Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:18:07 -0500
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Dometic Fridge: Bah Humbug! <grin>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTi=EJtiNraRVEXqaNDronYNu083KhdR_TQaaNp-j@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Neil, please see my response to Alistair re propane operation while driving.
And, in further answer to Alistair (sorry, Alistair, dropped this one), the only thing I do to maintain the refrigerator is to keep it clean, including pulling it and cleaning the back and underneath it (I've done that one time in a year). Also check for leaks in the propane system, but that doesn't relate to the 12V operation. I have been told that a major reason the refrigerator doesn't cool adequately for some is that it is dirty, including the fan being dirty. Also, flue dirty.
Now, when it is 100 F +, the 12V system will only keep the refrigerator cool, not cold, that is true. But, it does keep cool.
DMc
---- neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Wed, Aug 11, 2010 at 1:50 PM, <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> > ---- neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >> Hi all.
> >>
> >> Well I pulled the fridge again. Found a ***tiny*** leak at the exhaust
> >> where it meets the combustion box. Pulled things apart, cleaned,
> >> checked the jet, (could blow a steady stream of water through) sparker
> >> made a nice long arc to frame every time. Made a Red RTV gasket,
> >> tested for leaks before and after installing, all good, (closed one
> >> pipe. Blew hard. It held air. Air "popped" back out when released)
> >> Stuffer 'er back in, aligned manifold to body and gasket, applied RTV
> >> between manifold, gasket and aluminum plate. Checked flue image in
> >> manual, and compared marks left on spare set of flue parts to double
> >> check assembly. Opened the LP valve. Fridge fired up on the 3 or 4th
> >> click. Flame would go from normal to almost out several times, then
> >> stay larger (heating mode) once cycle of air in exhaust out
> >> stabilized. It stayed lit and fins got cooler pretty fast. But......
> >>
> >> It still won't stay lit while driving!
> >
> > The refrigerator is NOT SUPPOSED to stay lit while driving. Instructions on the propane system specify that the vehicle is not supposed to be driven with the propane valve open. The reason the refrigerator has a 12 V mode is for driving. If the refrigerator is reasonably well maintained, the 12 V mode works, too. Mine does.
> >
> > I know that some people claim to keep the refrigerator on propane mode while driving. Guess what -- the instruction to turn the propane off while driving, in the camper owner's manual, and on the label on the propane port, is per DOT. Why not use the refrigerator as it is supposed to be used?
> >
> > Stay lit on a windy day? I've never had a problem.
> >
> > DMc
> >
> > And, I bet it still won't stay
> >> lit under windy conditions while in camp.l
>
>
>
> I've read numerous comments in the archives regarding driving with it
> lit or not. Not sure which instructions you refer to, but I just read
> my Dometic glove box manual and door on 182B. No where did I see
> anything saying do not drive with fridge running on LP. I may have
> missed it. However. They do make mention, in upper case, of 'never
> putting hot food in the fridge'. <grin>
>
> On the last trip, I drove with it on 12V. My 12V system works fine too.
>
> What I'd like, is to have it stay lit even if it gets windy in camp.
> On last few trips before doing this recent work, it would blow out on
> the highway, and in camp. Even if it was only mildly windy.
>
> I understand your point, but to be clear, there's something wrong with
> my fridge (thermocouple? Small flame? Both?). I've read reports of
> peoples Dometics staying lit when driving. I've even experienced that
> with my 182A. Unless a maladjustment in the LP pressure exists (water
> column), and adjusting it corrects the issue, I'm hesitant to invest
> any more time, or moreover, any more $ in it.
>
> The other reason it has a 12V mode may be in the event one runs out of
> propane while in camp. Kill two birds. Hop in the Westy, get more cold
> beer, and propane. <EG>.
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
--
David McNeely
| 
