Adler Barbour

[Gary Wilson]

I have a new Adler Barbour Cold Machine to install.  I've tried to read everything on the site about them to help me plan the installation and the most attractive location for me seems like the lazarette, on the starboard side.
   Last weekend, I roughly measured a possible routing location coming up out of the icebox, up to deck level, then back to the lazarette.  It was 17 feet and I believe the unit comes with only 15 feet of tubing to connect with.
   Can anyone tell me how their tubing is routed between the icebox and lazarette?

Thanks,
Gary Wilson

[Chris]

We installed the Cold Machine in our '89 ChriSea last summer.  "We" (I offered my partner Ben moral support) built a platform on the hull pretty much in the center of the aft lazarette, because the p.o. had put a propane box on the starboard side.  We ran the tubing pretty much as Ron describes, going straight under the aft cabin bed and into the storage space under the little "bench" on the starbd side.  From there, through the wall, and behind the stove.  It reached......but there is no slack at all!  We debated about where to place the unit in the icebox, but the deciding factor was - as close as possible to the compressor!  The installation went well and we have been very pleased with the results.
Chris

[Gary Wilson]

Thanks for the insight, guys.  I think I will do a trial installation with a piece of tubing to get an accurate measurement, before I try the real thing.

Gary Wilson

[jentine]

I installed a cold machine under the sink between the water heater and the ice box.  I had to move the foot pump for the ice box drain, relocate the water tank control valves, and the water pump.
The foot pump was relocated to the spare parts locker since it would be of no use with refrigeration and I plugged the drain.  I replaced the original valves with a three way gate valve to allow water from aft, starboard or all tanks to the system.  The water pump I mounted atop the starboard water tank.  With the addition of a canister type water filter, there was enough hose to make the move.
The cold machine sits comfortably beneath the drawers.  I added a screened vent to the access door for additional ventilation.  I coiled the copper lines under the platform that was already there.  I have had no problems with the system since installation.  I must admit that there is no access to the components for service, but I can remove two nuts from the studs that hold the compressor assembly in place and pull the entire unit into the galley if service is ever necessary.  
Jim Kane

[karista]

I installed the Adler Barbour unit pretty much as Ron described, but like you, the supplied tubing was a little short. I believe that the lenght supplied varies somewhat and mine was not quit 15 ft. I called Adler Barbour and they send me a extension tubing kit, about 3 ft long, which worked out great.

Bernd

[Gary Wilson]

Bernd -

That 3 ft extension sounds like a good solution if I come up short on the tubing.  Did it come precharged with refrigerant, like the rest of the system?

 - Gary

[DEMERY]

If it's possible to install the evaparator with out the extention it would be best. The quick connect fittings are where most leaks are found.

PS:  I installed the Cold Machine on my 1990 34 in the aft lazzerett with no extentions.

Good Luck,

Dave

[karista]

The extension kit was pre-charged. I would check the lenght of your tubing first, as it is always best to minimize adding extra connections.
Bernd

[Gary Wilson]

Thanks for the info.  I'm planning to run a "trial" tube (or wire) through first, before I try the real one.  Then I'll be sure of the length and can use it as a fish tape.

 - Gary

[Alohman]

In the past few years, I have seen several postings regarding the location of the AB evaporator.  I can't recall anyone mentioning installing under the aft cabin bunk.  Our unit is installed there.  Advantages, short run to the icebox, noise is hardly noticable, easy installation.  The only additional thing we did was install a small louvered panel under the birth to increase air flow from the cabin into the area.  This installation has worked well for many years.