Fridge not cooling on propane - fixed!
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Topic: Fridge not cooling on propane - fixed!
Posted By: fwunder
Subject: Fridge not cooling on propane - fixed!
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 1:06pm
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Before sharing our eight night Acadia National Park story, I thought I would share the problem we had with our fridge and the fix that worked upon our arrival home. Disclaimer: I am not a refrigerator repairman! To do this I disassembled the burner and chimney assembly. This is potentially dangerous and great care must be taken to avoid potential propane leaks or burner destruction. OK, got that out of the way! Whew! Prior to leaving for Acadia, I cooled the freezer and fridge as I normally do via 110v. Fridge was our usual cold @ 32-24 prior to filling freezer with frozen stuff and fridge with cold stuff. Upon leaving, I switched to propane. We usually travel with fridge in propane mode and have never had a problem. We also always carry a 32 quart cooler to take some of the load off the fridge. We were dry camping for a week in Acadia (Blackwoods Campground). About the third day out we noticed the fridge seemed to be getting a bit warmer (I misplaced the thermo). We turned it to "four lights" and used the cooler as much as possible. By fourth day it became obvious something was wrong. Although the packed freezer was still frozen, the fridge was getting alarmingly warm. As we had block ice in the cooler and it was convenient to camp, we simply transferred to the cooler. Also, we were camping with friend who had freezer space so it wasn't a big deal...but inquiring minds wanted to know! Inspecting the burner and chimney noted a blue flame and a "hot to the touch" chimney stack. There was some cooling going on. Just not much. A few of us examined the flame and were perplexed. The freezer was defrosting. When convenient, I fired up my Yamaha 2400 and ran the fridge on 110v. for a couple of hours. It got cold fast. Whew! That ruled out the cooling system. During the 12 hour ride home, I ran it on 12v. and it cooled down as expected. Caveat: My pod battery bank (dual 6v.) did not charge as well as normal using TV while towing. We got home last evening. This morning I removed the burner cover and inspected the flame:  You can see the flame. Nice and blue. Hmmm. OK, having a little experience with small gas torches, I decided to disassemble the burner assembly, soak it in isopropyl alcohol and blow it good with compressed air. The burner itself is like a miniature stove burner. While I had it disassembled, I cleaned the chimney with a tube brush. BTW, I turned off the gas, unplugged the 110v. fridge plug and pulled the 12v. fuse first! I then carefully reassembled everything, turned the gas on and used soapy water to carefully check for any leaks (both before and after starting fridge). I replaced 12v. fuse and stated fridge in propane mode. Wow! Now I know what the flame should look like - and sound like!!  When working properly, the burner has a noticeable sound and robust flame! Within one hour the freezer was down to 20. After three hours, the freezer is now at zero! Nice! Lessons learned... Particularly if we are going to be dry camping...
I didn't publish all the pictures of the repair, because I don't want to encourage anyone to attempt this. Just know it worked for me and was a good "proof of concept" that propane mode can be problematic, although I suspect very rarely. Hope that helps! We had a fabulous trip to Acadia! I will post pictures and story soon! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: GIAKIN
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 1:29pm
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Thanks for posting this information. What do you think was the cause? Corrosion? Dirt or dust or insects?
I am pretty sure I would not have thought to do the cleaning process, but now I know. Thanks again! |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 1:53pm
Hard to say. I didn't notice and spider webs or droppings. I did get a small amount of chimney sweepings. I have bought propane across the country, so maybe a contaminant. It's possible I could have just used compressed air and/or a vacuum and got the same results. I just decided to do it the hard way cuz that's the way I do things.    ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 4:03pm
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Fred, I am really glad to were able to protect the beer  ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 4:30pm
Priorities Leo, priorities!  ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 12:29pm
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Just to followup and point of reference. Ran empty fridge overnight on setting "2" (2 lights). Fridge @ 30. Freezer @ 0. Happy camper! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: JGMM_BC
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 9:09am
So this is inside the fridge casing itself?
------------- Jean-Guy & Jennifer 2017 RP-180 "Lilly" 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 9:18am
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It's "inside" the back of the fridge compartment, accessed through those two removal panels on the outside of the trailer.
