Date: Thu, 17 Jul 1997 14:19:30 -0700
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: am1973@monika.ds.boeing.com (Andrew Mera)
Subject: EV Norcold fridge woes update
Re: NORCOLD REFRIGERATOR NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY IN LP MODE.
Here is a compilation of information provided by Vanagon listees
and discussions with Winnebago, Norcold. Norcold claims that all
95-97 Eurovan Winnebago campers have the same fridge model #3163G.
- Norcold refrigerator not starting on propane; burner ignites but flame
won't hold; several months of warranty headaches until the intermittent
problem was finally diagnosed: apparently the igniter wire to the burner
box had such light insulation, that it can short to adjacent metal; the
fix was to replace with more heavily shielded cable (at least 6 list
complaints known)
- on the proper setting of the thermostat knob; my appliance control board
shows START at 12 o'clock, no OFF position, the Norcold 3163 Manual
(also the Eurovan Service Training Manual) picture show OFF at 12 o'clock,
START at 2 o'clock; Norcold says the appliance diagram is wrong, START
really means OFF (!!!!), manual is right, for a successful start use
the 6 o'clock position, or max 11 o'clock position per Kevin Lindbloom
- Norcold claims that all Eurovan Winnebago campers have the same Norcold
fridge model 3163G, and should have an "update vent fan kit"
(part #618074) installed
- Norcold refrigerator in LP mode not starting or stopping at altitudes above
5000 ft (at least 4 list complaints known); the Winnebago technician mentioned
to me on jul.14.97 that the problem is known to Winnebago, and that the
installation of a "high altitude enhancement vent kit" (Norcold part #618960)
is recommended (given my headaches, I would say required), under warranty?
- LP level indicators unreliable: for battery voltage indicator one should turn
on a light or apply some other light load (3 list complaints)
No Eurobago owner has specifically been notified by the vendor of these problems,
caveat emptor! Rick Gordon in his post yesterday has volunteered to store this
information in his Eurovan web page (in preparation).
Andy Mera
95 EV Winnie