Refrigerator

WALSHIE

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I have a ~2001 Norcold, could not find the model number. It's in a 24"x60" opening.

It has never been a great fridge and this spring is not chilling anything at all. I see the fan on and can hear the compressor.

Do these things need to be serviced? Do you think I can salvage it? It's in good shape by appearance.

If I had to replace it, any recommendations?
 
Make sure the coils aren't completely covered with dust and dirt. I woudl assume they can be serviced, maybe roping off the gas will get you a couple more years if it's a slow leak but it isn't a 16 year old fridge after all

I finally you need it to be AC/DC your options may be limited, otherwise you can probably find a non marine replacement. Check out compactappliances.com. I ve bought stuff fro mm them a few times. If you often run without generator, you can set up a small inverter just for the fridge, probably cheaper than buying a marine fridge
 
I had a boat with a Norcold installed on the starboard side of the galley. The shelf above it had an air vent the size and shape of a home heating vent. When at the dock the hot afternoon summer sun was pointed right at the starboard side of the hull. The space between the reefer coils and the hull would get very hot. I installed a sheet of fiberglas insulation on the hull inside and behind the reefer. Next I bought a fan that fit right on top of the vent. You can find them by Googling "floor vent fan" The fan sat right on top of the vent with its cord dropped through the vent and plugged into the wall socket already in place. I did trim away some of the insulation as it was a little thick and I was afraid it took away a bit to much air space. The fan worked well while at the dock (AC only). The Norcold worked better as well. Still just ok. Maybe their products have improved since 2005 ?!
 
Thanks for feedback.

Pascal, I did remove the fridge last night to make sure it wasn't dirty. It was much cleaner than I expected!
What do you mean by roping off the gas?

Bliss, I hear ya, this is in a cabinet, I never did like that but does have ventilation.

I rarely use it at anchorage, always afraid to drain the batteries. Therefore, I am looking at an AC only fridge
 
quote:

Originally posted by Michael Clemensen

I believe roping is a typo for TOPING. .






There is some irony there if one looks real-ly hard. :D :D
 
Damn spoilsheik :) i meant toping off the gas
 
Still don't get it, maybe I will try topping off the freon lol

I think I am in the market for a new fridge...this Norcold always sucked!
 
Well i said gas because there are various type of refrigerant... I don't think it's freon anymore... as gas is easier to type that "environmentally acceptable refrigerant"

:)
 
Chris,
I don't think these refrigerators use freon, hence the reason they take so long to get to temperature when first starting up. I believe the refrigerant is ammonia.
 
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