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Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Our 23 year old Dometic appears to be dying. I feared this might happen on this road trip.
I have set both the main control and the aftermarket Dinosaur Micro P-711 circuit board to 5 (max setting) plus I have an internal circulation fan yet when the ambient temps get near upper 70 to 80 degrees the refrigerator goes up into the mid 40's and even the low 50's.

I'll be in the Denver region soon including Loveland with a stop in Colorado Springs.
Anyone know of a reputable service center that can run some diagnostics on a this Dometic in this part of the country?
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #1 –
"Anyone know of a reputable service center that can..."

While you are looking for a replacement (because that's what's needed) don't forget to push the Thermistor (mounted on the cooling fins) all the way to the top. That is the coldest position.

Any absorption fridge of the age of yours should have been replaced some time ago!   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"Anyone know of a reputable service center that can..."

While you are looking for a replacement (because that's what's needed) don't forget to push the Thermistor (mounted on the cooling fins) all the way to the top. That is the coldest position.

Any absorption fridge of the age of yours should have been replaced some time ago!   ::)
I have looked for a replacement.
Unfortunately the model I have was discontinued about a year ago.
I'll look again when I get home but there is no replacement that will fit.
Thanks for the thermistor tip.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #3 –
Is there a replacement set of absortion coils available.  That may be the way to go. The coils have been replaced on my1991 rig.  My 1988 rig is still working.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #4 –
"Is there a replacement set of absortion coils available."

It's probably possible to replace only the cooling unit but I'd have to ask myself, 'Is it worth it?'   ::)

It's hard to imagine that there's NO replacement that will fit. Do you throw the baby out with the bath water?
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #5 –
Hi Ted. Before you spend too much on a new refrigerator, Larry has posted some items in the past that might help the refrigerator regain its cooling efficiency.    From Larry:
    Blow the flue and fins clean with compressed air.
    You can remove  the inner baffle, from the chimney for cleaning but it is difficult to get to, requiring removing the roof vent
    cover and the screen under the cover.
    The baffle is then reached using a 3' heavy wire, with a 90 degree bend in the end, to hook the baffle
    Disassemble the burner assembly and clean it, including removing the jet and soaking it in solvent.
    Do not use any hard objects to clean the jet or force anything through it. I use an old toothbrush and compressed air.
    Check and set the propane pressure to 11-in/H2O, with the refrigerator and one other propane appliance on and burning.
   Low or restricted propane pressure produces too little heat to properly drive the system.

I think the most likely problem you might have, is just a dirty jet. It will restrict the maximum gas flow, and only show up as a problem at the extreme outside temperature situation. All other times it will seem to work fine. Unless you have a coolant leak ( that ammonia smell, or yellow powder ) or have run the refrigerator off level ( plugged up capillary tubes ) That cleaning of the jet should help. Does it run better on electric? If so then it is a gas delivery problem.
   Good luck in finding a new one to fit the same opening. My 1999 TK 'frige still runs well.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #6 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Ted. Before you spend too much on a new refrigerator, Larry has posted some items in the past that might help the refrigerator regain its cooling efficiency.    From Larry:
    Blow the flue and fins clean with compressed air.
    You can remove  the inner baffle, from the chimney for cleaning but it is difficult to get to, requiring removing the roof vent
    cover and the screen under the cover.
    The baffle is then reached using a 3' heavy wire, with a 90 degree bend in the end, to hook the baffle
    Disassemble the burner assembly and clean it, including removing the jet and soaking it in solvent.
    Do not use any hard objects to clean the jet or force anything through it. I use an old toothbrush and compressed air.
    Check and set the propane pressure to 11-in/H2O, with the refrigerator and one other propane appliance on and burning.
   Low or restricted propane pressure produces too little heat to properly drive the system.

I think the most likely problem you might have, is just a dirty jet. It will restrict the maximum gas flow, and only show up as a problem at the extreme outside temperature situation. All other times it will seem to work fine. Unless you have a coolant leak ( that ammonia smell, or yellow powder ) or have run the refrigerator off level ( plugged up capillary tubes ) That cleaning of the jet should help. Does it run better on electric? If so then it is a gas delivery problem.
   Good luck in finding a new one to fit the same opening. My 1999 TK 'frige still runs well.  RonB
Good ideas. Our next camp will have electricity. I'll test then.
Not sure how to treat the propane pressure.
Thanks!!
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #7 –
"Not sure how to treat the propane pressure."
----
Just a suggestion: if you're "not sure" about anything to do with propane, do leave the job to a tech who's knowledgeable and experienced with LPG.

YMMV, as always.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"Is there a replacement set of absortion coils available."
It's probably possible to replace only the cooling unit but I'd have to ask myself, 'Is it worth it?'  ::)

It's hard to imagine that there's NO replacement that will fit. Do you throw the baby out with the bath water?
IMO, it's not worth rebuilding such an old refrigerator
The plastic parts in a 23 year old refrigerator has been aged well and are going to be brittle.
Besides a lot of brittle parts, the control board, gas solenoid, burner and eyebrow are old too.
If you plan on keeping the rig for a few more years, I would buy a new refrigerator.

In 2002, two months before selling our 1983 LD, the refrigerator died and needed replacement, .
There was no direct replacement but, with a little wood work, the difference was taken care of and
allowed the installation of an available Dometic...which I hope the new owners enjoyed.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #9 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
Our 23 year old Dometic appears to be dying. I feared this might happen on this road trip.
I have set both the main control and the aftermarket Dinosaur Micro P-711 circuit board to 5 (max setting) plus I have an internal circulation fan yet when the ambient temps get near upper 70 to 80 degrees the refrigerator goes up into the mid 40's and even the low 50's.

I'll be in the Denver region soon including Loveland with a stop in Colorado Springs.
Anyone know of a reputable service center that can run some diagnostics on a this Dometic in this part of the country?
Ted, assuming you will be coming down I-25, Google RV repair in Loveland, Ft. Collins and Longmont and see who has the best reviews/ratings. I've never used any of them, and the only one I've used in the Denver area is a mobile repair guy and a satellite Camping World shop which is out of your way. Lazydaze (huge seller of RVs) has a large complex along this stretch.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
 
Re: Refrigerator losing its cooling capability
Reply #10 –
It's not cooling any better under AC power.
We're heading home at the end of this month.
Might be living out of the ice chest soon.

 :o
2021 Mid Bath