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SaabLover · 07-31-2007, 06:44 PM

So I've had my AS for over a month now. I do love it but I have not left the yard yet. Today I defrosted the freezer as it was about to freeze shut with ice. This took about 5 weeks to happen so it can't be that bad or is it? This thing works so good. I turned it off for about 4 hours leaving the door open and checking once an hour to wipe out the water. Until there wasn't any more. I then turned it back on and put a half full bottle of water in it to check to see if it was working. And did it ever. I want back to check on it 2 hours later and the bottle was almost frozen solid.

So my question is is the frost normal for 5 weeks or do I need a new gasket.

Should I turn it down from 4 and which way is warmer, 3 or 5?

This the original refrig

Thanks, Richard

thecatsandi · 07-31-2007, 08:49 PM

I had the same problem with my 06. They replacd the door gasket and she has not been defrosted since february with Continious use.

klattu · 07-31-2007, 08:54 PM

Defrost...have not had to do that in decades...
Was a good way to get ride of strange green stuff way in the back.

Most always is air leak, gasket problem, as above...or the cats are opening it while your not looking.

KeithC · 07-31-2007, 09:23 PM

Amen, to thecatsandi and klattu on the probable cause of your frig iceing being caused by a deformed frig door gasket. A deformed gasket lets moist air leak into the frig, causes ice to form.

It may also be any other source that lets humid air into the frige over a prolonged time. Like kids keeping the frig door open forever, while they survey and evaluate the contents.

SaabLover · 07-31-2007, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klattu

Defrost...have not had to do that in decades...
Was a good way to get ride of strange green stuff way in the back.

Most always is air leak, gasket problem, as above...or the cats are opening it while your not looking.

I notice that the freezer gasket is compressed more then the refrig door and harder as well. All the ice is around the door in front very little in the rear. And as for those damm cats.

So where do I get this or are they a generic thing. Royal Dometic Auto Defrost.

lewster · 08-01-2007, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaabLover

I notice that the freezer gasket is compressed more then the refrig door and harder as well. All the ice is around the door in front very little in the rear. And as for those damm cats.

So where do I get this or are they a generic thing. Royal Dometic Auto Defrost.

You too funny! You really have to watch out for those cats....just never know where they'll end up!

For your gaskets, try the dollar bill test first. Place the bill in the door and close it making sure that the gasket is completely over the bill. Pull slowly until it's out. Repeat all the way around the freezer gasket. Then do it on the fridge section. A gasket in good condition will have a noticeable 'pull' when you remove the bill.

If you notice that the freezer has less 'pull' when the $1 is removed, you probably need a gasket. You might be able to find them for older units, but on any of the 'newer' fridges, Dometic and Norcold no longer sell gasket replacement kits........they just have you replace the entire door!

BTW, '5' is the coldest setting.

john hd · 08-01-2007, 04:53 AM

so what is the current solution or source for fridge door gaskets?

john

overlander63 · 08-01-2007, 05:35 AM

The "stiff" gasket MAY just be because it is colder. As far as replac ing it, if you absolutely cannot find a gasket that will work, you can get a roll of foam tape and put it around the door edge to help the gasket you have. It's not as good as factory gaskets, but it is cheaper than a new fridge.

swebster · 08-01-2007, 08:20 AM

I have the same issue in my freezer and know I need to replace the gaskets. Anyone have a simple replacement solutuion? Seems like you could install a "universal" gasket (or make one) from Home Depot/Lowes? Does it need to be from Dometic?

**jcanavera** · 08-01-2007, 08:39 AM

As far as what to set the control for, put a thermometer in the refrigerator side and set the control at mid point. Adjust your control based on how cold you want the refrigerator compartment. I would think that the higher number is the colder settings. Those wireless thermometers are great for monitoring fridge temps.

Jack

Wabbiteer · 08-01-2007, 11:51 AM

My vintage fridge had suffered through lots of abuse and the door was twisted (wracked) out of true and displayed a lot of water damage at bottom - where hinge side seal is correct but one top or bottom outside edge is lifted and just doesn't make a tight seal.

If your fridge is ancient as mine maybe you'd want to check that, I was able to approximate getting it square again and seal properly by pinning the bottom of door against my boot toe and leveraging against the top of door to flex it back into shape. Just don't exaggerate too much, no need to try and get it the first try, gauge parallel by eye or measure - just don't overdue it or it can see-saw the warp even worse.

Again - I deny all responsibility if it gets worse