Now fridge won't turn off!

willynilly · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2011

I disconnected my Adler-Barbour unit to remove the fresh water tank for repairs with Sailnet advice. Water tank is fine, but now the fridge unit will not cycle off with the switch on. Turning the temp control down will not turn compressor off. The good news is it runs COLD! Did I toast the thermostat? On a side note, the evaporator is in a bad spot in the box for using the ice tray: the lines are too short. Is it possible to get longer hoses? If I disconnect, will refrigerant leak out?

deniseO30 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2011

Thermostat would be most likely stuck on or it's not sensing the temp. Find the sensor tube (looks like a wire) should be clipped to the Evap. warm it with your hands or disconnect a wire from thermostat and see it it turns off.

You will loose the charge if you cut the lines. many AB units do have connections at the condensing unit that reseal when taken apart, but they often leak when put back together.

Minnewaska · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by deniseO30

...Find the sensor tube (looks like a wire) should be clipped to the Evap. warm it with your hands or disconnect a wire from thermostat and see it it turns off......

If the sensor read an increase in temp, wouldn't it want to keep the compressor on? I've typically experienced compressors that won't come on, where this may be the test. Refridge isn't my strong suit.

Nevertheless, I find thermostats (not necessarily the sensor tubes themselves) to be a necessary replacement item after a while in marine fridges.

deniseO30 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2011

My bad.. my mind was air conditioning mode when I wrote that!
Correction, Most thermostats are just 2 wires. ck with a meter or just disconnect a wire and see if the compressor stops running.

JimsCAL · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by deniseO30

My bad.. my mind was air conditioning mode when I wrote that!

AC thermostat would still turn the unit ON when warmed. I think you mean a heat pump in the heat mode.

deniseO30 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-13-2011

Gad.. lol anyways...

Thermostats for Refrigeration make on rise. AC makes on rise, Heat makes on drop. (of temperature) Seems I knew that 40yrs ago...

willynilly · #7 (**permalink**) 05-16-2011

Great info! The lines are connected with brass fittings, but gas leaks out when disconnected. As for the thermostat, I'll unplug it and see if it will reset. Thanks!