I need HELP!!!: RM8501 refrigerator

RM8501 refrigerator

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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
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Topic: RM8501 refrigerator

Posted By: funks
Subject: RM8501 refrigerator
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2022 at 1:16pm

I been having problems getting the refrigerator cool with gas. The refrigerator works good on AC.

I replaced the regulator, blowout gas line, installed new orvis, clean the stack. The gas stove lights up every time and has a nice blue flame.

When running on AC the top set of fins and bottom fins both get cold. When running on gas the top fins get cold but the bottom fins are still warm.

I even bypassed the gas line from my front tank and hooked up a gas line with regulator to the back of the refrigerator and got the same nice blue flame but it still will not cooling the refrigerator. I even installed a new thermostat. Is there anything else I can do. I even installed more cooling fans in the back of the refrigerator. I can sure us some help Thank You

Replies:

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2022 at 8:37am

How old is your fridge and also have you actually heard/seen the fans turn on? When running, how long do they run before turning off. Have you removed the chimney on top of the stack? If not, when you remove it, the swirly metal rod should be impeccably clean with no residue or soot adhering to it. If there is any, clean, you will note a huge difference as this needs to turn/spin.

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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."

Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2022 at 11:14pm

Thank You Jato for your advice. Yes the fan was working and the chimney was very clean. The whole back of the fridge was like new. I have a 2014 179 r pod so the fridge wasn't that old.

I finally gave up working on the Dometic fm 8501 and order a replacement today. I will let you know how that works out. Thank Again John

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2022 at 11:08am

Hi John,

Sorry to hear you had to replace this. I had to replace mine at 10 years. Although it was a 2011 model it was produced/built in 2010 so replaced August 2020. I find it interesting that you state that the fins get cold; this isn't right. Mine (both top and bottom) are quite hot, if the fins are cool then the bi-metal switch would never turn the muffin fans on as that needs to read at least 100 degrees F. before the switch makes contact to turn the fans on.

Is it possible that you see any 'green' residue, after effects on an ammonia leak? That would render the propane side of the fridge useless. FR told me 10 years is the normal upper limit for the life of these fridges. I was disappointed to hear that since we have Amish and the like who run their propane refrigerators for 20 years or more without any breakdowns.

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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."

Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2022 at 5:45pm

Hi Jato

The fridge never did get that cold using gas. That's just the way it is sometimes. Like I said the back of the unit look like new. Very clean and no signs of any leaks.

I just couldn't figure it out and so I just had to move on. Thanks Again John