Anyone here changed out a Cuisair compressor ?

I don't mean the whole condenser unit but just the (reciprocating) compressor. This on early 90's 7K BTU split system, R22. FWIW, I have 5 condensers and 5 air handlers ("cooling units" as Cruisair calls them) on the boat and this is the smallest one, the rest of them work fine.

For sure it needs a new compressor...locked up...problem is not capacitor or relay related. SMX digital control works fine.

I wouldn't do the actual switcheroo myself but have friend who has changed compressors on home systems many times and is confident he can do this one too, plus he has R22. Says system will need to be "flushed" so there is no acid residue. Tecumseh compressor that fits dimension wise, BTU size, R22, and voltage is only $225 plus shipping. Any other words of advice, such as a new dryer ? or ?

FWIW, the alternative is new Cruisair R22 7K BTU compatable condenser and new SMX 2 control, adapter cable, installation at around $5,600 !!

I am sure that your friend knows this, but for these small units after flushing you evacuate with a vacuum pump for a few hours and then you charge with Freon which must be carefully weighed. They are very sensitive to Freon quantity.


David

If compressor is a match, can't see why not. It's the same as any R22 machine, just with HX water cooled. If he is a good hvac tech, have him go for it.

djmarchand said:

I am sure that your friend knows this, but for these small units after flushing you evacuate with a vacuum pump for a few hours and then you charge with Freon which must be carefully weighed. They are very sensitive to Freon quantity.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I think he mentioned that, plus he was real curious exactly how much refrigerant the system used....I think we found 1 lb 4 oz on the nameplate.


If curious, here's where the compressor is coming from...


http://www.ptacsolutions.com/COMPRE...RBM--300011301LIQUID-DRIER--WAH-_p_28437.html

Yeah, we found R22 weight at 1 lb 4 oz on the condenser nameplate.

Might take more than that, not sure if it includes the air handler and lines. The tech should be able to tell when pressures are right, and temp drop right.

Ski in NC said:

Might take more than that, not sure if it includes the air handler and lines. The tech should be able to tell when pressures are right, and temp drop right.

Click to expand...

You could be right but it would seem odd to me that Cruisair would print that "charge" figure on the electrical box of the condenser without considering the matching BTU air handler in the total....the air handler, without which the condenser would be useless.


But good point regardless, will monitor that. Thanks.

I have changed out 1 of my 4 units and another to come

I switched the V berth one out but installed a package unit with soft start

next month I will switch out the bunk room with a package also oversized soft start and adding a extra vent to help out the salon AC

siestakey said:

I have changed out 1 of my 4 units and another to come

I switched the V berth one out but installed a package unit with soft start

next month I will switch out the bunk room with a package also oversized soft start and adding a extra vent to help out the salon AC

Click to expand...

What BTU are you switching ? I have a new package 5K BTU unit it is tempting to use to replace the problematic 7K BTU split, but I worry a little about the noise when the compressor is in the closet when before all compressor noise was in the engine room. Also how to run in/out water...did you install another thru hull fitting and strainer for another seawater pump as well ?

The first I switched was 8k

the next I am replacing a 5 with a 12 to assit the salon

the noise is actually less in the v birth I put it under the bed and vented return through the kick panel and added hard foam on the inside of the kick panel

I plan to do similar in the bunk room next to the galley and under the helm

I am using the same through hull and strainer as before

one thing I am not sure I like is my 4 units have 2 through hulls yes less places to fail but seems like 4 would be more efficient

eventually I will be replacing all 4 units upping the size of each with soft starts on each

I have changed one. I bought the compressor at a regular air conditioning supply house at half the price that the Marine unit cost. Exactly the same thing. Yes install a new filter drier, pressure test with nitrogen and backing down. Not really all that complicated

Since the original post we have changed the compressor. As the compressor came with no mounting base I had to fabricate a base for it but otherwise it was pretty straightforward. We added an extra filter dryer in the line just in case. Total cost for new compressor and dryer plus shipping under $400. Total cost for everything.....with R22 and labor from my jack of all trades HVAC guy $600.

(In contrast, cost for a new Cruisair unit and new SMX2 control incl labor from the official Cruisair repair shop would have been $5,600).

Has been on 24/7 for over a month now and still working great.

Thanks for the update a very nice savings for sure