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05-02-2008, 06:51 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
1966 28' Ambassador
1965 30' Sovereign
1972 31' Sovereign
rutherfordton
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 16
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'72 Refer Gurgle
Aside from the eerie gurgle, the refer does not cool. As best I can tell, this is a leak...ammonia is boiling but there is no hydrogen...yes? What's the prognosis? One site suggested pressurizing and fixing (presumably plugging) the leak.
Any help appreciated. I have not tried on gas as I haven't replaced the lp valves yet.
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05-02-2008, 06:58 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,514
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Quote:
Originally Posted by acanthus
Aside from the eerie gurgle, the refer does not cool. As best I can tell, this is a leak...ammonia is boiling but there is no hydrogen...yes? What's the prognosis? One site suggested pressurizing and fixing (presumably plugging) the leak.
Any help appreciated. I have not tried on gas as I haven't replaced the lp valves yet.
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If your refer has leaked any part of the coolant mix (hydrogen/ammonia) the unit WILL NOT COOL and no 'fix' will help the situation. Plugging it will do nothing to remedy the situation! And be careful....HYDROGEN IS EXPLOSIVE (remember the Hindenberg).
There IS one fool-proof solution...........REPLACE THE COOLING UNIT!!!!!!!!!!
Other than that............................IMHO.............. .you're wasting your time trying to repair a leaking unit unless you are properly equipped, trained and experienced in refurbishment of said units.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-02-2008, 07:02 AM
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#3
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Site Team

2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,718
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If you can smell ammonia, you have a leak and will need to replace the unit.
If no ammonia smell you most likely have a blockage inside the cooling unit.
The following procedure has been done with success by several people who had the same issue. Results may vary...
1.Remove the unit from the trailer.
2.Turn the unit upside down for 24 hours
3.Install the unit back in the trailer (Right side up)
Lew, Ken and Ken did this last year and posted the results if I can find them...
This procedure will only cost you some time and effort. In my opinion, it is worth a try.
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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05-02-2008, 01:58 PM
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#4
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Incorrigible
1976 Argosy 24
--
, Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 559
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"Reefer gurgle"? I hoped this thread would describe some new way to get high.
__________________
Tim
1976 24' Argosy
1973 International Harvester Travelette 1210 4x4 'Bernard' 164" WB 
1997 Georgie Boy 30' SuperDuty v10
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05-03-2008, 08:29 AM
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#5
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1 Rivet Member 
1966 28' Ambassador
1965 30' Sovereign
1972 31' Sovereign
rutherfordton
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 16
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'72 refer gurgle
Thanks Lewster,
I'm not properly equipped, trained, or experienced to do much of anything (smile), even replacing the cooling unit but I am willing to try. They are not cheap, I believe....what's the best avenue there?
Lance
Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
If your refer has leaked any part of the coolant mix (hydrogen/ammonia) the unit WILL NOT COOL and no 'fix' will help the situation. Plugging it will do nothing to remedy the situation! And be careful....HYDROGEN IS EXPLOSIVE (remember the Hindenberg).
There IS one fool-proof solution...........REPLACE THE COOLING UNIT!!!!!!!!!!
Other than that............................IMHO.............. .you're wasting your time trying to repair a leaking unit unless you are properly equipped, trained and experienced in refurbishment of said units. 
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05-03-2008, 08:33 AM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member 
1966 28' Ambassador
1965 30' Sovereign
1972 31' Sovereign
rutherfordton
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 16
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Thanks AZ, guess I'll have to take it out to replace anyway, worth a try...if you find the posts, lemme know.
Lance
Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster
If you can smell ammonia, you have a leak and will need to replace the unit.
If no ammonia smell you most likely have a blockage inside the cooling unit.
The following procedure has been done with success by several people who had the same issue. Results may vary...
1.Remove the unit from the trailer.
2.Turn the unit upside down for 24 hours
3.Install the unit back in the trailer (Right side up)
Lew, Ken and Ken did this last year and posted the results if I can find them...
This procedure will only cost you some time and effort. In my opinion, it is worth a try.
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05-03-2008, 08:40 AM
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#7
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1 Rivet Member 
1966 28' Ambassador
1965 30' Sovereign
1972 31' Sovereign
rutherfordton
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 16
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I was "refer" ring to to the refrigimerator although the "refer"erence you raise might be a "refer"endum on Saturday afternoon activities. smile
Lance
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ike T
"Reefer gurgle"? I hoped this thread would describe some new way to get high. 
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05-03-2008, 09:44 AM
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#8
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Site Team

2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,718
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__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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