Dometic Refer Issues...

[Kelvin]

I bought a Dometic RM2620 refrigerator from Applied in late 2013.
Installed it then and it's been great.

This weekend while camping the fridge part of it didn't seem very cool.
We ran it on 120V and propane see if one or the other was problem. The
freezer section was fine on both.

We got home and the fridge section is basically nothing but a plastic
box. No cooling to speak of.

I cleaned the propane flame tube and that seemed to make the flame a
little bigger but no change in cooling.

One odd thing that might mean nothing. If we plugged anything into the
circuit that runs the microwave OTHER than the microwave that whole
circuit would go dead. Flipping the breaker did nothing. Eventually
the microwave would come on (hours later?) and would work fine as long
as you didn't plug a toaster in. That circuit works just fine when
plugged in at home. Was the 30A circuit at the campground below 110V,
perhaps? Could that have friend the control board on the Refer?

That's all I got. The freezer is running between 11° and 19° and the
fridge section is around 65° on an 80° day. 120V or propane. Running on
propane might keep the freezer a little colder than 120V.

Any ideas? I haven't called Dometic yet. I figure the Brain Trust here
will be more useful than them saying, "You need to take it to an
Authorized Dealer"

Thanks,
Kelvin
'73 23' in Eugene, OR

 

[emerystora]

It sounds like you have been operating it off level and the return tubes from the freeze section are likely clogged with ammonium crystals.
If so, there is very little that you can do except replace the cooling section or the whole refrigerator.
This is a common problem. You should level the motorhome to within 1/2 o a bubble on the little round level that came with the refrigerator.

As to your electrical problem, take the cover from your breaker box and (with the shore plug unplugged and the Onan off) check all the screws holding the wires inside the box.
I suspect that you have some loose wires. Over time the screws will loosen with the heating and cooling of the wires. I helped someone whose air conditioner kept cutting off. We found several wires loose in the circuit breaker box.
After tightening them everything worked OK.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

>
> I bought a Dometic RM2620 refrigerator from Applied in late 2013. Installed it then and it's been great.
>
> This weekend while camping the fridge part of it didn't seem very cool. We ran it on 120V and propane see if one or the other was problem. The freezer section was fine on both.
>
> We got home and the fridge section is basically nothing but a plastic box. No cooling to speak of.
>
> I cleaned the propane flame tube and that seemed to make the flame a little bigger but no change in cooling.
>
> One odd thing that might mean nothing. If we plugged anything into the circuit that runs the microwave OTHER than the microwave that whole circuit would go dead. Flipping the breaker did nothing. Eventually the microwave would come on (hours later?) and would work fine as long as you didn't plug a toaster in. That circuit works just fine when plugged in at home. Was the 30A circuit at the campground below 110V, perhaps? Could that have friend the control board on the Refer?
>
> That's all I got. The freezer is running between 11° and 19° and the fridge section is around 65° on an 80° day. 120V or propane. Running on propane might keep the freezer a little colder than 120V.
>
> Any ideas? I haven't called Dometic yet. I figure the Brain Trust here will be more useful than them saying, "You need to take it to an Authorized Dealer"
>
> Thanks,
> Kelvin
> '73 23' in Eugene, OR
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[Kelvin]

> It sounds like you have been operating it off level and the return tubes from the freeze section are likely clogged with ammonium crystals.
> If so, there is very little that you can do except replace the cooling section or the whole refrigerator.
> This is a common problem. You should level the motorhome to within 1/2 o a bubble on the little round level that came with the refrigerator.

I'm aware of the need to keep the fridge level. We run it on propane
going down the road but my understanding is that's ok because of the
jostling it gets. Other than that, both of us are very sensitive to NOT
having the coach level, for sleeping or cooking eggs, so I can guarantee
that it doesn't get parked off level. Ever. If driving with it on can
cause this crystallization then I'm guilty.
>
> As to your electrical problem, take the cover from your breaker box and (with the shore plug unplugged and the Onan off) check all the screws holding the wires inside the box.
> I suspect that you have some loose wires. Over time the screws will loosen with the heating and cooling of the wires. I helped someone whose air conditioner kept cutting off. We found several wires loose in the circuit breaker box.
> After tightening them everything worked OK.

