Refrigerator repair or replace?

[DGBMLB]

We recently purchased a 1991 B190 knowing the fridge does not work. A local shop suggested we replace the cooling unit and we told him to go ahead with the work. The first cooling unit he received from the supply house was defective and we are now waiting for a second cooling unit. In the mean time, I have read that we may be money ahead replacing the entire fridge. I can purchase a Dometic 2351 2-way fridge for less than what the technician will charge to replace the cooling unit. If I decide to replace the fridge myself, how much trouble will I get into and will I have to modify any vents? What "cautions" are recommended when replacing the fridge?

[overlander63]

Welcome to the forums. We went through the same thing with a fridge we got. It had a bad cooling unit, and the place we got it from replaced the cooling unit--3 times. I finally gave up, and got a brand new ridge, installed it, and have had no further problems. I would suggest a new fridge, unless you want to practice taking your fridge out for a walk every couple of months.

[Mike Leary]

New fridge, the Dometic is great! We had one re-built that failed in two months. Remember to defrost.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by DGBMLB

We recently purchased a 1991 B190 knowing the fridge does not work. A local shop suggested we replace the cooling unit and we told him to go ahead with the work. The first cooling unit he received from the supply house was defective and we are now waiting for a second cooling unit. In the mean time, I have read that we may be money ahead replacing the entire fridge. I can purchase a Dometic 2351 2-way fridge for less than what the technician will charge to replace the cooling unit. If I decide to replace the fridge myself, how much trouble will I get into and will I have to modify any vents? What "cautions" are recommended when replacing the fridge?

One VERY IMPORTANT thing to remember: you get a 3 year warranty with a new Dometic fridge......and usually 90 days with a replaced cooling unit. The icing on the cake is that you can get a new unit for less than the repair.....

The answer should be obvious at this point!

[TomW]

Originally Posted by lewster

... The answer should be obvious at this point!

The problem I will face when my 41 year-old refrgierator makes it's last ice cubes is a replacement that will fill the space available without substantial modification.

A little bit smaller is one thing since we don't full-time. But major mods which upset the original look bother me.

My post is probably moot, though, since I am told no one rebuilds my original unit anymore.

Tom

[DGBMLB]

Thanks to everyone who replied! I will try to buy a new fridge. Will a new fridge require a professional to install it, or can I do it myself?

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by DGBMLB

Thanks to everyone who replied! I will try to buy a new fridge. Will a new fridge require a professional to install it, or can I do it myself?

With gas & power, I'd let the big dogs do the change-out & I mean the
really good big dogs, Dometic has black door panels that look neat in the AS.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by DGBMLB

Thanks to everyone who replied! I will try to buy a new fridge. Will a new fridge require a professional to install it, or can I do it myself?

The AC/DC connections are probably there already....usually no biggie! 2 wires for the DC and just a plug-in for the 120VAC. LP is another story. If you are not familiar with LP installations, leak detection and proper connections of flair fittings, then by all means......have a qualified shop do the job. Hopefully, they have at least one person with a state LP certification

[DGBMLB]

I appreciate all the quick responses and advice. Be "talking" to you later.

[911rs]

Where did you buy the 2351 Dometic?

[69AmbassFl]

Lewster,

I have heard that if a fridge sits awhile it could quit working and be presumed bad. I was told the fridges are filled amonia instead of freon, and that the amonia will settle in the bottom. I was told that you can unplug and pull fridge out, flip fridge over on top and let sit 24 hours. Then flip back over and let sit 2-3 hours and reconnect. It should work after that, heard anything on that procedure?

[richinny]

go to the search tab and google search burping. there is plenty to read.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by 69AmbassFl

Lewster,

I have heard that if a fridge sits awhile it could quit working and be presumed bad. I was told the fridges are filled amonia instead of freon, and that the amonia will settle in the bottom. I was told that you can unplug and pull fridge out, flip fridge over on top and let sit 24 hours. Then flip back over and let sit 2-3 hours and reconnect. It should work after that, heard anything on that procedure?

You are partially correct. RV fridges are filled with mixture if ammonia, hydrogen and sodium chromate (an anti-corrosive). It is highly unlikely that the components 'separate' in the static phase of sitting around, but there have been reports of successful 'burping' episodes)...........

If you would like to 'burp' your unit, you can remove it from it's position after disconnecting it from the AC/DC/LP and turn it on each side and top for 15 minutes, then stand it upright and rock it on each of the 4 corners tilted to 45* for 1 minute each....then re-install it. This will definitely clear any potential settling problems you may have!

Keep us posted on your results.

[gronlampa]

I know this is an old thread but I just tried this prior to giving up on our fridge.

It worked!

Thanks for the great advice!

You saved us a lot of $$$

Mikal

[Djmclean]

Would driving on a bumpy road do the same thing?? Just a thought.

[gronlampa]

Originally Posted by Djmclean

Would driving on a bumpy road do the same thing?? Just a thought.

I imagine it's possible but it would be unlikely to "shift" everything in the same way.

[Jim Lee]

after messing with RM100 in 78 AS, buying reman'ed RM2804 from clip joint in Arkansas, I bit the bullet and bought a new RM2820.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price has evaporated.

[Aage]

The quality of the new ones doesn't seem to be one iota different than those of the past, from posts I have read. The only difference I see is time.

[gronlampa]

Originally Posted by Aage

The quality of the new ones doesn't seem to be one iota different than those of the past, from posts I have read. The only difference I see is time.

My burped model (although in need of a good cleaning) is still running strong.

I am curious to know how many others have tried the same thing with success.

Would you know of there are replacement panels for the fake wood grain sheets?

I imagine one could cut a sheet of aluminum or stainless but I figured I would pass it by the forum before reinventing the wheel.