Heating element in Dometic fridge

[Ultradog]

The fridge in my 75 Overlander quit working in electric mode.
After using a cooler and ice for my beer and groceries all summer I finally got around to putting a multimeter to it last weekend.
I have 110v power to the heating element but no continuity through the element.
I finally tried lighting off the fridge on propane (first time in 4 years) and it worked like a charm. But I do prefer running it the easy way on electric.
So I'm thinking I need a new element.
Is a replacement heating element available anywhere?
I don't know the model # of the fridge though it is a Dometic.
Does the fridge have to come out in order to replace the element or can I do this job through the small side door.
I'd be grateful for any and all suggestions.
Jerry

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Ultradog

The fridge in my 75 Overlander quit working in electric mode.
After using a cooler and ice for my beer and groceries all summer I finally got around to putting a multimeter to it last weekend.
I have 110v power to the heating element but no continuity through the element.
I finally tried lighting off the fridge on propane (first time in 4 years) and it worked like a charm. But I do prefer running it the easy way on electric.
So I'm thinking I need a new element.
Is a replacement heating element available anywhere?
I don't know the model # of the fridge though it is a Dometic.
Does the fridge have to come out in order to replace the element or can I do this job through the small side door.
I'd be grateful for any and all suggestions.
Jerry

Jerry.

Heating elements are available, but in order to get the correct one, you must have the Dometic model number.

The flue should be cleaned, and then clean the reefer burner and oriface.

Rust from the flue falls into the burner, and into the oriface, which reduces, on up to stopping the burner from being efficient.

Burner should be cleaned every two years or so, to insure
proper cooling, especially on hot days.

Andy

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Ultradog

... Does the fridge have to come out in order to replace the element or can I do this job through the small side door...

On my '67 Airstream, I think someone with long skinny arms might be able to replace the heating unit through the access door.

It would be immeasurably easier though with the fridge out. But we all know that getting the fridge out is not an easy task either.

Tom

[dufferin]

I also have a Overlander 1975 27' and mine quit to this summer.
The fridge should be a RM 77. I think you may find the ref. at the bottom right of the fridge, door open, on a sticker.
But I am not quite sure and I am 1,500 miles away from it.
I had no hard time at all to replace the element thru the smalll door.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by TomW

On my '67 Airstream, I think someone with long skinny arms might be able to replace the heating unit through the access door.

It would be immeasurably easier though with the fridge out. But we all know that getting the fridge out is not an easy task either.

Tom

Right on Tom!

The heating element is usually located in the boiler section, which is the cylindrical tube normally found on the right side of this fridge. Follow the 2 black wires from the board and they will lead you to the element.

Remove the outer sheet metal cover to the boiler and the element should come out vertically. It may be stuck, so a twisting motion will help extract it. If you are going to clean the boiler section, including the very important spiral baffle which is suspended from the top of the chimney by a wire, you will have to take the unit out for complete access.

Once you remove the baffle, clean it with a wire brush but be careful not to distort it or the wire that holds it in place. Remove the burner from the bottom and then get a chimney brush and swab the rust from the inside of the chimney. be sure to vacuum up all of the rust that falls to the bottom.

Re-assemble everything, replace the unit and you are good to go!

[Ultradog]

Thank you guys!
My camper is about 2 hours away so I will have to look up the SN the next time I go up.
But I'm glad I can get a new element for it at least.
Thanks again.
Jerry

[lattelarry50]

Originally Posted by Ultradog

Thank you guys!
My camper is about 2 hours away so I will have to look up the SN the next time I go up.
But I'm glad I can get a new element for it at least.
Thanks again.
Jerry

I have a new element for your refer,if you still need one. Larry 480-662-8552

[dznf0g]

If he's still looking after 7 years....he'd better give up