tophattandtails said:

1980 Hatteras 53MY, Lake Erie.

 

Problem 1: Bow a/c compressor makes a cluncking sound as it tries to cycle when started.  WHat should I look at first?…You say "Clunking when when it tries to cycle when started"…Can you define that a bit ?…Does it clunk when it cycles off, or when it tries to re-start ?…Does it run at all ?

 

Problem 2: aft salon blower sounds like its frozen when turned on (its a dual speed evaporator / blower).  I get an electrical humm sound when I move it to high speed cool.  any thoughts?…What kind of control Manual, or Digital ?…If Digital, I need to know exact model…SMX, SMXII, or SMXnet… 

Steve~

Post edited 7:43 am – June 28, 2011 by Steve Pooler

tophattandtails said:

Problem 1: When I turn the 3-knob mechanical control from Start (fan only) to Run (Compressor), it sounds like the compressor is trying to start.  It will attempt to start for a second or 2, then stop, then do this 2 or 3 times.  At that point I turn off the compressor at the knob.  I figured out I had a problem when I came back to the bow and it was previously running fine, then was putting out 78 degree air via a IR temp gauge (usually puts out 56 – 60 degree at the grill).

 

Couple of possibilities here…

• 1) You may not be getting water to that individual unit and it is cycling on the high pressure switch…Even though it is supplied by the same pump, you could have a blockage to only that unit…Or all the other units are cycled off & the trigger in the pump relay is bad & not starting the pump for that unit.
• 2) The unit is cycling on the compressor overload…Meaning the compressor is having a hard time getting started…Could be a bad capacitor or connections to it…Open the electrical box on the unit & check for burnt components or connections…If none, then we have to consider a possible bad compressor.

Here is a link on how to check the compressor & other related components, Please read top to bottom:  http://dometic.com/FileOrganiz…..ors%20.pdf

 

Problem 2: I am running the OEM old 2-knob mechanical controls.  This is a dual speed (not variable speed) blower (hi and low heat and hi and low cool speeds).  I am attempting to run the blower in the high speed cool mode.  When I turn it on, the blower motor (I believe) sounds like it is frozen and gives you a hum.  This was running fine, but I came back to the boat after a few hours and it was DOA with no sound at all – almost like the circuit breaker had tripped – but it hadn't.

If it will run on low speed it is not frozen…The motor has two separate windings, High & Low…If it runs on Low that winding is good…If it won't run on low either…

The motor has an internal thermal overload that may have tripped…When the motor cools it should reset itself…Feel the motor…Is it hot ?…Then does it get hot at both speeds, or just one if you can get it to run after it cools ?

Steve~

Post edited 7:39 am – June 28, 2011 by Steve Pooler

tophattandtails said:

Thanks Steve.  Unfortunately both high and low are frozen.  Same on the High and Low vent settings…  I get the same frozen "humm"…  Motor?  Been thinking of upgrading to the FX1 controls for this unit which would also require a new variable speed blower.  Maybe I just got forced to that upgrade?

I'm afraid so…But it did give 31 years of service…Likely without a drop of oil into it's shaft bearings either…(Not picking on you…Most folks don't know the oil ports are there, or they are hard to get to)

 

Any thoughts on the other compressor in the Bow?

My thoughts are in my last post about that one…Till we know those answers I can't say much more…

 

BTW – I have 1 230v, 3-knob mechanical control from my main salon FX1 upgrade that needs a new home.  Any use to you?  In nice condition, wire harness in tack, and capillary tube in good shape.  Fully operational last week when I took it out.  I will also have another 230 volt, dual speed control (from issue #1 blower), and 3, 125volt 3-knob mechanical controls once I upgrade those units as well (but there still in operation)…  Let me know if your interested.

Brian…I have little use for those controls…Like you, most are going digital now days…Which brings me to another subject…

I started this Free info site/forum with hopes that if folks liked me & my help…They would consider buying from me…No I don't sell the FX-1, but I do sell Cruisair & Marine Air digitals…And I can supply the air handler too…

My prices are competitive on Dometic Cruisair/Marine Air products (Just ask SKY) and although I may not be as cheap as other brands….My free advise & guidance should be worth something…Just hope you are considering ordering from me   

I don''t think you will find anyone more willing & helpful thru the whole project…and Sales are what keeps Marine-AC.com going…

Steve~

Sorry I missed your PWX problem…

Usually when there is a problem in there the compressor will not even try to start…Had I known, I could have helped with troubleshooting it….But I guess you can't foresee everything from this end  

As far as dual speed blowers & FX-1 controls…No work around that I know of…They are only built for variable speed motors…

Cruisair SMX & SMXnet have dual triacs for the 2 speeds, and a program setting for that type of operation…They even have a setting that will ramp up or down the voltage when starting, and also changing speeds, to git rid of the Thump those motors made…

Steve~