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Refrigerator Not Cooling

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Printed Date: 24 May 2024 at 11:40pm
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Topic: Refrigerator Not Cooling
Posted By: mikeyg2347
Subject: Refrigerator Not Cooling
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2022 at 4:15pm
My Dometic 8501 fridge wasn't cooling well on my last trip. Seemed like the flame was minimal (about 1/4-1/2" high) and I couldn't hear it inside the trailer like I normally can. Inadequate gas flow seemed like the obvious answer so I pulled the gas line in the back of the fridge and cleaned the orifice as well as the burner. Both of them looked clean but I did it anyway. I then pulled the top off the flue and blasted it with my air compressor. No soot or debris came out the bottom. Next I disconnected the gas line from the gas valve, disconnected the main gas line downstream of the regulator and blew that out. Again, no gunk or debris. While I was at it I blew out the back of the refrigerator and cleaned the fins with a damp cloth. Thinking I'd covered all the bases I put it all back together and tried to fire it up. Now the igniter sparks like crazy but it won't ignite. Probably should mention that I removed the gas valve just to take a look at it and because I couldn't help myself. I also lit a match and placed it over the burner while it was trying to ignite just to see if maybe the igniter had moved out of position. No luck there.

Now I'm stumped. I've gone from the fridge working poorly to not working at all.  I also hit the reset button multiple times to see if that would have an effect. Gas at the stove is excellent and the furnace fires up. I'm wondering if maybe the gas valve was going bad and when I removed it, it went belly up. If so, I may be up a creek because it appears that item is no longer manufactured. 

Help!


-------------
Mike



Replies:
Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2022 at 5:50pm


-------------
Mike


Posted By: JR
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2022 at 6:35pm
Double check that the 12v wiring is connected and that the connections are tight.  You have 2 / 12v leads going to the burner (an igniter and a thermocouple)  Also make sure you have 12v power to the fridge.  While running on gas you need 12v power for the controlling of the gas operation, if that makes any sense.  If the igniter is working then you have 12v power.  It sounds like you have bleed the LP line by using the stove but that might still be the problem.  Just try lighting the fridge a couple of more times.  Hope this helps.

-------------
Jay

179/2019


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2022 at 7:02pm
If you blew out the LP line, then it may take several attempts, even after the stove lights and burns properly.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2022 at 7:02pm
Yep, I have 12v power. I just re-checked everything and noticed that the green ceramic piece on the positive side of the gas controller has fallen apart. It's still igniting well, but I'm afraid I may not be getting gas through the controller. 

-------------
Mike


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2022 at 8:57pm
Probably should mention that I removed the gas valve just to take a look at it and because I couldn't help myself.  (mikey)

What exactly did you do when you removed the gas valve?  Did you take it apart and as JR mentioned did you put the wires back as they originally were or could you have possibly reversed those 2 wires?  Seems like the issue cold be pointing to that gas valve?  Check out a you tube video on checking the electrical output on that valve when 12v is applied to it.


-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2022 at 10:05pm
I took it off because that looked like the easiest way to get to the short line that runs from the control valve to the main copper line. I didn't take it apart. I wanted to make sure I was able to blow out all the lines. I made a note of what wires went where, plus they're marked positive and negative on the control valve. The little green ceramic piece that the wires connect to has disintegrated on the positive side and I think that is the source of it not getting gas. It's either grounded out on the body of the control valve or not making a good connection? Per Stephen H's comment, I let that igniter run through about 20 cycles, but no go.

-------------
Mike


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2022 at 7:37am
The adjustment on the igniter gap is critical for the gas valve to open.  Per the owners manual it states the igniter is to be 3/16" from the burner and is to have a gap of 1/8" between the probes.


-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2022 at 8:07am
Right. The gap is good.

-------------
Mike


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2022 at 8:19am
You may be right if the green ceramic piece was also an electrical insulator. Unfortunately, I can only speculate. I don't know if the Dometic site has an exploded diagram and parts list for the valve. You could search there.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2022 at 5:29am
Originally posted by StephenH

You may be right if the green ceramic piece was also an electrical insulator. Unfortunately, I can only speculate. I don't know if the Dometic site has an exploded diagram and parts list for the valve. You could search there.