I've had the cover off the breaker box but never messed tightened
screws. I'll do that.
But there are no issues here at home on my 30A circuit and I've never
had this problem anywhere else. I recently wired in a 120V plug (half
of the socket is Short power, half is 700A Inverter) to the bedroom and
tapped off the Microwave plug for that Shore power. The only thing
plugged into it was my wife's new CPAP machine and just turned on, NOT
running. Microwave clock went out with a "beep" and after unplugging
the CPAP didn't come back on for a couple hours. FWIW, I am pretty good
with the AC wiring stuff. Almost positive I didn't do it wrong. And as
I said, it works here at home.

Thanks for the input, Emery.


>>
>> I bought a Dometic RM2620 refrigerator from Applied in late 2013. Installed it then and it's been great.
>>
>> This weekend while camping the fridge part of it didn't seem very cool. We ran it on 120V and propane see if one or the other was problem. The freezer section was fine on both.
>>
>> We got home and the fridge section is basically nothing but a plastic box. No cooling to speak of.
>>
>> I cleaned the propane flame tube and that seemed to make the flame a little bigger but no change in cooling.
>>
>> One odd thing that might mean nothing. If we plugged anything into the circuit that runs the microwave OTHER than the microwave that whole circuit would go dead. Flipping the breaker did nothing. Eventually the microwave would come on (hours later?) and would work fine as long as you didn't plug a toaster in. That circuit works just fine when plugged in at home. Was the 30A circuit at the campground below 110V, perhaps? Could that have friend the control board on the Refer?
>>
>> That's all I got. The freezer is running between 11° and 19° and the fridge section is around 65° on an 80° day. 120V or propane. Running on propane might keep the freezer a little colder than 120V.
>>
>> Any ideas? I haven't called Dometic yet. I figure the Brain Trust here will be more useful than them saying, "You need to take it to an Authorized Dealer"
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Kelvin
>> '73 23' in Eugene, OR
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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[charles boyd]

Sir, did you leave the water heater on? Converter? Anything 120v? Our PO set up an inverter off the rear house batteries to run an 110v apartment
fridge going down the road. He added a separate plug in the wire storage compartment. I can plug into shore power or gen power or battery inverter.
I just have to careful how much draw is on inverter. I have not heard of using one side of a plug to separate system? Didn't realize that would
work. I did replace fridge with propane so I have not had to use inverter 120v.

> > It sounds like you have been operating it off level and the return tubes from the freeze section are likely clogged with ammonium crystals.
> > If so, there is very little that you can do except replace the cooling section or the whole refrigerator.
> > This is a common problem. You should level the motorhome to within 1/2 o a bubble on the little round level that came with the
> > refrigerator.
>
> I'm aware of the need to keep the fridge level. We run it on propane
> going down the road but my understanding is that's ok because of the
> jostling it gets. Other than that, both of us are very sensitive to NOT
> having the coach level, for sleeping or cooking eggs, so I can guarantee
> that it doesn't get parked off level. Ever. If driving with it on can
> cause this crystallization then I'm guilty.
> >
> > As to your electrical problem, take the cover from your breaker box and (with the shore plug unplugged and the Onan off) check all the screws
> > holding the wires inside the box.
> > I suspect that you have some loose wires. Over time the screws will loosen with the heating and cooling of the wires. I helped someone
> > whose air conditioner kept cutting off. We found several wires loose in the circuit breaker box.
> > After tightening them everything worked OK.
>
> I've had the cover off the breaker box but never messed tightened
> screws. I'll do that.
> But there are no issues here at home on my 30A circuit and I've never
> had this problem anywhere else. I recently wired in a 120V plug (half
> of the socket is Short power, half is 700A Inverter) to the bedroom and
> tapped off the Microwave plug for that Shore power. The only thing
> plugged into it was my wife's new CPAP machine and just turned on, NOT
> running. Microwave clock went out with a "beep" and after unplugging
> the CPAP didn't come back on for a couple hours. FWIW, I am pretty good
> with the AC wiring stuff. Almost positive I didn't do it wrong. And as
> I said, it works here at home.
>
> Thanks for the input, Emery.
>

