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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: John Haygarth on February 16, 2012, 08:19:35 pm

Title: fridge problems again
Post by: John Haygarth on February 16, 2012, 08:19:35 pm
we have a dometic RM 1282 side by side and the problem is the freezer is fine but the cabinet in warm. I have tried all of these--remove roof vent for more exhaust- fan below to blow up-fan in cabinet to circulate-checked and fixed any problems with door seal-flame is right colour. Last thing to check is clean flue. Looked at barry's site for possible ideas but to no avail. Now, anyone with any real ides???? by the way I even have a tarp to keep sun off that section of body so it is cool in the sun.
John H
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: Michelle on February 16, 2012, 09:00:29 pm
John,

Have you also tried raising the position of the thermocouple attached to the fins?  Raising it up will cause the fridge side to run cooler, lowering causes the fridge to run warmer. 

Michelle
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: John Duld on February 16, 2012, 09:34:55 pm
Same problem on gas and electric?
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: Dave Head on February 16, 2012, 09:37:15 pm
Mine was laying in the drip pan and I was clueless...
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: John Haygarth on February 16, 2012, 10:21:58 pm
thermister is at top of fins and it happens on both gas and 120. I am still in the check mode for a few more hours as I know it takes time but there is something screwy going on here.
Thyanks so far
John
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: Michelle on February 16, 2012, 10:26:55 pm
Barry posted Thermister testing here

Dometic NDR1492 cooling sporadicly (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=14656.msg86124#msg86124)

Michelle
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: Jerry & Coleen on February 17, 2012, 10:29:12 am
John mine did that.  If it's not the thermister then the coils are plugged.  Freezer worked fine.  Bottom didn't.  I replaced my Dometic with a household type.  You can replace the coils with a rebuilt unit, but I wouldn't recommend doing so.
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: Bill Willett on February 17, 2012, 11:02:56 am
John, if you need a new cooling unit, you can buy a new coil from the Cooling Unit Warehouse, these are new Amish units NOT rebuilds, I installed one in my NDR1062, it now cools on setting 2 at 36to38 degrees. ^.^d
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: J. D. Stevens on February 17, 2012, 01:05:01 pm
John, if you need a new cooling unit, you can buy a new coil from the Cooling Unit Warehouse, these are new Amish units NOT rebuilds, I installed one in my NDR1062, it now cools on setting 2 at 36to38 degrees. ^.^d
I also installed a new cooling unit from Cooling Unit Warehouse into our 1997 NDR 1062. I have been pleased with the results. Other folk have been pleased with household style refrigerators.

The original unit worked fine until the coils ruptured in the area of the burner/heater. It was about 15 years old when it failed.

Replacement cost for the cooling unit was about $700. Two people working together can replace the unit in less than one day. Keeping the same reefer box allows you to have a unit that functions like new with changing cabinets, door panels, plumbing, etc.
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: John Haygarth on February 17, 2012, 03:00:43 pm
thanks all for info. I am still in the checking mode right now and as it is not working on both power and gas I am leaning to the cooling unit but not there yet. I will test thermister. Just had burner all apart and checked flue etc-good. It will have to wait till I get home if I have to remove and install new unit as cannot get one here.
See you later!!
John
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: David Bethard on February 17, 2012, 08:00:46 pm
If the ammonia hasn't leaked it sounds like it's blocked. I've seen good results by tapping on the coils, in the back, with a hammer. Not too hard but the idea is to jar the plug loose. If it works it may not last but I've seen it get a friend out of a bind.
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: John Haygarth on February 18, 2012, 11:11:51 am
Dave B , just read your comment and had a little laugh as that is what I did last night in frustration--give a few raps with a hammer on the coils!!!
I am doing the last of the tests to come to a conclusion by just dissconnecting the thermister leads and doing a test. I can order a new cooling unit (Amish type!) for $950 as it is side by side, and may get it shipped to FOT for when we get there. I will do the change over once we get home. One thing I did find out is that this cooling unit was replaced by previous owner in 2007 for total of $1750 lab and costs??? Wow, as it is supposed to be easy to do yourself I am told.Anyway I will see what happens in the next day on thermister.
John H
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: Kerry on February 18, 2012, 02:19:13 pm
John IF you wanted to get a new unit. Dometic Sidewise.

Dometic NDA1402WIDBSF SideWise Fridge Refrigerator Refer 2-Way Side-by-Side (http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Dometic-NDA1402WIDBSF-SideWise-Fridge-Refrigerator-Refer-2-Way-Side-by-Side-with-Black-Stainless-Solid-Doors-with-Water-Ice-in-Door-Trailer-RV-Camper_p_595.html)

If the link doesn't come through, It is Dometic's side by side with water and ice in the door, and American RV has it on blowout for $1499.00. We just ordered one and should be in Wednesday this next week. Our RM7030 has been rebuilt cooling unit 3X and I have replaced the gaskets and caulked and am tired of working on our old unit. The new unit is taller but will need to modify the cabinet. I am taking pictures of my work and will post shortley...

Oh and by the way my front door is only 24" BUT by taking out the window I can get 26 1/2" and this fridge needs 26 1/16" minimum, we measured one this last week.
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: Dave Head on February 18, 2012, 05:32:14 pm
Jeez - what a price! I should buy one and stick in in the garage until I'm ready to swap it!
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: John Haygarth on February 18, 2012, 10:10:33 pm
well the thermister is fine after testing so it looks like cooling unit. I did take off electric heater cover and pull back insulation to be able to give the pipe a good rap with metal punch and hammer. Nothing so far has changed temp wise, so in the morning if it has not gone lower I will order a new cooler as mentioned. Will have it sent to either Xtreme or FOT so I can pick it up there and take back home with us.Should be a lot cheaper than buying in canada and shipping!!!!
John H
Title: Re: fridge problems again
Post by: Brad Metzger (RIP) on February 19, 2012, 11:31:40 am
         Looks like a larger hammer is in order , say maybe a 12 pounder with long handle . I have had my fill  these types of cooling units . My present coach has a residential unit and my next coach will have the same .I'am cured .