+1  Since your electrode gap is fine, I would agree with StephenH, a cracked electrical insulator is highly suspect.  Hopefully you can get that part, and if not, go to an RV store and they may have one you can remove off of another discarded fridge that they have lying around in their dump pile.


-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2022 at 7:29am
That's what I'm hoping. I'm going to make some calls this morning and see what I can find. The only gas control valve I can find online is $450. A lot of money for a tiny ceramic part.

-------------
Mike


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2022 at 8:33am
http://https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1606205/Dometic-Rm-8-Series.html#product-RM%208501 - http://https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1606205/Dometic-Rm-8-Series.html#product-RM%208501

Scroll down until you see the Service Manual. That will have a breakdown of the parts but it does not break down the gas control valve. It may have other information that will help you figure out what is happening though.


-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2022 at 12:49pm
The little green ceramic or plastic piece is definitely an insulator. I applied about 6 small strips of electrical tape in its place and got 1.5 volts on both sides. It still wouldn't ignite, so I pulled the burner again to re-check the gap on the igniters. The front igniter is 1/8" away from the burner and the back one (the one with the 90 degree angle) is at least 1/4" if not more. Not sure what the gap on the back should be or what its function is. They're both extremely rigid and I'd be surprised if the back one had moved out of position, but I'm a total amateur at this so I'm not assuming anything. 

Stephen: I tried that link but it wouldn't work for me. Looked on the manualslib site and could only find installation and operators manuals, no service manual.


-------------
Mike


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2022 at 1:37pm
http://https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1606205/Dometic-Rm-8-Series.html - http://https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1606205/Dometic-Rm-8-Series.html

Try this link instead.

As for the probes, one of them is the electrode. The other would sit in the flame. That is the flame detector. If it does not detect a flame, it would cut off the gas to prevent a gas build-up and potential fire. I don't have the RM-8501 any more so I can't check. However, you should be able to trace the wire and see which one is the electrode for ignition and which is the flame detector. If I'm looking at the pictures correctly, the ignitor has the copper-colored wire and the ionization (flame) detector has a black wire. Be sure both of those are plugged into the correct location.


-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 7:35am
Probes are situated properly and working. I've determined that I have gas as far as the gas control valve but not beyond that. I replaced the green insulator with multiple strips of electrical tape and I have power on both sides of the control valve. If the solenoid is working should I hear it engaging? 

-------------
Mike


Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 8:11am
Mike:  I am experiencing the identical issue as you have described.  I went as far as replacing the entire burner assembly which included the probes/etc.  NO luck.  I talked with a RV service person, and he definately mentioned the gas valve.  Im ready to give up and will just live without gas for the fridge.  Everything else works on gas.  Jon

-------------
Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 9:00am
It is definitely possible that the solenoid for the valve has gone bad. As to whether you can hear it engaging or not, I don't know. I never listened for it when we had the 3-way refrigerator.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 9:05am
If it's the gas valve that is a $450 item, which is a good down payment on a compressor refrigerator. Stephen, I know you've done that. If I went that route can I get by with my two 6-volt battery system or is it necessary to convert to lithium? Currently I have a 100 wat Renogy solar system I use to charge.  If I were to convert, is that a complicated process? Seems like I fight my fridge on an annual basis and I'm about ready to throw in the towel.

-------------
Mike


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 9:17am
If you have a couple hundred amp hours battery capacity you should be fine, it doesn't have to be lithium. You might want to get a second 100-120 watt solar module and/or carry a small generator depending on how long you intend to boondock between recharges and how much sun you get where you camp.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 9:24am
BTW, 100ah Li batteries are down around $350-400 now from many online suppliers. If it wasn't for the charger change out I think it would be a no brainer to make the change. I really don't understand why RV manufacturers are still using lead acid.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 9:30am
How difficult is the charger change out?

