cruisair question

[cpp]

I have old Cruisair units with the 3 knob controls. Can I update controls, so that the cooling pump turns off and on with the thermostat. It runs continually now. Just shuts off the compressor when it reaches temp. I would like it to cycle the water pump also, so that it is not always on.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[jim rosenthal]

yes, but you have to use digital controls

 

[MadHatter53]

I heard that dometic is now going back to the 3 knob, they had/have too many defects. For what it's worth I still see the digital controls offered on new units. I was also told by another Ac guy that some older units you cannot use digital controls. I have a guy on my boat right now trying to fix my salon and galley Ac. I haven't heard from him in 4hrs, I hope that's good.

 

[KPTIM]

You do not have to update to digital controls. Yes, Cruisair and some others are going back to a more manual approach to system control (except on very high end stuff).

Two options here:
1. If you only have one compressor being supplied sea water from one pump then it is an easy fix. Just have the pump motor supply wired to the compressor supply. This was an option on the older Cruisair units. Typically only requires moving one wire in the control box located on the condenser unit. Documented in the installation manual. Just consider putting a fuse in line with the pump supply.

2. If you have MORE than one compressor being supplied sea water from only ONE pump then you will need a Curisair Pump Relay control box similar to a PR8X or PR3X (these are old model numbers but still available.)

 

[Pascal]

Years ago i updated the old 3 knobbers to digital and loved it. Adding a relay box for th pump is great upgrade. Much safer since th pump will shut down in case of a leak

It s time for Cursair to simplify their systems and rely less on proprietary complex electronics but i cant imagine mechanical controls would be popular. This was one of the reasons i chose Flagship for my new chiller system... no complex electronics, just off the shelf relays and home styled mass produced thermostat. Inexpensive and i can get spares online

 

[doc g]

turning that pump on and off will ruin it much faster than just letting it run. I had the same pump on my old boat for 14 years (still going as far as I know) that was wired to a breaker, had to remember to turn it on. If you forget the unit will short cycle and remind you. As stated above, all you need is the relay box (something else to fail), and you do not need the digital controls....... Pat

 

[oceanjake]

Tagging into this, I just replaced my loud bronze centrifugal pump with an epoxy encapsulated koolair pump because I hated hearing the pump run. The new pump supplies 5 units, and cycles on and off with some but remains constant with others, but I digress. The bottom line is the pump is so quiet you cannot hear it from anywhere inside the boat. With any machinery on you must put your hand on it to feel if it’s running. If you just want less nuisance aboard this may be a solution for you also.