Refrigerator trouble...

Day 8 @ Marathon FL.

Our Refrigerator was running but not getting cold. Marathon removed it from the bus and had an outside appliance company look at it. The appliance guy changed the relay and gave the fridge a clean bill of health and it was re-installed on the bus. The fix didn't work, it seemed like the fridge was stuck in the defrost mode.

On Sunday I rented a truck and bought a new refrigerator (the exact same model).

Today Marathon installed (more on that later, next time I'm going to Camping World!) the new refrigerator. The new fridge is not getting cold.

Any thoughts?

AJ

AJ, two refers and the same issue. Have you verified the 120 volt circuit is good. Polarity test, load test, ground verification.

I believe you said it was a freon refrigerator.

So.....the refrigerator(s) has a suffiecient freon charge and the compressor is running?

Does it have a condensing coil fan and its it running?

Does it have an evaporator coil fan, and is it running?

If the compressor is not running, and it has the proper freon charge, are the thermostat switches calling for the compressor to run?

Is it an automatic defrost and is it in the defrost cycle?

Are there any fusible links or fuses that are open?

Is it plugged in?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ajhaig

Day 8 @ Marathon FL.

Our Refrigerator was running but not getting cold. Marathon removed it from the bus and had an outside appliance company look at it. The appliance guy changed the relay and gave the fridge a clean bill of health and it was re-installed on the bus. The fix didn't work, it seemed like the fridge was stuck in the defrost mode.

On Sunday I rented a truck and bought a new refrigerator (the exact same model).

Today Marathon installed (more on that later, next time I'm going to Camping World!) the new refrigerator. The new fridge is not getting cold.

Any thoughts?

AJ

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AJ, when you transport a refrigerator you usually must keep it upright. If you lay it down or tip it when carrying it you should let it sit upright for 24 hrs prior to turning it on.

Sorry to bother you, but I can't help but wonder, whatever happened to the refrigerator episode. :cool::confused:

AJ,
How did Marathon get the refrigerator out of the bus?
The refer in mine looks too big to go through the door.

Jim,

When my refrigerator (relatively large sized Amana) went out in my 92 XL, they had to remove the passenger side windshield to replace the unit. We found a Whirlpool that fit almost perfectly. They did the whole remove and replace operation in about 3 hours.

Loc

Jim,

A lot of folks have expressed awe about the major project of removing and replacing a windshield, especially when it is part of a project involving the removal and installation of something large like a sofa or refrigerator.

As the folks who were in Kerrville will attest it is a 45 minute job, in and out. No big deal. Dale J. either has some tools or can advise where to get the tools to make the job very quick and simple.

AJ's was able to get through the door and he said after allowing it to sit it did come to life. Ours also came out the door but I believe that we are in the minority on this one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joe Cannarozzi

AJ's was able to get through the door and he said after allowing it to sit it did come to life.

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Thanks Joe, its always nice to have a follow up to a situation, so it can be laid to rest.

Ammonia evaporation refrigerators have a fairly defined lifetime. the maintenance protocol is to do the best you can with with you have. Keeping the pipe clean and free of rust which you can do from the outside; remembering that nasty bee hives can plant themselves near LP gas is important. You can replace the ammonia evaporation coils without having to replace the entire frig or taking it out of the camper. Usually that fixes the problem. There used to be several companies making camper refrigerators; now just one or two. You can order the coil units from just about any camper dealership. Make sure you have the exact model number. They take the old one back and send it back to the manufacturer.