> >>
> >> I bought a Dometic RM2620 refrigerator from Applied in late 2013. Installed it then and it's been great.
> >>
> >> This weekend while camping the fridge part of it didn't seem very cool. We ran it on 120V and propane see if one or the other was problem.
> The freezer section was fine on both.
> >>
> >> We got home and the fridge section is basically nothing but a plastic box. No cooling to speak of.
> >>
> >> I cleaned the propane flame tube and that seemed to make the flame a little bigger but no change in cooling.
> >>
> >> One odd thing that might mean nothing. If we plugged anything into the circuit that runs the microwave OTHER than the microwave that whole
> circuit would go dead. Flipping the breaker did nothing. Eventually the microwave would come on (hours later?) and would work fine as long as you
> didn't plug a toaster in. That circuit works just fine when plugged in at home. Was the 30A circuit at the campground below 110V, perhaps? Could
> that have friend the control board on the Refer?
> >>
> >> That's all I got. The freezer is running between 11° and 19° and the fridge section is around 65° on an 80° day. 120V or propane.
> Running on propane might keep the freezer a little colder than 120V.
> >>
> >> Any ideas? I haven't called Dometic yet. I figure the Brain Trust here will be more useful than them saying, "You need to take it to an
> Authorized Dealer"
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Kelvin
> >> '73 23' in Eugene, OR
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee

 

[LarryW]

> It sounds like you have been operating it off level and the return tubes from the freeze section are likely clogged with ammonium crystals.
> If so, there is very little that you can do except replace the cooling section or the whole refrigerator.
> This is a common problem. You should level the motorhome to within 1/2 o a bubble on the little round level that came with the refrigerator.
>
> As to your electrical problem, take the cover from your breaker box and (with the shore plug unplugged and the Onan off) check all the screws
> holding the wires inside the box.
> I suspect that you have some loose wires. Over time the screws will loosen with the heating and cooling of the wires. I helped someone whose air
> conditioner kept cutting off. We found several wires loose in the circuit breaker box.
> After tightening them everything worked OK.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO

I cannot confirm that this works, but have heard from several that when the Dometics stop working properly, Take the frig out, and set it upside down
overnight. Reinstall (right side up ) and it should work just fine.

Again, cannot confirm that this works...just heard that it does. Is this just an urban legend? If this works, maybe some here can tell us why...cuz I
sure don't.
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

 

[Carl Stouffer]

Kelvin,

I remember Dan Gregg having trouble with his Norcold a number of years ago. The problem was the opposite of yours. His fridge was "freezing eggs",
he said. The problem turned out to be the placement of some sort of sensor wire that is clipped to the coil fins inside the refrigerator. This wire
was clipped too far toward the top of the fins on his and moving it down had the effect of warming up the fridge compartment slightly.

Check to see if your Dometic has the same sort of sensor. Maybe it came off entirely or there is a break in the wire. That would explain the sudden
failure.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[jesse farr]

Having heard that too, I also heard you were supposed to frail the heck out of it, gently of course and with it wrapped in cushioning blanket or something like that, with a 2x4 to break up the crystals. Needless to say, I have never done removal and/or either turning it upside down or taking out my aggravation by smacking it around. Just the way I heard it.

jesse farr
soddy daisy TN
74, 76 26' & stretched 78 28'

Original message
From: Larry
To: gmclist;
Dated: 7/9/2017 9:38:06 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Dometic Refer Issues...

> It sounds like you have been operating it off level and the return tubes from the freeze section are likely clogged with ammonium crystals
I cannot confirm that this works, but have heard from several that when the Dometics stop working properly, Take the frig out, and set it upside down
overnight. Reinstall (right side up ) and it should work just fine.

Again, cannot confirm that this works...just heard that it does. Is this just an urban legend? If this works, maybe some here can tell us why...cuz I
sure don't.
--
Larry 78 Royale w/500 Caddy

 

[jim kanomata1]

Better yet , take a rubber mallet and tap the tubes and cool yo help break up the crystals. Just burping the system is not enough
Do it several times

Sent from my iPhone

>
> Having heard that too, I also heard you were supposed to frail the heck out of it, gently of course and with it wrapped in cushioning blanket or something like that, with a 2x4 to break up the crystals. Needless to say, I have never done removal and/or either turning it upside down or taking out my aggravation by smacking it around. Just the way I heard it.
>
> jesse farr
> soddy daisy TN
> 74, 76 26' & stretched 78 28'
>
>
>
> Original message
> From: Larry
> To: gmclist;
> Dated: 7/9/2017 9:38:06 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Dometic Refer Issues...
>

>> It sounds like you have been operating it off level and the return tubes from the freeze section are likely clogged with ammonium crystals
> I cannot confirm that this works, but have heard from several that when the Dometics stop working properly, Take the frig out, and set it upside down
> overnight. Reinstall (right side up ) and it should work just fine.
>
> Again, cannot confirm that this works...just heard that it does. Is this just an urban legend? If this works, maybe some here can tell us why...cuz I
> sure don't.
> --
> Larry 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[roy keen]

Kelvin taking it out and beating on the pipes could work but maybe not. This worked for me years ago but after a couple camping trips the problem
returned so I bought a new better refrigerator. Another Motorhome that I purchased had a similar problem but taking it out and turning it upside down
and beating on the pipes didn't help at all so I went camping with a freezer and a block of ice to cool the lower section. When I got back I replaced
the internal piping unit of the refrigerator as this refer was very expensive?
--
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook

 

[Jerry Wheeler]

I had a Norcold 641 with a warm fridge; took it out and turned it upside
down overnight. Put it back in and it is working today, probably 4 or 5
years now. This was in a trailer I had owned, but sold to another person.
I bought a new Norcold 641 in 2000 and last year I smelled ammonia when
opening the freezer door, so took it out and ordered a new Norcold 641 for
my coach.
JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR

> Kelvin taking it out and beating on the pipes could work but maybe not.
> This worked for me years ago but after a couple camping trips the problem
> returned so I bought a new better refrigerator. Another Motorhome that I
> purchased had a similar problem but taking it out and turning it upside down
> and beating on the pipes didn't help at all so I went camping with a
> freezer and a block of ice to cool the lower section. When I got back I
> replaced
> the internal piping unit of the refrigerator as this refer was very
> expensive?
> --
> Roy Keen
> Minden,NV
> 76 X Glenbrook
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[Jim Hupy]

My concern with Norcold is that they will not honor their Warranty if the
fridge is installed in a GMC. Even if you have the chimney venting as they
direct in their installation instructions, the bottom of the cabinet in the
coach does not conform to their requirements. I installed a fridge in a
coach for a customer, it failed shortly after installation, and neither the
seller (a Texas motor home parts supplier) nor Norcold would honor the
warranty. I removed a Norcold from the opening, and replaced it with an
identical model. Exactly followed their install instructions. B.S. deal all
around. I will never install another one.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> I had a Norcold 641 with a warm fridge; took it out and turned it upside
> down overnight. Put it back in and it is working today, probably 4 or 5
> years now. This was in a trailer I had owned, but sold to another person.
> I bought a new Norcold 641 in 2000 and last year I smelled ammonia when
> opening the freezer door, so took it out and ordered a new Norcold 641 for
> my coach.
> JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR
>

>
> > Kelvin taking it out and beating on the pipes could work but maybe not.
> > This worked for me years ago but after a couple camping trips the problem
> > returned so I bought a new better refrigerator. Another Motorhome that I
> > purchased had a similar problem but taking it out and turning it upside
> down
> > and beating on the pipes didn't help at all so I went camping with a
> > freezer and a block of ice to cool the lower section. When I got back I
> > replaced
> > the internal piping unit of the refrigerator as this refer was very
> > expensive?
> > --
> > Roy Keen
> > Minden,NV
> > 76 X Glenbrook
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[jim kanomata1]

Jim,
I do warranty work on Norcold.
The Reps know we sell ours and also install in GMC and SOB.
Like any warrenty, it is the dealer that wants to do extra work w/o being
paid.
In my understanding, Norcold DOES warranty as long as the dealer wants to
back it up and do paperwork.
I warrenty using my judgement as we do not use them full time.I never use
reasonable time to limit warranty.
That is why we sell refrigerator and other appliances all over USA.

> My concern with Norcold is that they will not honor their Warranty if the
> fridge is installed in a GMC. Even if you have the chimney venting as they
> direct in their installation instructions, the bottom of the cabinet in the
> coach does not conform to their requirements. I installed a fridge in a
> coach for a customer, it failed shortly after installation, and neither the
> seller (a Texas motor home parts supplier) nor Norcold would honor the
> warranty. I removed a Norcold from the opening, and replaced it with an
> identical model. Exactly followed their install instructions. B.S. deal all
> around. I will never install another one.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>

>
> > I had a Norcold 641 with a warm fridge; took it out and turned it upside
> > down overnight. Put it back in and it is working today, probably 4 or 5
> > years now. This was in a trailer I had owned, but sold to another
> person.
> > I bought a new Norcold 641 in 2000 and last year I smelled ammonia when
> > opening the freezer door, so took it out and ordered a new Norcold 641
> for
> > my coach.
> > JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR
> >

> >
> > > Kelvin taking it out and beating on the pipes could work but maybe not.
> > > This worked for me years ago but after a couple camping trips the
> problem
> > > returned so I bought a new better refrigerator. Another Motorhome that
> I
> > > purchased had a similar problem but taking it out and turning it upside
> > down
> > > and beating on the pipes didn't help at all so I went camping with a
> > > freezer and a block of ice to cool the lower section. When I got back I
> > > replaced
> > > the internal piping unit of the refrigerator as this refer was very
> > > expensive?
> > > --
> > > Roy Keen
> > > Minden,NV
> > > 76 X Glenbrook
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502

 

[Jim Hupy]

Jim, I know that Applied Air Filter and GMC will warranty properly
installed appliances that they sell. And also go above and beyond what any
reasonable person would expect to make it right with their customer. The
vendor in question in this example was not you or your company.
The owner of the coach ordered from PPL MOTORHOMES in Texas. They
wanted no part of the warranty discussions with NORCOLD. No help whatsoever.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Jim,
> I do warranty work on Norcold.
> The Reps know we sell ours and also install in GMC and SOB.
> Like any warrenty, it is the dealer that wants to do extra work w/o being
> paid.
> In my understanding, Norcold DOES warranty as long as the dealer wants to
> back it up and do paperwork.
> I warrenty using my judgement as we do not use them full time.I never use
> reasonable time to limit warranty.
> That is why we sell refrigerator and other appliances all over USA.
>

>
> > My concern with Norcold is that they will not honor their Warranty if the
> > fridge is installed in a GMC. Even if you have the chimney venting as
> they
> > direct in their installation instructions, the bottom of the cabinet in
> the
> > coach does not conform to their requirements. I installed a fridge in a
> > coach for a customer, it failed shortly after installation, and neither
> the
> > seller (a Texas motor home parts supplier) nor Norcold would honor the
> > warranty. I removed a Norcold from the opening, and replaced it with an
> > identical model. Exactly followed their install instructions. B.S. deal
> all
> > around. I will never install another one.
> > Jim Hupy
> > Salem, Or
> > 78 GMC ROYALE 403
> >

> >
> > > I had a Norcold 641 with a warm fridge; took it out and turned it
> upside
> > > down overnight. Put it back in and it is working today, probably 4 or
> 5
> > > years now. This was in a trailer I had owned, but sold to another
> > person.
> > > I bought a new Norcold 641 in 2000 and last year I smelled ammonia when
> > > opening the freezer door, so took it out and ordered a new Norcold 641
> > for
> > > my coach.
> > > JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR
> > >
> > > On Sun, Jul 9, 2017 at 12:04 PM, roy keen

> > >
> > > > Kelvin taking it out and beating on the pipes could work but maybe
> not.
> > > > This worked for me years ago but after a couple camping trips the
> > problem
> > > > returned so I bought a new better refrigerator. Another Motorhome
> that
> > I
> > > > purchased had a similar problem but taking it out and turning it
> upside
> > > down
> > > > and beating on the pipes didn't help at all so I went camping with a
> > > > freezer and a block of ice to cool the lower section. When I got
> back I
> > > > replaced
> > > > the internal piping unit of the refrigerator as this refer was very
> > > > expensive?
> > > > --
> > > > Roy Keen
> > > > Minden,NV
> > > > 76 X Glenbrook
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[Jerry Wheeler]

In answering Hupy's comments about Norcold, I installed a new Norcold in my
coach in May, 2016. I thought I tested it at the time. In December, 2016,
I tried to start my Norcold and all it did was gurgle on either 120v or
propane. I pulled it out of the coach and took it to an authorized Norcold
dealer about 30 miles from me. They confirmed what I told them and Norcold
sent a new cooling unit to the dealer and they installed it. I put the
fridge back into my coach and tested it for sure this time around; it works
as designed. I installed a new Norcold 641 in March, 2017 in a coach I
sold for a local friend here and delivered the coach to a buyer in Idaho
last month; a trip from NC to ID in 3 days; thru thunderstorms in Kansas
and the never ending wind in Wyoming.
JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR

> My concern with Norcold is that they will not honor their Warranty if the
> fridge is installed in a GMC. Even if you have the chimney venting as they
> direct in their installation instructions, the bottom of the cabinet in the
> coach does not conform to their requirements. I installed a fridge in a
> coach for a customer, it failed shortly after installation, and neither the
> seller (a Texas motor home parts supplier) nor Norcold would honor the
> warranty. I removed a Norcold from the opening, and replaced it with an
> identical model. Exactly followed their install instructions. B.S. deal all
> around. I will never install another one.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>

>
> > I had a Norcold 641 with a warm fridge; took it out and turned it upside
> > down overnight. Put it back in and it is working today, probably 4 or 5
> > years now. This was in a trailer I had owned, but sold to another
> person.
> > I bought a new Norcold 641 in 2000 and last year I smelled ammonia when
> > opening the freezer door, so took it out and ordered a new Norcold 641
> for
> > my coach.
> > JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR
> >

> >
> > > Kelvin taking it out and beating on the pipes could work but maybe not.
> > > This worked for me years ago but after a couple camping trips the
> problem
> > > returned so I bought a new better refrigerator. Another Motorhome that
> I
> > > purchased had a similar problem but taking it out and turning it upside
> > down
> > > and beating on the pipes didn't help at all so I went camping with a
> > > freezer and a block of ice to cool the lower section. When I got back I
> > > replaced
> > > the internal piping unit of the refrigerator as this refer was very
> > > expensive?
> > > --
> > > Roy Keen
> > > Minden,NV
> > > 76 X Glenbrook
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
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> > >
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
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[Kelvin]

Thermistor. That's what they call the sensor.

I found a Dometic chart on how to check it. Submerged the part in
icewater (35-36 degrees) and tested the resistance. ~8300 ohm, right
where it was supposed to be. They do say that the normal failure mode
for this is to get to cold rather than not cold at all.

That would have been a simple fix, but no...

Thanks for the input, though, Carl. One thing off the list.

Kelvin

> Kelvin,
>
> I remember Dan Gregg having trouble with his Norcold a number of years ago. The problem was the opposite of yours. His fridge was "freezing eggs",
> he said. The problem turned out to be the placement of some sort of sensor wire that is clipped to the coil fins inside the refrigerator. This wire
> was clipped too far toward the top of the fins on his and moving it down had the effect of warming up the fridge compartment slightly.
>
> Check to see if your Dometic has the same sort of sensor. Maybe it came off entirely or there is a break in the wire. That would explain the sudden
> failure.

 

[Ron Clark]

Try http://rvcoolingunit.com
http://rvcoolingunit.com/Default.aspx
http://rvcoolingunit.com/Standard-Size-Norcold-Units-C235946.aspx?sid=298
for rebuilt or new cooling units for Norcold fridges.
these Amish folks build a better cooling unit than Norcold, for less
money.

ronc

On Sun, 09 Jul 2017 10:04:28 -0600 roy keen
writes:
> Kelvin taking it out and beating on the pipes could work but maybe
> not. This worked for me years ago but after a couple camping trips
> the problem
> returned so I bought a new better refrigerator. Another Motorhome
> that I purchased had a similar problem but taking it out and turning
> it upside down
> and beating on the pipes didn't help at all so I went camping with a
> freezer and a block of ice to cool the lower section. When I got
> back I replaced
> the internal piping unit of the refrigerator as this refer was very
> expensive?
> --
> Roy Keen
> Minden,NV
> 76 X Glenbrook
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II

 

