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Thread: Refrigerator Selection and Maintenance

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
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    Arlington
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    752

    Default Refrigerator Selection and Maintenance

    For Whats its Worth ....

    Over the last few days, I have been trouble shooting a defrost issue on my side by side Whirlpool refrigerator. The common failures here are the bi-metal defrost thermostat, the defrost heater and the defrost heater control board.

    This exercise and associated research made me realize that if you replace your refrigerator or if you are purchasing a used coach, make sure that as many parts as possible are accessible from the FRONT. There is really no room on a no slide coach to pull the refrigerator out and easily access parts that are on the rear. Several youtube videos of other refrigerators showed control boards etc. on the back side. Fortunately for me, all three of these parts are accessible from the front on mine.

    Also, one reputable parts site said that the bi-metal defrost thermostat behaves like a thermistor. You check it by measuring resistance at room temp and in ice water. At least for me, this was NOT correct and delayed the diagnosis. My bi-metal tstat works like a switch. It is open at 45 degrees F (55.6 kohms) and closed (0 ohms) at well below freezing. There is a code on the bi-metal that shows the open and closed temperature (sometimes in degrees C.) The first number is the open temperature and the second number has to be subtracted from the first to get the close temperature. The close temperature is in the single digits F. and is way too cold to be activated in ice water. It will only activate in a freezer or perhaps with a can of freeze spray, etc.

    I ran into similar issues trying to get information on resistance of the defrost heating element. Some said that it could be 0 to 50 ohms, some said 21 ohms to 27 ohms, a manufacturer rep said it had to be 45 ohms period or it was bad. Mine measured 27 which fit 2 of the 3 sources so I assumed it was fine. My assumption is that if it fails, it will fail full open.

    In the end I sprung for the control board. When I pulled it out, there was a burned spot on the board and my change filter light came back on ... so fingers crossed, problem solved.


    Mark and Debbie Fratto
    1998 Parliament

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    Simi Valley
    Posts
    868

    Default

    I just finished installing a new fridge in my Galley. The fridge in here had a locked compressor along with cracks on the inside, It was original, so i took it out and replaced it with his one. I wanted to find something that i didn't have to take the windshield out for, and something big enough for 2 people with good reviews. The wife and I were at Home Depot and we saw this 12 cubic foot retro style refrigerator. It's always nice to add something vintage into a remodel so we decided to give it a try. It went right thru the front door no issue and into the existing space. I had to frame in the width and height as this one was a little smaller than the original, and it sips 120 VAC power. I also added external temperature station, and on/off switch, and a power station that i can monitor power usage.


    Attached Images Attached Images
    Mike Giboney
    1992 Prevost Country Coach
    #60187

  3. #3
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    Jul 2020
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    Simi Valley
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    Default

    Mike Giboney
    1992 Prevost Country Coach
    #60187

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    3,988

    Default

    How did u get the old one out? Sawzall?
    1990 Peterbuilt 377
    3406 B Caterpillar
    13 Speed Roadranger
    No Norgrens


    1 day on paper no machines

  5. #5
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    Jul 2020
    Location
    Simi Valley
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Camper View Post
    How did u get the old one out? Sawzall?
    Yes, I took the doors off, the shelves out, and I cut the body in half.
    Mike Giboney
    1992 Prevost Country Coach
    #60187

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Indio
    Posts
    589

    Default

    Love the retro look.
    Joe & Diane Hoffman
    Prior coach: 2001 Marathon H3-45
    Sold the coach.
    For details: https://intelopment.wix.com/prevost/

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
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    Arlington
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    As the lovely Mrs Fratto would say .... that is adorable! Nice job.


    Mark and Debbie Fratto
    1998 Parliament

  8. #8
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    HaHa well Tell her thank you. I have a black old rotary dial phone I was thinking of mounting on the wall next to the fridge.
    Mike Giboney
    1992 Prevost Country Coach
    #60187

  9. #9
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    Mar 2013
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    Chicago
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    20201218_064603.jpg

    Where would u have ever come up with an idea like that?
    1990 Peterbuilt 377
    3406 B Caterpillar
    13 Speed Roadranger
    No Norgrens


    1 day on paper no machines

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    Simi Valley
    Posts
    868

    Default

    That's what I am talking about!
    Mike Giboney
    1992 Prevost Country Coach
    #60187

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