Disappointing Performance from a Cruisair Unit

[SeaEric]

I have a 12,000 BTU Compressor in the engineroom on my 1966 Hatteras 41 TC. This split system unit runs the 4,000 BTU Evaporator in the Forward Stateroom, and the 8,000 BTU Evaporator in the Aft Stateroom. This past Saturday PM I noticed that this unit was pulling higher amperage than is typical. This usually means that there is a cooling water issue. I checked and the water flow was perfect. I had my AC "guy" come take a look this morning and he did a bunch of checks like capacitors, freon, water etc. He tells me that the Compressor is dead. This is an original-to-the-boat gray Cruisair from 1966 which has, with some regular maintenence, performed perfectly until this past Saturday. All I can say is that I am very disappointed.

 

[Scarlett]

I feel your pain Eric, things just don’t last anymore!

 

[Cricket]

Can guarantee the new one won't last half of the 57 years the original unit did.
Also, probably time to change all of it out at this point.

 

[43DoubleCabin]

Can guarantee the new one won't last half of the 57 years the original unit did.
Also, probably time to change all of it out at this point.

What does it look like changing out/ replacing these old units?

 

[Pascal]

I know the old blue Cruisairs were great, as evidenced by how long this one lasted, but at this point I don’t think replacing the compressor makes sense as you re still dealing with aging coils. On a newer unit, sure but putting a new compressor with old coils? Nope.

 

[Cricket]

Yep, change it all out including the freon lines too if you're able. Btw, I used to believe in having split systems but now I'm all in on the self-contained units.
Anyone know anything about these new variable speed compressor units Dometic and some others are now offering.

https://epi.dometic.com/en/outdoor/...ined-water-cooled/dometic-voyager-tx10-267003
https://epi.dometic.com/en/outdoor/...ined-water-cooled/dometic-voyager-tx18-266997
https://mabrupowersystems.com/products/mabru-air-conditioner-ac-units/

 

[jim rosenthal]

Have you checked to see if it's still under warranty?

 

[whoover]

I would write a letter and complain Eric, but I have no idea where you would send it!

Walt Hoover

 

[Cricket]

Almost all of the Dometic parts are now coming from China, of course. Which is probably why their products have gone to crap.
Recently had a friend lose steering and ran aground at over 30 knots on a big custom SF that had recently been retrofitted with Dometic's all electric Optimus steering system. System shutdown instantly because of a circuit board failure, no back up hydraulics.
Go figure.

 

[Bob Quinn]

I would write a letter and complain Eric, but I have no idea where you would send it!

Walt Hoover

Ditto that, you might just get a new one as maybe they can use you as advertisement!

 

[Bob Quinn]

Almost all of the Dometic parts are now coming from China, of course. Which is probably why their products have gone to crap.
Recently had a friend lose steering and ran aground at over 30 knots on a big custom SF that had recently been retrofitted with Dometic's all electric Optimus steering system. System shutdown instantly because of a circuit board failure, no back up hydraulics.
Go figure.

My favorite saying "Made in China, wok good fo you one time!"