Hello,

Recently I tried to run my Marine Air System model number VHE 9K-H for the first time.  Owned the boat for three years now but never used the cooling/heating system.  The boat is a 1991 SportCraft 292 (29').  When I turn the system on, the water circulates but no cooling is happening.  Not sure if the compressor is kicking on or not.  Read on another post something about a fuse for the compressor.  Where is this located?  Are there any schematics for this system available online?  Mechanically inclined and have experience with vehicles (rebuilding motors, etc.), along with experience as an electronic technician so hoping I can figure the problem out without having to have someone else look at the system.  Also, can R134a be used in place of R-22 if needed? Thanks for the help.

Steve,

WOW!  I must say very impressive, and a big "Thank you" for the quick response. 

I viewed the controllers and have the "ECU" controller.  Not sure if that matters or would require a retrofit if not working.  I also wouldn't be opposed to trying to troubleshoot the board either, or even try to figure out a way to retrofit a relay to provide power to the compressor with a signal from the ECU.  Ever heard of anybody doing something as such?

Unfortunately I live about two hours from where I keep my boat, so it may be a week or two before I get back to it.

Thanks again!

Steve,

Had a chance to get to the boat and look over the system.  All fuses (4 total) were good and I measured the voltage at each which was 120V.  When turning on the system the fan starts up immediately followed by a hard click coming from the compressor, and then a very low humming sound as if the compressor is operating as it should.  When toggling between heating to cooling I will hear the clicking each time switched, followed by the click and then a "whooshing" sound of water, but unfortunately no cold or hot air as called for.  The water from the pump will stop momentarily when switching between heating and cooling, then continue to flow.  When touching the compressor and the plumbing around the compressor nothing seems cold or hot as I believe it should.  I did remove the brass looking square, I believe it's a solenoid (held on by a nut on the back side) and tried sliding the round piece (valve?) that it covers but was unable to move it by hand.

So maybe the lines are clogged or corroded somewhere, or thinking more likely the R22 is low or out? 

Hello again Steve,

Back at it again…

Where would I check for compressor power, I hear the system humming, so hoping its working okay.

It seems there is R22 (not sure how much though).

Where is the reversing valve?  Is there any way to free it if it is stuck?

Lastly, I noticed solenoid (on the compressor) is getting hot to the touch.  The shaft that the solenoid sits on, should that be able to move in and out? 

The boat is sitting in my driveway, so I should be able to react a bit faster with suggestions for the next week or so.

Thanks again!

Today I took a closer look at the system with a HVAC tech.  We emptied and refilled the system with R22, but unfortunately no go.  Start relay hums, compressor clicks but does not turn over.  I think it's time to replace the compressor.  Any ideas on where and how much this will cost for the part.  The number on the compressor is AK145AT-0009.  It's a single phase 115 Hz compressor.

Thanks.