-------------
Mike


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 9:41am
Depends on which power center you have. If it is the WFCO 8955, then order the WFCO-8950L2 MBA and it is a simple matter of switching the converter.

https://www.amazon.com/WFCO-WF-8950L2-MBA-Replacement-Converter-Lithium-Ion/dp/B07TZNCFG4 - https://www.amazon.com/WFCO-WF-8950L2-MBA-Replacement-Converter-Lithium-Ion/dp/B07TZNCFG4

As for changing refrigerators, see my mods and you will see what I did. The size of the Dometic Coolmatic CRX-1110 is different than the RM-8951. It is a little shorter and a little wider. you will need to modify the opening to fit. I raised the floor with a platform. In hindsight, it would have been easier to use a filler board at the top instead.

You will need to cap off the gas line (I did and left the end exposed for inspection). Alternately, find where it fits into the manifold beneath and remove the connection there, plugging the port instead. Ultimately, that is better as it removes the possibility of the hose wearing and leaking. I will likely do that soon.

Sources for the refrigerator are several. I purchased from here:

https://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/products/refrigerator-crx1110e-fs - https://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/products/refrigerator-crx1110e-fs  Free delivery.

An alternative source is here:

https://www.westmarine.com/dometic-coolmatic-crx-110-refrigerator-freezer-8846875.html - https://www.westmarine.com/dometic-coolmatic-crx-110-refrigerator-freezer-8846875.html  Freight charge extra.

Amazon is also a source, but it is a higher price than either.

My one dislike about the refrigerator is the freezer door. It opens from the bottom, not the top like the 3-way and is not removable. I have found that on rough roads, the magnetic catch isn't quite strong enough and it can come open. I started putting a refrigerator bar across it and that takes care of it. I like that it has a catch top center that can be changed to hold the door ajar for storage ventilation. It is much better than the 3-way's method.


-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 11:55am
One other thing if youre contemplating a Li conversion: if you want to charge from your alternator while towing it is best practice to install a DC/DC converter. The TV voltage regulator is set for lead acid and typically wont charge a Li battery properly. The DC/DC output should be set for the proper change voltage of your Li batteries and should be rated at around 20A and can be installed in the trailer. It (and only it) is connected to the 12V pin of your 7 way connector. You will need to either disconnect when you stop or install a relay I the 12V supply to the TV side of the 7 way so it is only energized when the ignition is on. Also check your solar charge controller to see if it can be set for Li batteries.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 12:01pm
Or have a vehicle that has a disconnect for the 12V supply built in. My Nissan appears to cut power after a short time. I had installed a dedicated cut-off, wiring, and 2-pole connector for the DC to DC charger. I disconnected the 12V wire from the junction box for the connector cable that plugs into the Bargman connector so I would not be feeding power back through to the Frontier.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 12:59pm
Going back to the lead acid battery:  My one year old Trojan T-1275 (12v golf cart battery) is rated at 166 aH which is a lot more than my 11.5 year old Interstate.  Regardless we will be putting that to the test while being gone for 30 days, most of that being offgrid as we will spend a lot of time in the national parks, my two favorite being RMNP (Estes Park, CO) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Also looking forward to re-visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, CO.


-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 2:29pm
If your TV already uses the ignition to switch the +12 feed to the 7 way, then it's very simple. Just cut the +12V wire from the trailer side of the 7 way connector. Run the connector side of the cut wire to the input of the DC/DC converter. The other cut end connects to the DC/DC output. That's it.   

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 7:34pm
This all sounds like more fun than I deserve.

-------------
Mike


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 6:44am
Originally posted by mikeyg2347

This all sounds like more fun than I deserve.


+1. There's something to be said for just renting an RV, house, cabin, or hotel room while vacationing. Maintenance and repair are Somebody Else's Problem. But owning and RV, like owning a home, comes with plenty of maintenance/repair burdens. If you don't enjoy that or at least get enough benefit from ownership to justify the cost, work and hassle then better to just rent.

