Date:         Sun, 27 Jul 2008 02:21:56 -0400
Reply-To:     Bill Glenn <idahobill@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Glenn <idahobill@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ongoing saga: Dometic and Multimeter . . .

>
>> Yep. The heater is burned out.
>
>Okay. So any ideas one where to get a new one? Seems like installing a
>used one is only asking for trouble. And might as well replace the 12v
>heater as well while the Dometic is out.
>
>TIA,
>
>Thomas

Thomas,
The following information is out of date and probably worth what you are
paying for it.  I last spoke with Dometic in September 2006, to determine
the availability of various parts for the RM182B-EGI(electronic gas
ignition as used on the '90 & '91 vans).  The Dometic call center was
experiencing a slow day, such that the representative had some time on her
hands.  She e-mailed me the parts diagram and accompanying parts list,
which I printed out, and she then, if you can believe this, went through
every single part number, indicating whether the part was either NLA,
possibly available (couldn't say until you tried to order it), or Dometic
was in the process of seeking a source for a replacement part.

The two different 12v heating elements, bearing either Part Number
2929491070, or 9299375042 (both parts being 12 volt, 7.1 amp, 85 watt
heating elements), were to be replaced with the latter #9299375042, for
which Dometic was seeking a source. Since I was not then, and am not now
looking for that part, I never followed up to determine if Dometic did
indeed procure a replacement source.  You can follow up if you care to.
Dometic: 800-544-4881.

As others have pointed out, ammonia cycle refrigeration suffers some
inherent limitations; be sure to understand those limitations before
spending your money to repair your Dometic fridge (if it's even possible).
However, should you consider a compressor fridge as a replacement, be aware
of the power requirement and know how that requirement will be met; there's
a lot more to it than simply replacing the fridge.

Bill