Richard,
1996 seems about right given what I know of the
history of my 1972 P36. Originaly it was an ice box, when I purchased the
boat 8 years old in 1980. I
sold it in 1990 and the next owner installed the Cold Machine. It has a white think plate evaporator. I purchased the boat back in 2005 motivated by loss and nostalgia.
I had not reason to believe the system was not operating properly until first trying to run it in early July. It seemed to short cycle constantly and had an led light suggesting low voltage, but my
batteries registered 12.6. I began an investigation primarily checking to be sure the thermostat was working properly, although I am not familiar with how the capillary tube affects the T-stat. Although the unit is in a dry location I considered environmental factors and tightenbed any loose screws, namely those in the control module and the heavey duty positive and ground to the
power supply.
A few days ago after doing that "maintenance" I was aboard and ran the unit for about an hour. Suddenly is seemed to be running effectively. Sold accumulated on the evaporator almost to the point of frost and maybe would have become more frosty if I waited longer. There was nothing in the ice box.
I thought about
charging the unit at the port provided, but once I realized the threaded tube was not compatible with the hose from my R134 can purchased from the local auto zone and after a very short burst of pressure was released ... very short because I have read about the consequence ... I stopped thinking, do no harm.
I am a compulsive do it yourselfer and it is hard for me to keep my hands off, but that is what I am doing for now. My plan when I go cruising a month from now, nothing for the next few weeks, is to load up with 20 lbs of ice and work both
cooling sources, the ice and the Adler Barbour together, and see how that works out.
I have no idea how to measure the amperage. I should probably get a thermometer to register the temperature in the box and I shold probably not expect too much from the system, but I sure could use a cold drink.
Thanks for your interest. Same to SVSOLITAIRE. I realize all of this is old news to most people on the Forum. Where is the "free manual" Solitaire refers to? Do either of you have a link? It is the Adler Barbour owner's manual?
I am thinking about a threaded adapter that will take the standard automotive recharge hose from Advance Auto, but I am also remembering the
medical mantra to "do no harm". Maybe I should just leave well enough along for now even though I'd like to give it a quick shot of R134a.
Sorry its not a quick reply. Mine never tend to be.