For myself, I'm going to think long and hard about all that before I buy another RV, if I ever do.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 12:30pm
Offgrid, well said. I'm willing to accept the maintenance that goes along with the trailer, but I'm retired and have plenty of time to devote to it, plus I don't mind doing the work. I do a lot of boondock camping and slept in tents from Boy Scouts until I was 62 years old. I paid my dues and enjoy the comfort of the trailer.  When I first got the trailer my daughters were envious and thought maybe a trailer is just what their young families need. But, after watching me having to maintain it, they've changed their minds.

At this point, I'm on the fence about what my next move with the refrigerator will be. I'm 60 miles away from a big town so calling an RV guy to come check it over isn't practical. My gut tells me the gas control valve is shot, and like I said, at $450 I'm reluctant to throw money at that. Mulling over investing in a compressor fridge and powering it with my current two 6 volt battery setup for the remainder of the year, then biting the bullet for the LiFePo battery next spring. Looks like that entails some upgrades that I'm not comfortable doing, so I'd probably haul it in to Missoula and turn it over to an expert. There are some independent RV repair guys there who come highly recommended.

That's my current train of thought, but that is subject to change.


-------------
Mike


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 12:31pm
Hogone, any progress with your fridge issue?

-------------
Mike


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 4:03pm
mikeyg2347, I think your plan is sound. I wouldn't throw more money after an older absorption fridge either. They typically only last about 10 years anyway. As for doing a Li battery upgrade, if you're not comfortable, remember that it's optional, you could just stick with your current batteries if you prefer.

That being said, it's really not that difficult, and if or when you have questions we'll be happy to help!

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 4:32pm
Also note that many (though certainly not all) LFP batteries have built-in voltage regulators such that you can connect them to a plain vanilla lead acid charger without harming them.

-------------
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 6:55pm
BUT a lead-acid charger will not fully charge a LiFePO4 battery. The charging profile is different. Charge voltage is 14.2-14.6V according to my manual. Also, there is no float charge with LiFePO4 batteries because they have a very slow self-discharge rate. Disconnected, one could expect it to hold the charge over a year. The Bulk/Absorption/Float modes of the stock lead-acid charger are not correct.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 7:33pm
I've been looking online at Dometic 110E fridges and found a couple of sources on Ebay for less than $900. Which naturally makes me wonder why so cheap? I've made a couple of inquiries to find out why they're such a bargain. Last year's model? 

-------------
Mike


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 10:26pm
If you can find one at that price, new, with manufacturer's warranty, Great! But make sure it is the right size. The one I saw at that price was New/Other. Mine had the warranty. It came in handy when it needed to be replaced due to a fault in the floor where it cracked. No problem with the refrigeration though. Contact the seller before purchasing to make sure it will be supported by Dometic if there is a problem. A to Z Resellers does not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2022 at 4:21am
Originally posted by StephenH

BUT a lead-acid charger will not fully charge a LiFePO4 battery. The charging profile is different. Charge voltage is 14.2-14.6V according to my manual. Also, there is no float charge with LiFePO4 batteries because they have a very slow self-discharge rate. Disconnected, one could expect it to hold the charge over a year. The Bulk/Absorption/Float modes of the stock lead-acid charger are not correct.


This is why I was careful to say "best practice" was to install a DC/DC converter for alternator charging.

That being said, if I were converting to Li right now I think I would get two of the cheapest 100AH batteries I could (there are some for under $300 each on Amazon), install a new ac converter (an excuse to go to Progressive Dynamics because I've had a very poor experience with WFCO), get or reset my solar charge controller for Li charging, and try the alternator charging as is.

That would give me two solid charge sources set up for Li, and one marginal one as backup while driving. Most automotive alternators regulate voltage to around 14V, so if there isn't a large load causing high voltage drop on the house batteries (like the absorption fridge on 12V) the charging should be at least fair, although they won't reach full charge.

