Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-18-2018, 09:55 PM   #21
Veteran Member
 
City: Sint Maarten DWI
Vessel Name: Au Naturel
Vessel Model: 2000 Mainship 390 Trawler
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 69
Latest update on fridge cooling issue

In reading all these suggestions, it is apparent that many of us trawler owners experience the same issues with fridge ventilation. I own a Property Management company here on island with many staff specialists...I invited my reefer tech for a afternoon on the boat with a motive...he took the fridge out of the cabinet and made several suggestions...one I was very surprised on...he said you should not have a fan blowing on the compressor, as it needed to heat up the gas to go up to the cooling fins...so we took out that fan I installed in previous threads. Then he installed one of my low draw amp fans pointed upward to force the hot air towards the vent by the stove top. Then drilled a 4" hole as suggested by many on this thread for ventilation inbound from the side cabinet, and also one facing outward to salon (hidden with vented chrome covers) to draw cooler air into that backside of fridge.



The results amazed me...now my 18 year fridge sits at 4.5 on the dial (7 is max), cycling regularly, ice in freezer in 6-8 hrs (when before it had to be 18-24 hrs). Thank you all for the suggestions on resolving this common ventilation problem for increased fridge/freezer operation. Here in the tropics, ice cold Heineken's are just mandatory out on the water.
suntansailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2018, 10:43 PM   #22
Guru
 
OldDan1943's Avatar
 
City: Aventura FL
Vessel Name: Kinja
Vessel Model: American Tug 34 #116 2008
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 10,595
Suntansailor, did you install additional insulation on the sides of the box too?
__________________
Two days out the hospital after a week in the hospital because of a significant heart attack.
OldDan1943 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2018, 08:07 AM   #23
Veteran Member
 
City: Sint Maarten DWI
Vessel Name: Au Naturel
Vessel Model: 2000 Mainship 390 Trawler
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 69
Insulation install

No, did not install any insulation. My tech guy had a cool instrument that measures temp on an long flexible wand. After what he did, and when we put it all back together in the cabinet, it showed 3-4 degrees cooler behind the fridge, so I think all the fans and ventilation holes seem to be working.
suntansailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2018, 08:09 AM   #24
Guru
 
OldDan1943's Avatar
 
City: Aventura FL
Vessel Name: Kinja
Vessel Model: American Tug 34 #116 2008
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 10,595
Quote:
Originally Posted by suntansailor View Post
No, did not install any insulation. My tech guy had a cool instrument that measures temp on an long flexible wand. After what he did, and when we put it all back together in the cabinet, it showed 3-4 degrees cooler behind the fridge, so I think all the fans and ventilation holes seem to be working.
Thanks.
__________________
Two days out the hospital after a week in the hospital because of a significant heart attack.
OldDan1943 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2019, 08:52 AM   #25
Veteran Member
 
City: Sint Maarten DWI
Vessel Name: Au Naturel
Vessel Model: 2000 Mainship 390 Trawler
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 69
NovaKool cooling update

Just wanted to share this update on improving the cooling efficiency of my NovaKool RFU6200 on my 2000 MS 390:

After the 3 fans installed (outlined on previous thread), I still was not content with the cooling, so went to the experts at NovaKool.

Spoke to Jim/Stuart and they were extremely helpful, not to mention full of knowledge with 20+ years with the company.

They suggested I replace the old style 1/2" foam insulation on the back side of the unit with new 3/4", and at the same time replace the plumbers putty that seals the foam to the metal casing of the fridge/freezer. The appliance store manager where I bought the foam piping also added his two cents, saying why not wrap the foam with the metallic shiny duct tape that air conditioning staff use to further insulate.

The results were just amazing...was able to lower the thermostat from 4 down to 3 (7 being the highest), in 6 hrs reached 18 degrees in freezer (where previously I had achieved 30 with three new fans installed), and fridge now is at 37 no problem. The unit cycles on off now, so using much less amp hours than before.

The project took just over 90 minutes, and so well worth the effort of renewing life back into a 1999 manufactured unit.

Pictures say it all, with before and after.
Attached Images
    
suntansailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2019, 04:55 PM   #26
Guru
 
OldDan1943's Avatar
 
City: Aventura FL
Vessel Name: Kinja
Vessel Model: American Tug 34 #116 2008
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 10,595
My problem involves humidity inside the box allowing for frost build up.
Yes, I replaced the door seal, no noticeable effect. Tomorrow is 'defrost the fridge day'.
__________________
Two days out the hospital after a week in the hospital because of a significant heart attack.
OldDan1943 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2019, 05:22 PM   #27
TF Site Team
 
FlyWright's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: FlyWright
Vessel Model: 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,728
That's where the Fridge Optimizer can help. I'm saving my boat pennies to buy one.

https://stainlesslobster.com/fridge-optimizer
__________________
My boat is my ark. It's my mobile treehouse and my floating fishing cabin. It's my retreat and my respite. Everyday I thank God I have a boat! -Al FJB

@DeltaBridges - 25 Delta Bridges in 25 Days
FlyWright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2019, 06:02 PM   #28
Guru
 
OldDan1943's Avatar
 
City: Aventura FL
Vessel Name: Kinja
Vessel Model: American Tug 34 #116 2008
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 10,595
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyWright View Post
That's where the Fridge Optimizer can help. I'm saving my boat pennies to buy one.

https://stainlesslobster.com/fridge-optimizer
It is necessary to inspect the entire fridge for air leaks into the box. Air leaks will be the biggest contributor to the humidity inside the box.

I have the 3/4 in foam insulation board and tape.
Upon recent recommendations, I will need plumber's clay and silver foil too.

Yup StainlessLobster waiting to be installed. Saving up installing it until I get the collector box and vent hose to remove the heat from the area behind the fridge. I think it will take all day to do all the modifications.

How do you feel about installing a fan inside the box?
Also, has the discussion of the tray 'in or out' been resolved?
Also, the placement of the temp sensor bulb in the main box?

Understand, I am living aboard so the door opening and closing is similar to that of a house fridge. That too is adding to the box humidity.

I will be leaving the boat for 2 months so I shall wait until I return to modify the fridge. It would be best to be onboard to monitor the fridge rather than install it and walk away for 2 months. Once I build confidence in all the modifications then, I will feel more confident with the 'system.'
__________________
Two days out the hospital after a week in the hospital because of a significant heart attack.
OldDan1943 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2019, 06:35 PM   #29
TF Site Team
 
FlyWright's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: FlyWright
Vessel Model: 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,728
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldDan1943 View Post

Yup StainlessLobster waiting to be installed. Saving up installing it until I get the collector box and vent hose to remove the heat from the area behind the fridge. I think it will take all day to do all the modifications.

How do you feel about installing a fan inside the box?
Also, has the discussion of the tray 'in or out' been resolved?
Also, the placement of the temp sensor bulb in the main box?
I'll be watching for your review of the installation and operation efficiencies on this unit.

I referenced the engineer's recommendation for an exhaust fan (not intake fan) here on post 12. Vent in from the bottom and out at the top for my unit.

Trawler Forum - View Single Post - NovaKool fridge freezer issue resolution

If I had technical questions about the installation I'd call the company and ask. I bet they'd have good advice for you.
__________________
My boat is my ark. It's my mobile treehouse and my floating fishing cabin. It's my retreat and my respite. Everyday I thank God I have a boat! -Al FJB

@DeltaBridges - 25 Delta Bridges in 25 Days
FlyWright is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
novakool fridge

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012