Funny thing with the frig

[wingfoot321]

I had to cut my propane line to the frig to splice in a catalytic heater. When I tried to restart the frig, it took forever and would not light. I had propane to the heater which was within 2 feet of the frig connection but, it would not light. Removed the wind screen and there was a carbon buildup on the igniter that had bridged to the thermocouple and was grounding the spark thru the carbon. This is the 2nd time something like this has happened. Alway when propane has run out, etc. Has anyone had a similar experience? Why am I getting the carbon buildup. Is this an early sign of problems to come? It is an old frig but, works good. Perplexed?

[uwe]

Originally Posted by wingfoot321

I had to cut my propane line to the frig to splice in a catalytic heater. When I tried to restart the frig, it took forever and would not light. I had propane to the heater which was within 2 feet of the frig connection but, it would not light. Removed the wind screen and there was a carbon buildup on the igniter that had bridged to the thermocouple and was grounding the spark thru the carbon. This is the 2nd time something like this has happened. Alway when propane has run out, etc. Has anyone had a similar experience? Why am I getting the carbon buildup. Is this an early sign of problems to come? It is an old frig but, works good. Perplexed?

If the fridge was turned on, but the gas turned off, then the ignitor will try and light the fridge flame every few seconds. Eventually this will cause a carbon "bridge" type thingie by the ignitor. Game over.
This is providing that your fridge is of the semi-automatic variety.

[lewster]

Uwe is correct!

If your fridge is in the 'on position' and there is no 120VAC to it, it will automatically think that it is to be running on propane and will try to ignite with the spark. It will do this until it ignites and senses the flame from the burner or you turn on the 120 VAC or you turn it off.

[joel]

I had that problem and my pressure was to low leaving the regulator.I put a pressure gauge in the line between the end of the line and the fridge.I then adjusted my line pressure to 11.5 to 12 psi.On your regulator there is a screw to turn and moove your pressure up or down.If you have air in your line going to the heater it ca cause your fridge to be slow to light also. Good luck.