I would also relocate the batteries to the interior of the trailer rather than spend the extra money and waste energy with the self heating type sitting on the tongue. But I'm a cheapskate so I'm not necessarily recommending this approach for everyone.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2022 at 8:16am
Stephen H, what width opening is necessary for the CRX 110E? My current opening for the 8501 is about 20.75". Dometic lists the "flush frame opening" for the CRX 110E as 23.35". One of the sellers on Ebay listed the width of the CRX 110E as 20.5" which I asked them to confirm. I know you had to make your opening a little wider, but if the actual width of the fridge is over 23" I'm pretty sure I can't accommodate that in my 171. So, I guess it all hinges on the definition of "flush frame opening".

-------------
Mike


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2022 at 9:44am
Actual total width with the mounting frame is approximately 23.5" (quick, imprecise measurement) so the 23.35" is probably correct for the total width. The cut-out opening, however, is going to be more like 21.25" which is an estimate because the actual width is hidden behind the frame and I don't want to take the refrigerator out to measure more precisely. Hopefully, this will give you a better idea. Also, some of them might not come with the frame. Because the frame attaches on the outside, the 20.75" of the one seller is likely the model without the frame. In that case, there are covers for openings through which screws can be used to secure the refrigerator in place.

For example, this one does not have the mounting frame pictured, so it likely is not included in the package.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325298713431?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338590836&toolid=10044&customid=4f4e3de6-8dba-44ca-b590-d33b73a71cbb - https://www.ebay.com/itm/325298713431?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338590836&toolid=10044&customid=4f4e3de6-8dba-44ca-b590-d33b73a71cbb

It also specifically states in the description, "No warranty."

The one I purchased cost more, but the warranty was worth the extra cost. 
Edit:  I fixed the link in this post and in my prior post. If you go to the West Marine link, it shows one with the flange so you can see the difference.



-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 6:54am
Mike:  Before my last ditch effort, I basically wasnt getting a thing excempt for some sparking; maybe a very quick lite of gas.  Pretty much knowing that I was waisting money, I decided to put on a new regulator.  Now it sparks, lights for about 10 seconds, then blows out.  I just dont get it!!  Hogone

-------------
Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 7:10am
Jon: Are you sure there is no kink in the line or other obstruction and that gas is getting to the refrigerator? Also, is the flame detector in a position to detect the flame? There might be something wrong electronically that is causing it to think the propane did not light and shuts it down.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 7:51am
Theres no kink that I am aware of.  Gonna go through it all one more time from top to bottom for one last hurrah.  The flame detector/burner assemply are spot on.  Prob wont do it today, but will update.  jpp

-------------
Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 8:34am
I pulled the trigger on the Dometic CRX 110. Went with West Marine since they had the best price, even with $100 shipping, and they're in Spokane, which is only a few hours away from me. The Ebay sellers weren't responding to my inquiries and even though they were about $400 cheaper I'm not ready to take that risk. Gonna be fun getting the old fridge out and installing the new one in that tight space in the 171.

-------------
Mike


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 9:34am
The gas valve apparently has 2 series solenoids in it. So if you suspect a bad gas valve you could remove it and energize both solenoids simultaneously by applying 12V to both pins. Then with them energized blow through it. If it's blocked it's bad, probably time for a new fridge rather spend $$$ on crazy expensive Dometic parts.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 10:48am
Too late! The fridge is ordered.

-------------
Mike


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 11:42am
Mike, maybe you and hogone can work a deal if you have some good components from your old fridge he could use? Just a thought...

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 12:48pm
Mike, when removing your old fridge hopefully you won't have the same problem I did.  There are 2 screws holding it in place on each vertical side (total 4 screws) just inside the door.  Two came out nice and easy, however the other 2 were stripped inside the wood and my only recourse that I could figure out was to take a hacksaw blade, move the fridge sideways just enough to get the width of the blade into and by hand cut the bolts, pretty time intensive.  After getting a sore and numb hand after 5 minutes on the first bolt I got smart and attached a pair of vice grips to the end of the blade.  Still took about 30 minutes to get those 4 bolts out.  

Also, once everything is disconnected it really helps to have someone from the outside pushing the fridge in while you are pulling on the inside, the gasket kind of holds it in place and by wiggling it side to side it will come out with relative ease.


