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Smoky · 04-18-2011, 10:36 AM

I experienced my first tire blow out on my trailer which resulted in a lot of shaking and jostling inside the trailer. There was no major damage but my refrigerator is not cooling now. What could have happened? It's a newer electric one...should I try turning it upside down or is burping just for propane ones?

**DKB_SATX** · 04-18-2011, 10:38 AM

When you say "newer electric" you mean it's a dual propane/electric? Or it's a compressor-based electric-only unit?

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

When you say "newer electric" you mean it's a dual propane/electric? Or it's a compressor-based electric-only unit?

I mean it is a compressor electric only unit.

ventport · 04-18-2011, 10:51 AM

Does the light come on when you open the door? Just to check that it didn't come unplugged in the shaking.

wkerfoot · 04-18-2011, 10:55 AM

Can you hear the compressor run?

Bill

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoky

I mean it is a compressor electric only unit.

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ventport

Does the light come on when you open the door? Just to check that it didn't come unplugged in the shaking.

Yes the light comes on. I reached behind it and the big metal thing/compressor? feels hot.

Schu · 04-18-2011, 10:59 AM

Have you tried it on 110? Have you checked the gas supply line under the trailer for damage?

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Can you hear the compressor run?

Bill

It was making a hum sound but I just turned it off and back on via the internal temp adjuster and now I can't hear the hum.

pgr32e · 04-18-2011, 11:04 AM

If the shaking was severe enough maybe you created a leak in the refrigerant lines somewhere. Find leak, fix and replace refrigerant.....Phil

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schu

Have you tried it on 110? Have you checked the gas supply line under the trailer for damage?

It is just a regular electric, not a 12 volt or propane.

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgr32e

If the shaking was severe enough maybe you created a leak in the refrigerant lines somewhere. Find leak, fix and replace refrigerant.....Phil

Ok, I'll pull it out of the cabinet and take a closer look.

wkerfoot · 04-18-2011, 11:08 AM

Smokey,

Do you have a household refrigerator or an RV DanFoss compressor unit?

If the former, perhaps the jolt was enough to break the unit.

Bill

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Smokey,

Do you have a household refrigerator or an RV DanFoss compressor unit?

If the former, perhaps the jolt was enough to break the unit.

Bill

It's just a household fridge. These things can't be that complicated. Is there a relay I can test with a meter?...hmm as I was just typing this it kicked in and is now humming.

Rebee · 04-18-2011, 11:42 AM

Look for a loose connector or a loose ground lug, Possible a dirty connector, Contacts can be cleaned with an eraser.

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 11:51 AM

I just set it on it's back and a bunch of clear fluid spilled out...so I'm assuming I have a coolant leak somewhere. How does one repair that..is there some kind of epoxy?

ventport · 04-18-2011, 11:55 AM

Silver solder the leak and recharge.

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ventport

Silver solder the leak and recharge.

I do happen to have some silver based solder I use when I build guitar effect pedals...I hope that works. Now to locate the leak...

Wsmith · 04-18-2011, 12:20 PM

Did you have it running on an inverter at the time of was if off for transit? If it was running and was bounced around it probably damaged the compressor. You could try a new starter capacitor but should probably just take it by an appliance service place and let them check it.
You might try to tap the compressor immediately after plugging it in. Male sure it has cooled down before doing this.

Smoky · 04-18-2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wsmith

Did you have it running on an inverter at the time of was if off for transit? If it was running and was bounced around it probably damaged the compressor. You could try a new starter capacitor but should probably just take it by an appliance service place and let them check it.
You might try to tap the compressor immediately after plugging it in. Male sure it has cooled down before doing this.

No it wasn't running on an inverter at the time. I think the compressor must have a leak since there was some clear oil that leaked from it. It just hums now and gets hot but does not cool the fridge. I bought some 134 coolant today but can't find a leak anywhere. I guess I'll just buy a new fridge.

Foiled Again · 04-18-2011, 09:09 PM

I guess that's why "they say" that a home refrigerator isn't designed for the bumping and shaking that can happen to an RV model. The ammonia based propane/electric refrigerators are quite a bit more expensive, but have a lot fewer solder joints and bits and pieces to break. Many people do successfully use home reefers - but if there is a LOT of travel in your future you might want to get an RV model. It's not at all uncommon to find a 30 year old RV with the original reefer still working.

Paula