ice build up on freezer box

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by LauraleeG

yep...yer not wrong, my momma said so. However, as I told my momma,I was just wondering if there was something i could do to minimize the ice build up since now we have new and improved technologies like, I dunno...electricity!

i dunno, but I'm sure you don't. Let me explain what yo momma should have for you:


early ELECTRICAL refrigerators did not have defrost cycles.


Clear enough?

[SV THIRD DAY]

Once the frost on your Evaporator (think rolled aluminum or thick eutectic holding plate) gets a frost build up of more than 1/4", the frost/ice acts as an insulator and can reduce the transfer of heat from the Box to the Evaporator by up to 30%. This results in higher box temps, more compressor cycling and an increase in power usage.

If you are building up more than 1/4" of frost in about 7-10 days, then that is a sure sign of poor hatch seals. Warm moist air is being drawn into your box and the moisture is being platted out...

A defrosted Evaporator is a Happy Evaporator.

[skipgundlach]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

Once the frost on your Evaporator (think rolled aluminum or thick eutectic holding plate) gets a frost build up of more than 1/4", the frost/ice acts as an insulator and can reduce the transfer of heat from the Box to the Evaporator by up to 30%. This results in higher box temps, more compressor cycling and an increase in power usage.

If you are building up more than 1/4" of frost in about 7-10 days, then that is a sure sign of poor hatch seals. Warm moist air is being drawn into your box and the moisture is being platted out...

A defrosted Evaporator is a Happy Evaporator.

Hi, Rich!

So, what's your recommendation for gasket material?

You may have seen my consumer-grade kludge at double-gasketing earlier in the thread, but our snow accumulation is crazy currently, though I can't find any likely leak in the gasket patterns (both rectangular, outfacing on the cold side, infacing on the hot side)...

L8R

Skip

[CaptnKen]

Ice build-up on/near hinge suggest air leakage. Check your seals and ensure no air is leaking in. Also, you might try a cup of rid-damp. It draws the moisture into a container. Main thing is too much air getting into frig.

[SV THIRD DAY]

Originally Posted by skipgundlach

Hi, Rich!

So, what's your recommendation for gasket material?

You may have seen my consumer-grade kludge at double-gasketing earlier in the thread, but our snow accumulation is crazy currently, though I can't find any likely leak in the gasket patterns (both rectangular, outfacing on the cold side, infacing on the hot side)...

L8R

Skip

Hey Skip
You can do a simple test with some blue painters tape.
Seal up the hatch joints with blue painters tape overnight and see if that decreases the frost monster by doing that for a few days.

Another easy test is to shoot the area around your hatch with an IR Temp Gun. If it's colder than the surrounding countertop, then that proves heat is being sucked into the box.

The best seal I have seen for easy also is from Ace Hardware.
They are "D" shaped and come in a roll with two "D" sections attached together that can be pulled apart. They are very soft and crush down well to that you hatch still has a chance of closing and sitting too proud above the countertop.

[CaptnKen]

Another way to check for air leakage is to baby or talcum powder around lid and leave an opening for a straw or pump. something to force air into the frig.Then watch for the powder to get blown away :}

[LauraleeG]

Pictures might help here! So not sure how I could put a seal on the back and still have the plastic door flip up and down.

[Stu Jackson]

What advantage is that plastic performing? I have a vertical evaporator box, too, and just don't understand the concept. I have owned this boat for 24 years, so I'm just trying to learn.