Norcold models

[sofarelli]

Guys,
Does anyone know the model refrigerator Norcold
installed in the 32's? The model number is on the rear
and I would rather not pull the unit to order a new
door seal.
Mike

 

[Karl]

Your question is timely, I am in the midst of replacing the Norcold refrig on my 32. Mine is a DE-441, which is no longer made. I called Norcold customer service with its serial # and they told me it was a year 2000 model. In doing some research on Norcolds, I found several opinions that were not happy with Norcold including my local repair shop. Supposedly they are really made for motor homes and don't have a fan to assist in dissipating the heat. It needs good rear ventilation to survive.

I'm told the replacement is a DE-0041. It's price ranges from $950 list to $850 from a boat discount store. I found a new Norcold on eBay with the same dimensions and got the bid for $481 plus shipping of about $85; of course, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I made a good decision. It's being shipped today. According to the local marine refrig repair shop (Fort Lauderdale) the repair cost for a new compressor would be $505 plus labor time, so I figure if the eBay one works out, I will be better off with it.

If you check any boat store catalog for the DE-0041, the measurement specs should be the same as yours, but you should double check it to the inside/outside measurements on your exisitng refrig. Karl

 

[Karl]

I just reread your question and realize I told you more than you want to know. Your model may be older than the one I have so it may be a different model number. Sorry for the misdirection. For what it's worth, using the dimensions of the old door seal on a previous boat that had a Norcold, my local boat discount store new what the replacement was and ordered it for me and it fit just fine. Karl

 

[Banshee36]

You may want to check out a Tundra Refrigarator(?). The are the same dimensions, better quality.The norcolds have to breath, air in and air outand the newer models have lots of fans.
JW

 

[SeaEric]

The "NoCold" units have truly gathered a reputation for dying young and being pricey to replace. The various competition has cleverly developed a line of units that exactly replace Nocolds in the same cut out dimension. I think it makes sense to do the reaserch, read the blogs and reports and make sure that you're making the best decision in your replacement plans.

There are apparently quite a few options now.

 

[sofarelli]

Karl,
That may be the model # that I am looking for.
I suspect the door seal is allowing air in and producing
condensation. It has been doing this ever since I popped
it out for cleaning. I noticed that it seemed to be somewhat
compressed. Classic - one small project produces a string
of projects!
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Karl]

Mike, here I go again with advice that might not be on target, but I'll give it a try. After I had replaced the seal on my former boat's Norcold, I had a similar problem to yours in that it did not seem to seal completely. Out of furstration, I decided to buy a short roll of hatch weather seal stripping with the glue backing. I cut it to four lengths and placed it on the outside of the refrig where the door seal mashes against the refrig. I left the door seal in place so I had a double seal. I was concerned as to whether it would stick, but it stayed there rock solid for the next couple of years that I owned the boat and sealed the refrig perfectly. Karl

 

[sofarelli]

Karl,
I did not think of adding another seal.
That took care of the condensation?
I'll have to give that a try. That's cheaper than a
new ref. We are in the process of having new flooring,
curtains, cushions, valance, comforter, lighting, and stereo
installed in the cabin. So, I would rather defer a new refer
if possible.
Thanks again,
Mike

 

[Karl]

Mike, I can't exactly remember about the condensation, but I know there were definite signs that the door was not sealed tight, like the freezer icing up. However, that hatch seal did seal it tight and resolved my problems. It's a cheap solution and worth the try. Karl