was replaced with?