AC System 'Reversing Valve' stuck. Help?

[stormchaser]

Seems like a bad design to me. Make it easily replaced and a cheap part if it fails frequently which it seems to do...

 

[Boatsb]

It's not the part it's the labor. FYI if you do it yourself the time still counts so figure out the cost of your labor before making the call.

 

[J's Dream]

Thanks for the image, Scott.

My problem is the salon unit...it has the SMX digital control, and I switch it to heat, and it'll come on, compressor and all...but only will blow cold air. I think tomorrow I'll get in there and see if I can free it up.

I'm just glad that the stateroom unit is working fine (can still stay on the boat). I find it interesting that the stateroom unit is original to the boat and works fine, but the salon one is only 8 years old. Quality going downhill???

 

[Boatsb]

Who installed the SMX. On my boat the new unit with the SMX control did not work when it was installed. I had to wire it in right.

Check that the valve is getting the right voltage ( 110 or 220? ) by jumping it directly if you can.

 

[krush]

Reversing valves usually don't fail or get stuck...if they are used regularly. Ya rarely hear about them failing on home heat pumps.