Re-charging Refrigeration System

[svthreecheers]

After 18 years of service my Freezer Compressor packed it in.Ground fault in
the Windings.Today I replaced the unit with a new one ( Tecumseh ).
Cost about 200.00 CAN. I thought I had a deal.Until I figured out the cost to get a Tech to the boat and re-charge the System.
The closest guy is 250 km (one way ) and a ferry ride away.By the time he gets to Alert Bay he has already 4 hours on the book .
Plus Parts,actual Working time and return trip.$$$ 582.00
What does it take to do the job myself ? How easy is it and what tooling do I need ? What do Cruisers do in the middle of nowhere when they lost there
Freon due to a leak ?
Need Help .Thanks
Siggi

[pcmm]

I had to recharge my fridge this summer after an o-ring in one of the connectors went missing. I just went to an autoparts store and got an R134a AC recharge kit and R12 adapter. total coat was $45 USD. you can't get R134a over the counter in Canada so you either have to take a trip to the US to get the kit or get a RED TEK kit from Canadian Tire it uses R12a. when you recharge ( if you have an evaporator plate type system) turn on the unit, get the compressor running and then give it a 5 second shot and then let it run for 10-15 minutes. check the plate for frost. if no frost then another 5 second shot, and wait. keep repeating until the whole evaporator plate is frosted. Be careful not to over charge as that can damage the compressor.

A good resource

Kollmann Marine