Marine Air Problem**Update**

[Gman25]

Has anyone ever had an issue with their A/C units? Just last week it stopped blowing cool and warm air but the pump still cycles and it sounds like the compressor is still kicking in. I was thinking possible freon leak but would there be a code at the panal if the freon was low and also would the compressor still cycle if freon is low?

Im going to pull the frig to get to the unit and im hoping its something obvious but im not holding my breath. Any imput would be greatly appreciated.

'05 300 Marlin

 

[BobP]

Re: Marine Air Problem

Is water coming out the thruhull?

If so, did you have the the SW valve closed then opened it after A/C was turned on ?

There may be a high temp/pressure reset button on unit, reset it, worth a try.

 

[Gman25]

Re: Marine Air Problem

Im getting water pumping out of the hull and everything sounds normal while it is running.Just no hot or cold air. The thru hull seacock was open while the unit was on.I am hoping there is some sort of reset on the unit that will resolve this. Im gonna take a look and give marine air a call.Thanks Bob

 

[BobP]

Re: Marine Air Problem

Hopefully something simple.

If the SW intake was blocked even for a short period of time, the condenser overheats and the controls shut down the compressor, I believe, to protect system. Which is what the reset button is for.

 

[Gman25]

Re: Marine Air Problem

There doesnt appear to be a reset button anywhere on the unit itself. I did a master reset from the panal but it didnt resolve it. The compressor still clicks on and water pumps out the side of the boat but no cold or warm air. I just made an appt with marine specialists. Im on a 2 week waiting list.

 

[Tuna Man]

Re: Marine Air Problem

GMan,
Any chance your air filter is clogged? Or is it possible that your inlet strainer is clogged back near the 120 volt pump next to the intake? One more idea is to pull the cover (return) and put a cold rag or a piece of ice on the copper sensor and see if this makes a difference.

Hope this helps.

 

[Gman25]

Re: Marine Air Problem

Thanks for the ideas Scott. I'll be the first to admit I know very little about these A/C units. I posted my dilema on a marine A/C website and after explaining everything im experiencing the tech believes it either lost sea water or all of its freon. Unfortunatly these units dont have a low pressure switch that would either send an error message to the panal(like what would happen if there was high pressure)or shut down the compressor. The air return filter and strainer are cleaned every couple of weeks weather it needs it or not.

Im not going to know much more until the local tech comes by and connects the gauges to it but being the water is pumping through the unit and the compressor is engaging I have a feeling the freon is either low or gone...Its just more frustrating something like this would happen after only 4 years of use.

'05 300 Marlin

 

[Gman25]

Sooooo, the tech came to the boat today and confirmed my feeling all along...A $500 valve went bad and released all the freon. Would have been a $1400 repair bill but for about $900 more im going to replace the entire unit with a more powerfull and better designed cruisair with a 2 year warrantee. He did see(and so did I) some signes of corrosion and he felt it was just a matter of time before I would be calling for another service call. Should be all done by the end of the week.

'05 300 Marlin

 

[Fishtales]

Hi Gman,
Sorry for your problems. Unfortunately with boats, they never end....
Can you provide the details on the new AC unit? Would be good to know when a swap is needed.

tx

 

[BobP]

It's a big hole in the ocean !

Add one A/C unit to it !

 

[Gman25]

The tech seems to really like the cruiseair. The design change does not allow as much sitting sea water in the unit which should limit corrosion problems. Also im going with the 8000btu unit and with the new/improved turbo fan blower he said it add another 1000 btu so im going from a 7000 to a 9000. He said if I plan to run a duct to the helm, the 8000 is the way to go.And it comes with a 2 year warrantee.

'05 300 Marlin F250's