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 12:32pm
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Glad to see that worked for you. I did the same when my pod fridge wasn't cooling and I wasn't so lucky (I even replaced the orifice). ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 5:59pm
Yeah Doug. It was a lucky shot. I have the ExtraRide Platinum Extended warranty, but I figured I would give it a try before towing an hour or more to a service center. Wonder if they would send me a check for the fix? fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 9:28pm
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Your hourly rate is MUCH higher! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 9:31am
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I took a look at the burner on our Pod. I disassembled it and it was clean. The jet also appeared to be unplugged. I was surprised that the orifice was just a little stamped piece of metal with a little hole in it. I made sure it was not plugged or restricted. When I reassembled and tested it, both for leaks and operation, I noticed that there really did not seem to be any difference at all in the flame height or sound. On our most recent trip, I also had noticed that the refrigerator seemed to not hold temperatures very well. I had purchased a fan that mounts on the fins inside. I have been experimenting on the best location, and so far, centered on the evaporator in the refrigerator compartment seems to be best. I'll try to get some pictures today to post in my mods. ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 3:14pm
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Is the sensor that sits in the flame glowing red like in his pics? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 3:27pm
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Hi Stephen, In addition to what Tech said, after cleaning I could put an ear to the top outside cover (vent) and hear the flame. I could not prior. Also, I soaked the nozzle assembly in isopropyl alcohol and injected a bit into disassembled tube. I used compressed air to blow everything clean and dry. My burner assembly looks like this (not my pic):  fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 4:46pm
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Just be careful about the orifice which is inside the gas supply line after you remove that assembly. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 5:01pm
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This is what I took apart and put back together: 1) removed supply from gas valve and burner cover.  2) Before dropping burner and cleaning, check for debri, spider webs, etc. in vent hole or burner. You may be able to simple blow/and/or vacuum clean. Removing the screw will drop the burner.  3) Removed sensor and igniter assembly  I then took the supply tube with attached burner and stuck burner end into cup of isopropyl alcohol and soaked for an hour or so whilst I cleaned the chimney stack. This left the gas jet unexposed. As Tech said above, you don't want to damage that or stick anything in that jet like a needle or something! That's why I just soak it and blow it. Disclaimer again: I'm no refrigeration/propane tech and have not yet played one on TV. fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 9:46pm
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Interesting! The burner on your refrigerator looks different than the one on my refrigerator. Now I will have to get pictures to post.
------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2016 at 8:28pm
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Looking at that last picture, if you unscrew the burner assembly from the hex nut on the end of the tube the orifice is in there. Doesn't look like you took that off? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2016 at 8:44pm
You're right. I didn't. I filled a Dixie cup full of alcohol and dipped the burner assembly, supply tube attached, into it. That way, the jet wasn't exposed. I have a bunch of https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C5HDZVQ/ - syringes I keep around for caulking (much easier than caulk gun) that I used to inject alcohol through tubing and jet. Like I said before, a blast of air and vacuum may have fixed it. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 9:42pm
I did get a couple of pictures. The burner on mine is quite different from the one pictured above.  ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2016 at 8:48pm
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Looks like a stove's burner instead of a single flame. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2016 at 9:04am
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I can't seem to find a model number of my fridge. I imagine they did use different models from year to year, pod to pod. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2016 at 11:37am
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Remove the crisper drawer in the bottom. The label should then be visible.
------------- 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2016 at 12:14pm
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Ahhh, thanks Stephen. It's a Dometic RM8501 Best parts diagram I could find: http://www.laurelhurstdistributors.com/parts/refrigerators/dometic/RM8501.html - http://www.laurelhurstdistributors.com/parts/refrigerators/dometic/RM8501.html Best burner image I could find: http://www.outdoorbits.com/dometic-burner-without-nozzle-service-p-3880.html - http://www.outdoorbits.com/dometic-burner-without-nozzle-service-p-3880.html I'm glad I was able to fix. Looks like parts might be hard to come by unless they may be interchangeable with newer model. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2016 at 7:51pm
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100% imported with insane prices for parts compared to most other fridges. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2016 at 9:55pm
------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |