Refrigerator Advise

[thomas r whitton]

I replaced the failed cooling unit on my Norcold 3-wy fridge with a rebuilt one.  It was $450 and took about a day for this inexperienced replacer.  It cools exceptionally well, actually as good or better than our refrigerator at home.  Basically, a refrigerator is just an insulated metal box with a cooling unit on the back.  If the box is good, why throw if out?  Easily understood instructions come with the unit along with "free" return shipping in the same box the cooling unit comes in.  I think any one of us could switch out a cooling unit.  If you can change a tire, you can switch out a cooling unit.  The rebuilt unit comes with a 3-year guarantee.  Another advantage is you don't have to modify your cabinets or woodwork.
Tom Whitton26 foot updated gMCPaducah, KY

 

[LQQKatJon]

Steve,

it should get cold empty, but I think if there is stuff in it it works better. I guess my question is what is the temp?

Make sure it is getting the correct pressure, I had helped fix two of my friends fridge cooling problems in the past couple years, both it was a
pressure regulator problem. One had adjustable regulator, the other they ended up buying a new $30 regulator(at the tank). I measured 8-9 at the
fridge before, and had a good 11 after the regulator adjustment/and replacement. Both said there fridges now cooled plenty well.

I have also seen some pretty dirty burners.

you can find someone with a testing gauge, or this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-78060-Complete-Test/dp/B0016H12KS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484239734&sr=8-1&keywords=propane+gas+pressure+tester

making sure you are getting correct propane pressure at the appliance, and also making sure the gas jet and burner is clean. Easily done.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

 

[Jim Hupy]

Like anything in a R.V. , or for that matter, in life, the term use it or
lose it applies. My original Domestic 3 way fridge lasted from 1978 until
2012. The previous owner always kept the coach on a battery tender and left
the refrigerator ON. I did the same. Anyone who would complain about that
service life is being unrealistic. I put a new 2 way Domestic fridge in as
a replacement, and leave it on constantly. I expect it to last a good long
time.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or

> Steve,
>
> it should get cold empty, but I think if there is stuff in it it works
> better. I guess my question is what is the temp?
>
> Make sure it is getting the correct pressure, I had helped fix two of my
> friends fridge cooling problems in the past couple years, both it was a
> pressure regulator problem. One had adjustable regulator, the other they
> ended up buying a new $30 regulator(at the tank). I measured 8-9 at the
> fridge before, and had a good 11 after the regulator adjustment/and
> replacement. Both said there fridges now cooled plenty well.
>
> I have also seen some pretty dirty burners.
>
> you can find someone with a testing gauge, or this is what I have:
> https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-78060-Complete-Test/dp/
> B0016H12KS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484239734&sr=8-1&
> keywords=propane+gas+pressure+tester
>
> making sure you are getting correct propane pressure at the appliance,
> and also making sure the gas jet and burner is clean. Easily done.
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[Jim Hupy]

Dometic, not Domestic. Darn spell correction, anyhow.
Jim Hupy

> Like anything in a R.V. , or for that matter, in life, the term use it or
> lose it applies. My original Domestic 3 way fridge lasted from 1978 until
> 2012. The previous owner always kept the coach on a battery tender and left
> the refrigerator ON. I did the same. Anyone who would complain about that
> service life is being unrealistic. I put a new 2 way Domestic fridge in as
> a replacement, and leave it on constantly. I expect it to last a good long
> time.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
>

>
>> Steve,
>>
>> it should get cold empty, but I think if there is stuff in it it works
>> better. I guess my question is what is the temp?
>>
>> Make sure it is getting the correct pressure, I had helped fix two of my
>> friends fridge cooling problems in the past couple years, both it was a
>> pressure regulator problem. One had adjustable regulator, the other they
>> ended up buying a new $30 regulator(at the tank). I measured 8-9 at the
>> fridge before, and had a good 11 after the regulator adjustment/and
>> replacement. Both said there fridges now cooled plenty well.
>>
>> I have also seen some pretty dirty burners.
>>
>> you can find someone with a testing gauge, or this is what I have:
>> https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-78060-Complete-Test/dp/
>> B0016H12KS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484239734&sr=8-1&keywords
>> =propane+gas+pressure+tester
>>
>> making sure you are getting correct propane pressure at the appliance,
>> and also making sure the gas jet and burner is clean. Easily done.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jon Roche
>> 75 palm beach
>> St. Cloud, MN
>> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>

 

[a.]

> Hi...
> Don't mean to highjack this thread but I have a related question...
>
> I have an old NorCold fridge, it doesn't get super cold empty... Is that considered normal? Will it get colder with food in it?
>
> How cold should it get empty?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Steve
It won't get any colder with food in it than it does empty. If it gets cold at all, the compressor is working and it has refrigerant. Mine didn't want
to get as cold as I wanted after I got a good door seal, so I modded the thermostat. Before and after pics are here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/restoration-activities/p58993-norcold-thermostat.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/restoration-activities/p58992-norcold-thermostat.html

Once I got the thermostat fixed so it wasn't shutting the compressor off at too high temp, it was fine. The freezer was down around 15F and the fridge
at 38F and I still had some more adjustment for colder on the theremostat.

I suppose if it loses too much refrigerant it will take a lot of electricity to run and still might not get cold. If the door seal leaks, it will run
a lot (maybe all the time) and still not get cold.

Check and fix your door seal and set the thermostat to its lowest setting and see if that cures what ails it. If it gets cold enough but uses too much
electricity with a good seal, it needs refrigerant, which might not be repairable if it the closed system OEM fridge.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."

 

[jerry burt]

> Like anything in a R.V. , or for that matter, in life, the term use it or
> lose it applies. My original Domestic 3 way fridge lasted from 1978 until
> 2012. The previous owner always kept the coach on a battery tender and left
> the refrigerator ON. I did the same. Anyone who would complain about that
> service life is being unrealistic. I put a new 2 way Domestic fridge in as
> a replacement, and leave it on constantly. I expect it to last a good long
> time.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or

That is some great information. Thanks. I keep mine hooked up to a tender also but never considered leaving the refer turned on. Thanks again.
--
Patti & Jerry Burt
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
Photos - http://jburt.smugmug.com/GMC-Motorhome
Lots of upgrades but lots to do to make it ours.
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS - Pacific Cruisers