Posted 2010-10-19 9:57 AM (#125988) Subject: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
I have the 3.0 propane/electric fridge and I'm having trouble getting it to work on propane. It works fine on electric. I turn the propane tank on & let it get into the lines, have tried the cooktop and can tell propane is getting to it.
I've blown out all the old carbon, etc from the panel where the lines are. This is the type fridge that you hold one button down and hit the striker to get the red line to move across to the other side. Once it reaches the other side, it will stay on. The trailer is level.
I can get the red line to move towards the other side, but it won't go all the way for it to hold. Any suggestions as to what else to do as I am going camping Fri and need to get it working on propane while traveling and at the first location.
Posted 2010-10-19 7:39 PM (#126041 - in reply to #125988) Subject: RE: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Elite Veteran
Posts: 662 Location: Vanzant, Missouri
Is it a Norcold? I have the same problem with mine. It was just installed last year. What I ended up doing is lighting it off manually with a friends help.They put the lighter in the hole and light it them I hit the buttons. It does light off and stays on..I haven't had any other issues with it.
Posted 2010-10-20 7:11 AM (#126047 - in reply to #125988) Subject: RE: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
yes, it's a Norcold. Thanks for the suggestion as I haven't tried that, but will tonight. I also tried calling some RV places but they were closed so will try again today.
Posted 2010-10-20 7:17 AM (#126048 - in reply to #125988) Subject: RE: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I have experienced that problem. If you look at the flame it looks fine, but I ended up pulling the burner out and cleaning the rust out of it. The outside part was open which made everything look ok, but the inside towards the fridge was completely plugged. I just took a brass brush and some air and cleaned it. Then when I started it my needle would go hard right and not hang up part way across. No problems after that. Make sure your thermocouple is pushed all of the way into the flame.
Posted 2010-10-20 5:47 PM (#126069 - in reply to #125988) Subject: RE: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 447 Location: cedar rapids iowa
I took mine in for service when it wouldn't start. I had just bought it used. The guy took off the vent cover and turned a little thing to turn the gas on to the fridge and away I went. Never had heard of shutting the gas off at the fridge but the previous owner must have done it.
Posted 2010-10-21 7:02 AM (#126102 - in reply to #125988) Subject: RE: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
Thanks for the replies.
I opened up both panels last night, but it's beyond my capabilities to start removing items, etc It just so happens that I will drive past Camping World on the way to my 1st destination, so I made an appt. They assured me they will work on it right away as I will have my horse with me. And he ordered the thermocoupler for this specifc fridge in case that needs replacing.
Posted 2010-10-21 8:18 AM (#126106 - in reply to #126102) Subject: RE: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Veteran
Posts: 231 Location: Illinois
Thats a smart idea...Let us know how this sitution works for you...I am a member of Camping World, but have never used them for this application ( maintience / repairs)
Posted 2010-10-21 6:03 PM (#126127 - in reply to #126106) Subject: RE: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434 Location: Brooksville, Fl
I like Camping World and they will fix it but it's like a car dealership, be prepared for a large bill. That happened to me when my fridge and water heater went goofy on me. All it needed was cleaning and adjusting but they charge by the hour and it cost me over $200. They guy writing up the bill kept apologizing. While I hated to pay that much for what they did, I was glad to have it working properly again.
Posted 2010-11-01 11:40 AM (#126510 - in reply to #125988) Subject: RE: Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
it wasn't cheap, but there was a CO2 leak which could have been disastous... they replaced some parts and one piece was fully blocked. The guy worked on it for about 2 hours, but they only charged for 1 hour.
My horse was very happy munching grass and hay while the work was being done and I was VERY glad to have the fridge up and running since it was the start of a 10 day trip. Just got back yesterday, tired, but had a fantastic time.
Difficulty getting propane fridge to start