-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2022 at 1:30pm
Offgrid, 'll be happy to send any parts for the cost of shipping, as long as they aren't too difficult to remove. 

Jato, thanks for the warning. I've got a feeling this is going to be an adventure.


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Mike


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2022 at 7:12am
[QUOTE=mikeyg2347]Offgrid, 'll be happy to send any parts for the cost of shipping, as long as they aren't too difficult to remove. 

Good for you!  I was able to do the same and was able to help out other's who were having issues.  Nearly everything on mine was parted out except for the boiler system, exterior door and shelves.  Was able to send out the freezer and clips, solenoid-gas, igniter and related lines, mother board and associated electronics for the price of shipping.


-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."


Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2022 at 7:37am
Not sure what parts I need!!  Ideas?  

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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2022 at 8:37am
hogone, I think you already replaced the gas valve? If so I'd try swapping out the burner control and maybe the main control board.

Since the two of you have had similar symptoms we don't know if Mike's controls are any better than yours. But all you have to lose by trying is shipping costs and time....

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2022 at 4:08pm
I punted the 3 way fridge and purchased a Dometic CRX 110 from West Marine. Like Stephen H, I had to enlarge my opening by about an inch to accommodate the mounting plate. Other than not allowing myself an extra 1/16" to slide the fridge in, everything has gone reasonably well with the install. The upside to that is that I have a nice, snug fit. 

I also opted to forgo the LiFePO4 batteries. Living in MT and camping a lot in the fall I just didn't want to risk battery failure in cold weather. Might have avoided that by moving the battery inside, but coupled with having to change out the converters I decided the simpler alternative was to go with a pair of AGM 6-volt batteries. 

Now my question is can I cover the louvres on the outside vents? The fridge is so deep that sealing it tightly looks to be impossible. Since I'm no longer dealing with propane, flame and exhaust is it safe and practical to to seal the vents against dust? I was thinking of covering them with Gorilla tape. 

The fridge isn't screwed into place if I need to slide it out and try a different approach.

I really appreciate all the help and input from my original post. This is a great online community. 


-------------
Mike


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2022 at 11:04pm
I did not seal the outside vents. I did seal around the refrigerator (don't forget underneath) with some insulation bats. I just did not know if there would be enough air circulation for the condenser coils on the back if I had closed the outside vents. I did add a fan for circulation, opting to purchase a low temperature switch to turn it on and off so it would not be running constantly when not needed. I also only used the trim flange to hold the refrigerator. I did not go through the walls of the refrigerator which would have been the way to do so if I had not ordered it with the flange. It is easy enough to remove those few screws if needed, but I have not needed to so so except when it was replaced because it had developed a crack in the inside on the bottom. I don't expect to have to do that again though.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2022 at 7:48am
Looks like if I modify the frame that the old seal was mounted on I can re-use the old seal and get it pretty tight. That way I can leave the vents open. I watched a couple of YouTube videos where they'd mounted the fridge in vans with no ventilation, but I'd rather not take the chance.

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Mike


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2022 at 8:33am
I think if there is enough air circulation around the outside so that it wouldn't get too warm in the back that it would work okay. It would be like the house refrigerator then. However, it also would mean that the heat would go into the trailer's interior. I thought it best to keep that heat on the outside.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2022 at 8:55am
+1 to stephenH. The condenser needs to have access to plenty ambient cooling air. The heat being pumped from the fridge has to go somewhere. While there is much less heat generated with the vapor compression fridge than the absorption ones it's certainly not zero, and since you're now running 12V electric only efficiency is very important.

If you close up the condenser it's temp will go up until its high enough that it can reject the heat via conduction through the closed walls, which is far less effective than air convection. That would make the fridge inefficient at best, if not completely ineffective.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2022 at 7:01pm
Point taken. I modified the frame the seal was mounted on and re-used the old seal to keep dust out. Bit of a PITA but I feel good about it. Fridge is in and screwed in place, works like a champ. At least in my driveway. Thanks, guys.

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Mike



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