[Ron Clark]

They build and rebuild Dometic units also.

ronC

Try http://rvcoolingunit.com
http://rvcoolingunit.com/Default.aspx
http://rvcoolingunit.com/Standard-Size-Norcold-Units-C235946.aspx?sid=298
for rebuilt or new cooling units for Norcold fridges.
these Amish folks build a better cooling unit than Norcold, for less
money.

ronc

Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II

 

[Ron Clark]

My Norcold warranty problem started when I took it to a local Norcold
authorized service center, and they noticed that the large baffle that
was supposed to be installed right behind the fridge, was missing. They
told Norcold that the unit hadn't been installed according to
instructions. It says right in the manual, that if the unit is not
installed according to all the requirements listed in the installation
manual, NO WARRANTY!!!

On Sun, 9 Jul 2017 10:06:43 -0700 Jim Kanomata
writes:
> Jim,
> I do warranty work on Norcold.
> The Reps know we sell ours and also install in GMC and SOB.
> Like any warrenty, it is the dealer that wants to do extra work w/o
> being
> paid.
> In my understanding, Norcold DOES warranty as long as the dealer
> wants to
> back it up and do paperwork.
> I warrenty using my judgement as we do not use them full time.I
> never use
> reasonable time to limit warranty.
> That is why we sell refrigerator and other appliances all over USA.
>
> On Sun, Jul 9, 2017 at 9:51 AM, James Hupy

>
> > My concern with Norcold is that they will not honor their Warranty
> if the
> > fridge is installed in a GMC. Even if you have the chimney venting
> as they
> > direct in their installation instructions, the bottom of the
> cabinet in the
> > coach does not conform to their requirements. I installed a fridge
> in a
> > coach for a customer, it failed shortly after installation, and
> neither the
> > seller (a Texas motor home parts supplier) nor Norcold would honor
> the
> > warranty. I removed a Norcold from the opening, and replaced it
> with an
> > identical model. Exactly followed their install instructions. B.S.
> deal all
> > around. I will never install another one.
> > Jim Hupy
> > Salem, Or
> > 78 GMC ROYALE 403
> >

 

[Carl Stouffer]

Ah, yes, the Thermistor. No wonder I couldn't think of the proper name (spell check doesn't even like it).
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[Kelvin]

I took great care to build the cabinet correctly. This thing has kept
food cold in 105° heat - part of that time in direct sun. I feel good
about building it according to the Manual. It's out of warranty, so
that's a moot point.

Kelvin

> My Norcold warranty problem started when I took it to a local Norcold
> authorized service center, and they noticed that the large baffle that
> was supposed to be installed right behind the fridge, was missing. They
> told Norcold that the unit hadn't been installed according to
> instructions. It says right in the manual, that if the unit is not
> installed according to all the requirements listed in the installation
> manual, NO WARRANTY!!!
>
>
> On Sun, 9 Jul 2017 10:06:43 -0700 Jim Kanomata

>> Jim,
>> I do warranty work on Norcold.
>> The Reps know we sell ours and also install in GMC and SOB.
>> Like any warrenty, it is the dealer that wants to do extra work w/o
>> being
>> paid.
>> In my understanding, Norcold DOES warranty as long as the dealer
>> wants to
>> back it up and do paperwork.
>> I warrenty using my judgement as we do not use them full time.I
>> never use
>> reasonable time to limit warranty.
>> That is why we sell refrigerator and other appliances all over USA.
>>
>> On Sun, Jul 9, 2017 at 9:51 AM, James Hupy

>>
>>> My concern with Norcold is that they will not honor their Warranty
>> if the
>>> fridge is installed in a GMC. Even if you have the chimney venting
>> as they
>>> direct in their installation instructions, the bottom of the
>> cabinet in the
>>> coach does not conform to their requirements. I installed a fridge
>> in a
>>> coach for a customer, it failed shortly after installation, and
>> neither the
>>> seller (a Texas motor home parts supplier) nor Norcold would honor
>> the
>>> warranty. I removed a Norcold from the opening, and replaced it
>> with an
>>> identical model. Exactly followed their install instructions. B.S.
>> deal all
>>> around. I will never install another one.
>>> Jim Hupy
>>> Salem, Or
>>> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org