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Topic: Dometic Problems (Read 1153 times) previous topic - next topic

Dometic Problems

:o

Does anyone have any experience with repairing a Dometic unit by turning up upside down to so called burp it? The unit stopped cooling but did not leak,  Any input would be appreciated
Andrew Buras
Full Timing Since July 2007
1995 U-300 Lived in it for 14 years and now back in it.
Build #4627
Towing 2015 Ford Flex
Still on the road

Re: Dometic Problems

Reply #1 –
Andrew,
Before you go to all that trouble is the electric heating element working?  Is your unit one with 2 electric elements? (One could be bad) Will it cool over on propane? Have you checked the hidden fuses inside the control module?

Just some things to look at before you try to "burp" the unit.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Dometic Problems

Reply #2 –
Andrew, Mikes suggestion is valid. Also check that you have voltage ( 110 ) at board output or at electric heater element. IF it does not cool on either gas or electric I would suspect a control board issue. Pull the cover off the board and check fuse ( or fuses ) first.
EMERGENCY fix if board is bad is to wire 110 direct to heater elements, Not recommended unless you are very comfortable with 110 AC and familiar with how controls work.
If you want, give me a call at 770-595-3891 , I'll help you thru this if I can. BTDTGTTS
Gary B

Re: Dometic Problems

Reply #3 –
 :)Well I thank you for your response, The unit was off level for a few days (My fault) The flue is hot with shore power or with propane but the unit does not cool. Looks like I need a new cooling Unit.... Does anyone have an opinion on the RV Cooling Unit Warehouse?
Andrew Buras
Full Timing Since July 2007
1995 U-300 Lived in it for 14 years and now back in it.
Build #4627
Towing 2015 Ford Flex
Still on the road

Re: Dometic Problems

Reply #4 –
Andrew,

Our fridge was off-level when we were boondocking and stopped cooling.  It did what yours is doing.  I tried everything you tried, and more.  I was ready to replace it, but the thought of going through the windshield made my stomach turn.  So, for a few days we were driving around with the ice maker keeping the freezer frozen and the fridge cool, trying to decide what to do and where.

Then it started working again.  Bumping along must have burped it and saved its life. (Like a Hollywood movie)  It lives happily ever after ... as long as we keep her level!

Maybe burping does work.  I don't think turning it over is good for it.  Just try rocking and bumping.

Mike B.
Michael Baldacchino
'97 40' U320

Re: Dometic Problems

Reply #5 –
Andrew,
Sounds like you could have a stopped up boiler from possibly being overheated over a long time and/or multiple times. If the boiler is overheated  the Sodium Chromate that is put into the system to offset the corrosion factor of the ammonia will crystallize and stop up the system. You have nothing to loose by driving down a bumpy road, turning the unit upside down, or taping the boiler with a rubber mallet.  (this might jar the blockage loose but it will eventually end up somewhere else)

I have seen a cooling unit from RV cooling unit warehouse and they seem to be well built, also the people that had this unit claimed that it cooled better than the original. We have not had any direct business with them nor do we work for them.

Pamela
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Dometic Problems

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –

I have seen a cooling unit from RV cooling unit warehouse and they seem to be well built, also the people that had this unit claimed that it cooled better than the original. We have not had any direct business with them nor do we work for them.

Pamela
I heard the same thing about the units from RV Cooling Unit Warehouse.  Built better, better materials, and cool better with less problems.  But I still like the idea of a residential refrigerator.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Dometic Problems

Reply #7 –
Andrew:  My dad was a big RVer and he always said make sure it's Level! or it will get hardening of the arteries , that's what he called it. If it's a all electric with a compressor it's not so important , but if it is a ammonia  type it is very critical. May be let it sit and cross your fingers.  The ammonia type , heat makes  bubbles travel up those coils, if it's not level the bubbles get stuck.
    Good luck              Art
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Dometic Problems

Reply #8 –
:)  Thanks again for the input, I bought a new cooling unit from RV Cooling Unit Warehouse, Unfortunately the foam mold was off for whatever reason, We worked hard at trying to get it fit, with numerous calls to Dave at the  Cooling Unit warhouse we could not get it to fit, We gave up because we're full time and trying to get this done in a campground was unreasonable, Dave was very gracious and told me to box the unit back up he would have it picked up and he would give me a full refund, Very nice of him but we still had a refrigerator that was in pieaces, So my wife & I decided to beat the crap out of the cooling unit turn it over time and time again and hope for the best, We put the cooling unit back in the fridge assembled it put it back in the hole and the darn thing is working 4 day's now!!!!!!

Thanks Again To All, This forum is Great,

Andrew & Cathy Buras   
Andrew Buras
Full Timing Since July 2007
1995 U-300 Lived in it for 14 years and now back in it.
Build #4627
Towing 2015 Ford Flex
Still on the road