AC Issues, Again

[Sparky1]

Steve, the switch I'm talking about is the little red reset button on the air handler itself. We were able to see the one on the inoperable unit in the salon as it sets out further than the one in the master. It's a low amperage rating, but I can't remember how low. Maybe I'll just rob that switch and do a little redneck testing with the operable unit. All the other connections you mentioned are fine, but it almost has to be a problem with low voltage coming into the unit. Otherwise the fan speed wouldn't be affected when the compressor kicks in.

I thought I had a wiring diagram for this system, but the only info I have is a little fact card from Cruise Air and a description of the different systems offered by Hatteras which shows up in the owner's manual. I'll pull the specific info from the unit when I go back to the boat, then I'll see if I can come up with a wiring diagram. I'm sure somebody out there has one if I can come up with it another way.

 

[krush]

Contrary to your earlier statement, we did in fact get the breaker to trip while your gauges were attached. Remember?

I guess I don't remember LOL. I do know when it was running the hi-side was around 240. The highest I saw was 275-300 briefly just after startup before it settled down.

I don't know what the high pressure cut-offs are on the cruiseairs, but I haven't seen any that were less than 350psi.

I'm not gonna BS. Randy has a leak that let the charge out over 1-2 years. I gave him a slightly more than optimal charge so he can go longer before losing his A/C, but the pressure was still in check and will only come down with time.

Couple this with the fact that the service valves were frozen and somebody just put a T with a shrader only in the high-side made for some less than ideal circumstances. Regardless, I only put in 1.75 pounds and it was pretty empty when started.

 

[Trojan]

I sounds like your compressor is dead heading, trying to start with to much pressure in the system. The new type controls switch to heat and then back to cold just before starting. This removes the pressure from the high side. Try running the unit in heat first for a couple of seconds then going to cold. There is no pressure in the system when heating. If this is the case. You may be able to adjust the controls to help prevent this.

BILL

 

[Sparky1]

I'll give that a shot Bill, but how can it make any difference in heat mode vs cold as the compressor kicks on either way?

If I run it in heat mode for a couple of seconds, then go to cool, it seems to me the compressor would be starting on heat, then stopping for those few seconds before cycling on again in cool mode. It's my understanding you're supposed to wait two minutes in between start-ups to avoid problems with the compressor.

 

[krush]

It's not "dead heading"....I watched the starts on the gauge. When the compressor is off all the pressure dissipates within 30 seconds.

I'm not going to argue on a forum about how a heat pump works again, but there is pressure in heat mode too.

 

[Trojan]

The compressor starting in the heat mode from the cold equalizes the system pressure. Switching from heat to cold does not bother the compressor. Stopping and starting in the cold position to rapid can strain and overload the compressors motor if the system does not equalize. There is always pressure in the system. But going to heat from the cool mode first equalizes the system. Its just a test to see if the compressor will start ok. It could also be over filled. Or the differential settings on your switch may be off. Mine were.

If your so damn smart Krush you should have fixed when you were there. Obvisually your not the expert you think you are.
BILL

 

[Sparky1]

Now Bill, you're gonna hurt krush's feelings if you keep talking like that.

Honestly, we could have spent more time tinkering with the thing, but I for one wanted him to do more than just bust his nuts on my boat having taken the time to fly down. He did offer to do more, but I opted to try and show him a good time as opposed to making him my manservant... or would that be boyservant?

Thanks again for your help Jay, we'll get this thing figured out one way or the other.