Frigoboat K35F / Danfoss BD Low Side Connections

[duncan_ellison]

Hi all,

Been trying to find this info amongst all the Frigoboat posts but can't see any mention.

I need to vacuum down and refill my BD35F. I'm away from the boat and trying to assemble the parts needed to take next time I travel.

Can anyone confirm that the LOW side Schrader connection (i.e the one on the compressor, NOT the quick disconects) is the same as commonly used on the fill lines provided with a regular 'Harbor Freight' type gauge set. I believe it's a 1/4" ??

[Bill O]

Haven't added any 134 in awhile to our Frigoboat system, but believe it is a standard size.

How did you lose your refrigerant?

[pcmm]

The bd35 uses standard r134 refrigeration connections. East thing to do is get a set of gauges, they will have the correct fittings for both high and low side and supply. You’ll just need a can and tap. The system uses very little R134, so only add a little bit at a time.

I had to replace the o-rings in my quick connects as they had disintegrated over time.

[duncan_ellison]

Great, thanks guys.

I have a set of gauges, so I figure that's all I need except for an adaptor to the can.

@Bill O. - Didn't, I need to vacuum down the system to remove any moisture before I fit a new filter drier.

[Bill O]

If you are just replacing the inline filter drier, the driers they sell at Frigoboat are precharged w/the self sealing couplers.

If everything goes right when you take the couplers apart they should seal, then insert new one, you should be good to go.
Would start up the unit and look at your frost line on your evaporator. If fully frosting over, you're good. If you need to add refrigerant, add very small amounts and watch the frost line until you are happy. Too much refrigerant will cause the line to freeze outside the box and too high of an amp draw from the compressor. I run a watt meter to monitor the amp draw/ah used in conjunction w/the frost line on the evaporator to let me know how well my system is functioning.

[duncan_ellison]

Thanks. The problem I'm trying to solve is that three times now, I've had an ice plug form in the system and didn't realize until the food in the freezer was already de-frosted.

Quickly resolved with a hair dryer, but there's almost certainly some water in the system. The plan is to evacuate and draw a vacuum for 24 hours, then add the dryer.

[Bill O]

The system should come with a drier already installed to avoid this problem.
Is yours air cooled and how old is it?

On our first Frigoboat system (w/keel cooler) it did not come with a drier and installed one after some issues. After that its been running well.

[duncan_ellison]

It's a Keel Cooler type and good 12 years old now.

There may be a small inline filter, but I'm adding one of the big pre-charged ones from Frigoboat.