Refrigerator not working on LP
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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13850
Printed Date: 14 May 2025 at 8:03pm
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Topic: Refrigerator not working on LP
Posted By: JimJ
Subject: Refrigerator not working on LP
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 6:46pm
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OK so I have been through tons of threads. I have a 2016 Hood River 178. My refrigerator won't work with LP. it ignites but after flame lights it dies down a little. The model is the Dometic RM 8501. Works great on 120 but won't cool 1 degree on LP. I have taken some of the pieces apart and blown some compressed air on either side of jet and up the chimney(??) a little. That helped at first as it would not even ignite. Now it ignites and stays lit just not strong enough of a flame (I guess) to operate properly. No error comes on just no cooling. I am thinking of trying to pop out the jet, it appears to be lodged in by maybe a little red washer (tiny), and then soak in goo gone but don't want to damage. I have read also about regulators being a potential spot of issue. Lastly, I had an RV guy come look at it and he seemed very uncertain about anything. He called back saying it might be the valve or the burner and he would replace both at $750 for parts and $75/hr. I would have like to see more confidence in identifying the problem before shelling out a grand thoughts. and TIA! ------------- 2016 178 |
Replies:
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 6:56pm
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If you can't hear the burner on LP, it ain't burning right. Can you hear it? If not it needs cleaning somewhere. Sometimes compressed air can clean out the cob webs or whatever else might be blocking the flow. Especially if it has sat for a long time. Sometimes you need to remove the connection @ the solenoid and clean out with alcohol. I carry a syringe just for this. Have had to do it several times probably because of contaminated propane lines. I disconnect, flush with syringe full of alcohol, let it dry, put it back together and check for leaks with soapy water and listen for good flame. Has worked well for me over the last six years. ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 7:17pm
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We had the same issue with our fridge. Supposedly the burner at almost $300 for the part plus shipping, not to mention labor. I did a quick calculation on my fingers, and contacted FR to find out what they'd sell the same model fridge to me for. It was more cost effective to have a brand new fridge that had new everything. Putting it in was easy. In fact I substantially improved the original installation. When we sold our Pod, the new fridge was working flawlessly and was one of the selling points. Unfortunately, the absorption systems do not have a long a service life as they should. I don't recall exactly what I paid FR for the new fridge, but it wasn't a whole lot more than the parts your tech is suggesting. You can get plenty of good advice from the board members [and FR] on the installation. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 7:31pm
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Even if you did have to replace the burner it's less than $300.00 https://www.dyersonline.com/dometic-refrigerator-gas-burner-w-o-nozzle.html - https://www.dyersonline.com/dometic-refrigerator-gas-burner-w-o-nozzle.html I've done it. Just don't make the mistake of dropping and stepping on the nozzle cuz that will cost you another $40.00. I do think some of my problems had to do with the regulator. I went through three Camco regulators before I finally discovered the Mr. Heater regulator I got from Tractor Supply seem to be much more reliable. ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: JimJ
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 7:56pm
Thanks! As a diabetic I have lots of syringes When you say solenoid is that the same as the jet? Little tiny hole right at beginning of the burner apparatus? I will listen I don't know. I can definitely see a continuous flame just starts out stronger and almost immediately weakens. ------------- 2016 178 |
Posted By: JimJ
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 7:57pm
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Thanks Lost ------------- 2016 178 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 8:02pm
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http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8779&KW=nozzle&PN=2&title=fridge-not-cooling-on-propane-fixed - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8779&KW=nozzle&PN=2&title=fridge-not-cooling-on-propane-fixed
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 8:23pm
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JimJ, that little thing with the tiny hole in it is the orifice. there isn't only 1 little hole, there is one in the middle and I think another 5 holes around the center hole https://postimages.org/">
 ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 8:35pm
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That's what I stepped on that cost me $40.00.
https://www.dyersonline.com/dometic-burner-jet-kz-65.html - https://www.dyersonline.com/dometic-burner-jet-kz-65.html ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: JimJ
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 9:10pm
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All right I have got some stuff to try tomorrow AM. I will report back with the results. Thanks! ------------- 2016 178 |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 9:27pm
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Marwayne, does that center hole go all the way through to the other side? As you know I had issues with mine about 5 weeks ago and when I got to the orifice I could not poke anything all the way through, although I didn't attempt too hard as I was fearful of ruining it.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |