Problem with fridge box

[dmksails]

Did a deep clean on my fridge box today and somehow was able to get my head inside to look around - not easy and nearly got stuck! I noticed something odd - there is a 2-in hole in the upper back of the box where the cooling pipes come in. There is a loose piece of Styrofoam that is covering part of the hole.

Does this look normal to you?

I'm thinking that I need to seal this, possible with some spray foam.

Suggestions?

[wingssail]

Yes, a can of spray foam will close that nicely and probably improve the efficiency, however the guy who did it that way probably also cut corners on the insulation. It might be worth your while to measure the inside and outside and determine how much insulation you have (still not knowing what type of insulation). At least 4" would be minimal if you plan to spend much time on the hook trying to live off of your solar.

There is also an Ice block test (google it) which can give you a real good idea of how well it works.

[dmksails]

Thanks! I plan to test the efficiency of the box soon, but I have gone 8 hours with the power off and only lost 10 degrees inside the box, so I'm thinking it's not bad. The yard did great everywhere else on the boat - I'm just thinking the guy who converted the icebox to a fridge was sloppy.

[Calif.Ted]

There is usually some rude attempt to seal that hole on installation, often just a gob of butyl tape or some such. A piece of foam pipe insulation or such should do the trick.

[glcalahan]

You need to seal the hole as you are losing cold down the drain.

[tml]

While you have access confirm what type of insulation was used and how thick. If its original could be a poured foam. This deteriorates over time and if the boat is 20 years old the R value is near zero.
There are some lengthy and useful threads on icebox upgrades and insulation. Well worth reading if you can find them
Tom

[Dsanduril]

If it is a typical marine fridge install then the lines came with connectors attached, so the builder needed a hole big enough to pass the connectors. So, not unusual. Seal it up as well as you can to prevent leakage, but do remember that some day you may need to pull connectors back through it if you need to do fridge work.