R-pod Owners Forum Homepage

This site is free to use.
Donations benefit a non-profit Girls Softball organization

Forum Home Forum Home > Non-pod Discussion Forums > Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: Refrigerator Replacement?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Calendar   Register Register  Login Login

Topic ClosedRefrigerator Replacement? - Event Date: 01 May 2017

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
Kidhammon View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 01 Sep 2015
Location: San Diego
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 7
Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Refrigerator Replacement?
    Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 4:09pm
I have a 2011 181G and the Dometic 8501 refer won't run on gas.  It comes on for a few seconds then goes out.  I've had it looked at by a couple of "technicians" but so far nobody can make it work.  The next option is to shell out $550 for a new electrical box which may or may not solve the problem.  At this point I think I would be best served with a new refer instead.  Domestic doesn't seem to make that particular model any more and I can't find the same size anywhere.  Has anyone replaced their refrigerator with another brand and/or model?
Back to Top
CharlieM View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 23 Nov 2012
Location: N. Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1797
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 4:43pm
There are lots of things to check before buying a new board. Check and clean the burner and chimney. Check the voltage to the gas control valve. Check and/or replace the thermocouple. You may need a real service person but it might be worth it. 
Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
Back to Top
marwayne View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 25 Oct 2011
Location: Edmonton AB Can
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1002
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 5:14pm
Do like CharlieM said, but also clean the orifice and the thermocouple. ? did you by any chance get an exchange bottle of propane? 
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


Back to Top
Kidhammon View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 01 Sep 2015
Location: San Diego
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 7
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 5:24pm
I checked and cleaned the burner and chimney.  The flame burns blue and clear for just a couple of seconds then goes out.  
Back to Top
Kidhammon View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 01 Sep 2015
Location: San Diego
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 7
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 5:25pm
The techie that came out said I had a bad LP regulator valve that was providing too low of pressure and that's why the flame started then went out.  $200 later and a new valve and the exact same problem remains.  I do have a new regulator valve tho.
Back to Top
Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 14 Jan 2013
Location: Near Nashville
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1446
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 6:48pm
I haven't looked at this on my refrigerator, but I have a heater that has acted like that before.  The problem was that the tube that the flame the heats the thermocouple was slightly clogged.  Dust or cobwebs or something.  Clean it out with a qtip and/or canned air.  Again, I'm not sure this really correlates to the fridge since it doesn't have a pilot flame.  Does it even have a thermocouple?

TT
2010 176
FJ Cruiser
Back to Top
marwayne View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 25 Oct 2011
Location: Edmonton AB Can
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1002
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 6:50pm
I had the same problem after I used an exchange tank, plugged the orifice, cleaned orifice everything was fine. I also had the problem with my house furnace Talked to a furnace tech friend, he replied I shouldn't tell you this clean the orifice. And all was well.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


Back to Top
Kidhammon View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 01 Sep 2015
Location: San Diego
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 7
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 7:04pm
I took the burner apart and soaked it in alcohol for 15 minutes and it looks like it's new.  I don't think a clogged burner is the problem.   
Back to Top
Craneman View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 12 May 2013
Location: Tokeland,wa
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 387
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 7:23pm
I have the same problem, 3 1/2 weeks and a lot of money at a factory certified repair tec.  Replaced almost every thing, I told they I was not paying them to jus replace parts, their recommendation junk it and replace it.parts are very hard to get. Right now I just cap off the gas line in the rear compartment we mostly stay in full hook up. I Calle several rv repair shops and no one,I mean no one had anything good to say about that model
                  Moe
Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150

Jo and Gary
2010 174
2011 Ford 150



Back to Top
marwayne View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 25 Oct 2011
Location: Edmonton AB Can
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1002
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 8:42pm

At the very top of the red arrow you can see a little shiny spot, that is the orifice. I use a tiny brass gun barrel brush and push it through the hole, but be careful the orifice is a very thin metal membrane, the hole size in it is like the tip of a needle.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.64
Copyright ©2001-2009 Web Wiz