Fridge trouble in propane mode |
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XenoPOD
Newbie Joined: 11 Aug 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4 |
Topic: Fridge trouble in propane mode Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 10:52am |
We own a 2009 RPOD RP176 that has served us very well and essentially trouble free for 5 seasons until now...
The fridge in the unit is a Dometic RM8551 manual three-way. Recently we ran out of propane while dry-camping and ever since it no longer operates in propane mode. It works fine in AC and DC modes, but will not even go through the lighting sequence on propane and after a few minutes the flashing LEDs indicating alarm (red) and cooling level (green) flash continually. Turning off the power and restarting does no good. Following discussion with a Forest River dealer, I checked continuity of the flame sensor and igniter, which both seemed fine. Has anyone experienced similar difficulties, and if so what was resolution? Thanks in advance! XenoPOD |
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4517 |
Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 10:55am |
Welcome to the group! Have not run into that problem personally, but some one will be able to assist you
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
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JohnBG
Senior Member Joined: 14 Apr 2015 Location: Deltona, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 190 |
Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 11:04am |
Have you tried purging the air in the gas lines by turning on the stove burners for a few minutes first?
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2010 R-Pod RP-171
2010 Honda Ridgeline TV |
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XenoPOD
Newbie Joined: 11 Aug 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4 |
Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 11:17am |
Thanks!
Yes, have purged lines by running stove repeatedly to no avail. XenoPOD |
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4517 |
Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 12:08pm |
Have you checked for spider web/mud dobber nests etc?
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
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Outbound
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Online Status: Offline Posts: 767 |
Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 12:36pm |
Even a very small amount of rust/dust buildup in the burner can significantly affect the fridge's ability to cool.
If you have any concerns about working around propane, or if you're not 100% confident about the procedure, don't do it yourself; just go to a dealer. After turning off the propane at the tank, unscrew the wind guard and the burner assembly and blow out everything with compressed air (or a can of air used for cleaning computer components). Also, make sure to thoroughly blow out the stack (spiders can set up nests in there and block the flue). Take the time to do a thorough job, and then reassemble and test. |
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Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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XenoPOD
Newbie Joined: 11 Aug 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4 |
Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 12:46pm |
I disassembled the fridge's burner assembly while checking flame and igniter continuity. It was clear of debris, but I took opportunity to clean the burner with canned air. I have to admit I didn't blow out the stack.
I always keep main propane tank connecter nipple either connected or taped to prevent mud-dauber issues, and as there is plenty of propane flow to supply the stove, I believe it to be clear. The thing that is so perplexing to me is that the fridge doesn't even go through the ignition sequence (several series of audible clicks from the igniter as it had done in the past) and then not light and indicate alarm...it simply does nothing discernible for several minutes then indicates alarm. XenoPOD |
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dropkick
Newbie Joined: 17 Jul 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 18 |
Posted: 12 Aug 2015 at 12:08am |
We had this exact problem after about 2 years with very little propane use. Turned out to the some debris in the flame area that took complete dissasembly to really locate (I tried but couldn't get a few bolts to break free). Also they said the stack was already full of rust and junk and it was replaced. Only 2 years old. Need to keep an eye on it every season I guess.
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 12 Aug 2015 at 8:42pm |
Xeno, with no lighting sequence it could be several things, but the first thing is to check the connection to the igniter.
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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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XenoPOD
Newbie Joined: 11 Aug 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4 |
Posted: 14 Aug 2015 at 10:24am |
I checked that igniter and flame sensor connections were both firmly seated in the plastic Hea Tec module. Verified continuity of both of these wires to the burner assembly as well as the ground back to the main connector bus feeding the module. Wondering if issue is in the Hea Tec module or the gas valve assembly and if there is a known way of diagnosing which piece of the puzzle might be the issue?
Thanks! XenoPOD |
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