2019 R27 A/C replacement

[Gcarlson]

What A/C unit is likely installed in my 2019 R27? My guess is a 12K or 16K Btu Webasto FCF.

I've read access is from the top, under the drive seat. I do not see any hatch under the starboard seat slider. Next guess is there will be an aft panel, or least likely I hope behind the microwave.

For what it's worth, I have a low pressure alarm and shut-off and have decided to replace the whole unit. I have finally concluded the extra severe cold snap (25 or 30F below normal) in Feb/Mar might have cracked some tubing.

Any input is welcome. Obviously, I have not dug into the unit, but I am guessing there might be no service port, and on a unit that new, there must have been some significant damage somehow.

 

[KKRCRACE]

I am having the same issue and hopefully will be resolving the issue soon. I am installing a service port in the low pressure side so that I can charge the unit with Freon. I will be doing it next week and can post the results. My unit is only 3 years old and can’t believe that it has to be replaced already. If I have to replace it I won’t be replacing it with the same junk.
KKRCRACE

 

[Gcarlson]

Yes, it was a surprise on a 2-yead-old unit. One suggestion was lingering salt inside the cooling line penetrated the freon jacket/tube. I guessed our abnormal lows in Oklahoma cracked something.

I had these taps used on a house fridge repair and ordered some, along with some R134a:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089GPS2HZ?ps ... ct_details

But, the FCF's appear to be R410a, but that's also easy enough to get. I might try to recharge once myself, if I can get to the unit. It's odd no one's commented on access or unit size - surely it's from the aft side in the pilot berth.

I tend to think these units all use the same compressors and similar hardware.

https://www.suremarineservice.com/Cool/ ... TINUM.html
https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=1833570

 

[Chimo]

It's odd no one's commented on access or unit size - surely it's from the aft side in the pilot berth.

I'm sure a call or email to the factory would help.

 

[KKRCRACE]

I talked to the Webasto factory technician and did what he said which was go back and forth from AC to heat to make sure the reversing valve worked. Not sure what that had to do with it sense I had been on AC for three months. When we finished he said probably low on Freon and If not that I need a new unit. I had a few things to say and decided to resolve the problem myself. I’ll know next week.
KKRCRACE

 

[Matty]

Mine was replaced due to loss of refrigerant. I do not believe you can recharge these units. You remove some panels and disconnect electrical from inside the cave. Then remove microwave where you can remove mounting bolts. Slide a/c out microwave opening.
Mine was a Webasto unit.

 

[Mr Ben]

I have a 25sc so that may be different FCF 12k. Over the winter I installed a soft start unit so I could run the ac underway with my Honda 2200. Access was gained by removing the panel in the master stateroom. It was just 4 or 5 screws the panel came out with a few choice words as I recall.

 

[KKRCRACE]

This is a follow up on my Webasto AC problems on my 3 year old unit. After doing what the Webasto technicians said to try which didn’t help I installed a service port in the low pressure side in order to be able to check and add Freon. I added the proper amount of Freon and the unit still would not cool. The problem was a bad Capacitor in the electrical box. I put in a new capacitor and the unit is working fine now. A lot cheaper than a new unit. I hope this helps some people.
KKRCRACE

 

[marksandyham]

Be careful with using the bolt on tap valves. They are a violation of EPA Section 608 if left on the system after recovering the refrigerant. More importantly in my 30+ years doing HVAC tech support they almost always leak after a short time on stationary appliances so I would guess results on a boat would be worse.

I recommend brazing in an access valve while flowing nitrogen to keep from forming copper oxide which is not good for the system. R-410a will burn and create a toxic gas so nitrogen is also a safety issue.