Fridge door repair

[silverdart]

Hello sailors
i have an isotherm fridge fitted to my Catalina 445.
The door latch is broken. The latch has jammed in the retracted position due to the return spring not working. the door opens and closes but the latch does not work. Also the door is not swinging easily, its like the hinge has dropped a bit so you have to lift the door to close it properly.
i need a refrigerator mechanic or handy man for advice.
Cheers
Silverdart.

[captjcook]

If it is a CR series...the latch is held in place with three screws, replacement is only $16. So feel free to have a look, would help to see a few pictures. The door hanging could be as simple as door alignment (loosen and adjust a few screws top/bottom hinge), could just be loose screws or a worn plastic bushing, again pictures...I was unable to find a real breakdown of the latch assembly to offer more...best of luck


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Ostinato]

Any more on this? Mine just went today. It looks like there are two versions of the latch - one held by a single difficult to reach screw and a more recent one secured by two screws which are much easier to access. The one that broke is, of course, the first version. I have a replacement but I am trying figure out the easiest way to get the broken one out. Any ideas?

[captjcook]

A picture would really help...maybe the model number also...


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Ostinato]

The model is the Cruise 130. Both latches look the same on the face of them. The newer model has to holes for screws to secure it. The older model (which broke) has a welded on screw extending from the back it to secure the latch to the refrig door.

[captjcook]

Looks to me...the older design has a nut welded on the back, the screw holds the slide mechanism together, and is not used for mounting. I believe that latch is being held in with the two rubber/plastic "bumpers" and just snaps in. Should be able to carefully able to pry out, from the "away from edge side of the latch. Updated version now has screws. Might need to tap drill for mounting screws. Sliding mechanism being retained in a different fashion. If you don't have ability to contact Isotherm directly to confirm, I will call my Indel manager friend and confirm or update...

Cheers


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Ostinato]

The factory replied the latch was foamed in and the door needed to be replaced. I had nothing to lose and did not remember this being the case when scavenged the older type latch so I decided to cut it out.

I first removed the latch door handle by cutting through pin holding it in place and then drilled out the retaining screw. There was some "glue gun" type glue helping to hold in place but it was easy to pull the handle out of the door.

I then drilled a couple of holes for the new latch screws and added some foam tape to reduce the heat loss. I am attaching a few photos of what I did.