Penguin II AC Unit Noise

CapuTech · 07-09-2013, 10:23 AM

For all you Berkshire owners with the Penguin II AC units... If you find yours to be excessively loud when the compressor kicks in, there is a fix from Dometic for that.

I have a 2013 390BH-40 and the one in the bedroom makes it very difficult to sleep at night. When the compressor kicks in, it vibrates the whole room. The front one is only slightly better, maybe due to the larger space.

Anyway, I contacted Dometic and they advise this was a known issue for all Dometics manufactured before the 18th week of 2012. You can check if this applies to yours by checking the serial number on the unit. The first digit is the year (e.g, 2 = 2012) and the next two digits are the week of production (e.g, 218 = 2012, 18th week). Serial numbers after that date should already have the fix applied from the factory. Serial numbers before that could benefit from the fix.

I have attached the service bulletin from Dometic for reference. I am to receive my free kits this week and will report back on the hoped for improvement. Others have indicated a night and day difference to the sound level. I have used an SPL meter to measure the levels, so will have some numbers to quantify the improvement.

Himcules · 07-09-2013, 01:33 PM

awesome contribution!

EJM4 · 07-09-2013, 04:17 PM

I just had this completed two weeks ago on mine. Dometic also paid 1 hour labor for the repair shop to complete the repair.

Drastic improvement!!!

speedmerchant · 07-10-2013, 08:03 AM

I have a 2008 with no a/c issues but was just wondering where the serial number or info plaque is on these units. I confess I haven't looked yet but are they readable without pulling the covers off? Just curious to find out if I have the upgraded front 15,000btu A/C or not. Sorry don't mean to hijack the thread from the original issue.

James

tmmar · 07-10-2013, 09:46 AM

If you take the grill that holds the filter off you should be able to look up and see a sticker where all this information is located.

speedmerchant · 07-10-2013, 12:12 PM

Thanks tmmar

Himcules · 07-10-2013, 02:15 PM

I just emailed dometic. They says the parts have to be ordered by an authorized service center so they won't ship to me directly.

Guess I'll get this done at the next dealer scheduled visit.

rvdrmin · 07-13-2013, 06:02 AM

Checking my SN and it's covered up with metal sealing tape. Is the SN anywhere else on the AC? If not, maybe Andy at FR would know SN based on my BEZ?

CapuTech · 07-13-2013, 11:35 AM

Mine was located under the housing on top of the unit. Go up to the roof, remove the 4 screws and the labels are prominently inside.

CapuTech · 07-22-2013, 05:13 PM

I have now received my kits and installed them. I'm pleased to report that the difference is indeed dramatic. The noise now is essentially limited to the fans. It is difficult to even hear the compressors come on. I wanted to quantify "dramatic", so I did a before/after measurement with a sound pressure level (SPL) meter. The bedroom one was the worst, likely since its a smaller area. Prior to the fix, the SPL meter read around 70db when placed on a pillow at the head of the bed (irrespective of fan speed since the compressor noise/vibration was the dominant sound). After the fix, it read 53-55db depending on fan speed (low to high). For any of you that do not have a SPL meter, there are several free apps you can use for your smart phone.

The actual install of the kit was fairly easy, but you will need a 1/2" ratcheting wrench to remove the compressor mounting bolts. It took me about 30 minutes per unit.

Dometic had no issue sending me the kit. I saw that others were not able to get it from them. PM me if you would like the individual's email that I dealt with. He was very good. Had the kits in about 3 days.

Himcules · 07-23-2013, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapuTech

I have now received my kits and installed them. I'm pleased to report that the difference is indeed dramatic. The noise now is essentially limited to the fans. It is difficult to even hear the compressors come on. I wanted to quantify "dramatic", so I did a before/after measurement with a sound pressure level (SPL) meter. The bedroom one was the worst, likely since its a smaller area. Prior to the fix, the SPL meter read around 70db when placed on a pillow at the head of the bed (irrespective of fan speed since the compressor noise/vibration was the dominant sound). After the fix, it read 53-55db depending on fan speed (low to high). For any of you that do not have a SPL meter, there are several free apps you can use for your smart phone.

The actual install of the kit was fairly easy, but you will need a 1/2" ratcheting wrench to remove the compressor mounting bolts. It took me about 30 minutes per unit.

Dometic had no issue sending me the kit. I saw that others were not able to get it from them. PM me if you would like the individual's email that I dealt with. He was very good. Had the kits in about 3 days.

how were you able to get them to ship to you at home? they responded to my email stating it had to be done by an authorized service center only and would not ship to me...

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