Fridge won't cool on gas

[keithwade]

I should probably preface by noting that this 1965 Globetrotter is our FIRST RV, so we're kind of neophytes. Also, I did check the forums, but didn't find exactly this problem.

We have the original 1965 Domestic AC/LP refrigerator. It cools fine on AC... within about 24 hours it is freezing cold. However, on LP it simply does not get cool (have left it on as long as 5 days).

Fridge lights and flame does not go out (as noted, we have let it burn as long as 5 days).

Took it to a repair place. They claimed there were no problems with LP, flue, etc. Basically, they said it was old and things shake loose in transit. They said the ignitor (piece of flint on a long stick with a knob to turn to get a spark) had fallen into the orifice and was keeping it from getting warm enough. Removed this assembly completely (it's much easier to light with a match on the end of a dowel) and it still doesn't get cool. The sheet metal box around the burner is not attached all that well (removed it for the photos from the outside hatch... it is usually in place), but it seems to be surrounding everything fire related. Other than that, nothing seems loose or askew.

I am not sure what the flame is SUPPOSED to look like, so I took some photos. I am not 100% sure my pictures uploaded, so here's a link to them: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8CaM3LNuxbsxi The flame pretty much stays like this continuously.

Would appreciate any direction. Sure it's a simple fix, but hate to keep throwing money at at.

MANY thanks.

[HowieE]

The flame looks good.

Did they remove the frig. during the inspection? If not they had no way to check the flue and that would be my first thing to check.

If the unit is getting cold on electric and the flame is good there has to be something between the flame and the coil in the flue below the point where the electric unit contacts the coil in the flue keeping the heat of the flame from boiling the gas. The gas is being boiled by the electric element so the cooling unit is good you just have to get the heat of the flame to heat the coil.

[Lumatic]

The cooling process for the fridge is esentially the same for AC and propane. So if it works on AC the guts are good. The flame for running on gas is pretty small. If it stays on that suggests the burner and propane valve are good. Make sure you give enough time for the fridge to cool. At least 12 hours and possibly 24. But you say it was running on gas for 5 days? I would then suspect the burner assembly and orifice need to be cleaned. You could try blowing it out with compressed air before pulling anything.

[ejhsocal]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

The cooling process for the fridge is esentially the same for AC and propane. So if it works on AC the guts are good. The flame for running on gas is pretty small. If it stays on that suggests the burner and propane valve are good. Make sure you give enough time for the fridge to cool. At least 12 hours and possibly 24. But you say it was running on gas for 5 days? I would then suspect the burner assembly and orifice need to be cleaned. You could try blowing it out with compressed air before pulling anything.

Did you get this resolved? We have a 26ft 1965. just had the refrigerator cooling system rebuilt. Works great on AC. It is not cooling on LP gas? Flame looks good. Someone suggested thermostat control?
Thanks for any help or suggestions!

[waninae39]

it must be level
if not , it may not cool

[CRH]

If cooling on gas is a problem and you have a flame, you need to check the propane pressure with a manometer. You may need to adjust the propane regulator or replace it. Fortunately, my trailer has a gauge that measure water column. I can easily adjust my regulator.

[azflycaster]

I had a similar problem and it was a blockage in the burner tube. You should be able to see (and hear) a good flame when in gas mode.

[CharlesinGA]

This is what happened to a friend of mine when he discovered that the fridge would not cool on LP but worked fine on the generator.

If the trailer has ever been without bug screens, the mud wasps will come in and build. In this case, the chimney was half blocked.

Charles

[Uke player]

Check the ignition on the fridge and check all hoses. We had replace a ignition part and that took care of it. Had the same problem.