Reefer upgrade: from Grunert to ???

[Mickeyrouse]

Anyone have any thoughts on upgrading an OLD Grunert refrigerator? It is original on my boat, 40 years on. This is so old even ten years ago the people at Grunert knew nothing about it. Its nothing if not reliable. It is a belt drive Tecumseh compressor driven by a large frame 1/4 hp Century motor. Survived a sinking, and after being recharged works as good as ever. But NOISY. It can't go on forever though, and even Tecumseh no longer has parts.
Plus it is an energy hog: uses about 36 amps when cooling.
But I don't know where to start with an upgrade that will use the existing three compartment layout, w freezer in center.
Thoughts? Ideas?

[compassrose]

Hi,
I also have a B40. PM me as I can furnish you with some information.

Ed

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by compassrose

Hi,
I also have a B40. PM me as I can furnish you with some information.

Ed

Why not share it here? that's what public forums are for

[compassrose]

Mickey,
Tried to send you a PM but it won't go through. Send me your email address.

s/v Jedi,
Do the same and I will share the info with you as well. It's a survey taken by the B40 Association on reefer systems that includes some detailed descriptions of system replacements.

Ed

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by compassrose

Mickey,
Tried to send you a PM but it won't go through. Send me your email address.

s/v Jedi,
Do the same and I will share the info with you as well. It's a survey taken by the B40 Association on reefer systems that includes some detailed descriptions of system replacements.

Ed

Sorry, I won't. If you can't post it in public, I'm not interested in it.

[Mickeyrouse]

It seems fairly reasonable to assume that not everyone wants to expose themselves to the compulsive hyper-opinionated blatherers on these forums.

[Bermuda Forte]

I'm curious too about that. Mine's a 50 year old B40 and I have engine driven Grunert fridge. 'Not working too hot (or should I say cool) these days. Electric powered systems are of interest.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Mickeyrouse

It seems fairly reasonable to assume that not everyone wants to expose themselves to the compulsive hyper-opinionated blatherers on these forums.

I don't think anyone wants personal details of boats or owners. Just interested in hearing what refer system was preferred.

[Krawdad]

Personally I wouldn't even think of replacing my Gunnert, the reliability of these things is legendary. Back in the 60s & 70s adding a Gunnert was a status symbol for the martini crowd and an absolutely mandatory upgrade for serious cruisers heading to hot climates. I recently added more insulation to my beloved 25 yr old Gunny and it only runs 20 to 30 minutes a day to hold sub zero temperatures. Who cares if it draws a bit more power than other models, if its well insulated they rarely run anyway.

As far as parts & service go, they are simple to service and any part on it can be replaced with generic parts if need be. Nothing built by anyone today will come close to the reliability of your old Gunnert.

No I don't work for them but I am happy to give praise where praise is due.

[Mickeyrouse]

Our Grunert is not driven directly by the enine, but by an (inefficient) electric motor via belt drive. From what I gather, Grunert made both kinds in those years. Something using a Danfoss compressor and about 7 amps really appeals to me when I think about what the presnt rig consumes. Where I get on to thin ice is: once the compressor is installed and the lines run, the easy work is done. Just where do I run the lines to? the existing system lines run to and from something called a "Dean tank" (.is that the cold plates.......Or is it just the container? Or coils? Can't seem to find that out. ) Part of my questions are pecular to B-40's: can I do the work that I will need to do only removing the side panel facing inboard to the cabin?
Would love to hear more about your B-40: her name, how long you have sailed her, where you sail, etc. etc.