Hello cubman,
The working fluid for these refrigerators is Ammonia, water, and either Sodium Chromate or Bromine. The Sodium Chromate or Bromine is there to counteract the erosive properties of the strong Ammonia solution. Problem is that if the refrigerator is run (read: electric heater or propane heater applied) for ˜any' length of time with the unit out of level, the liquid collects in the coil loops and the level of the liquid in the burner decreases uncovering the burner or electric element just a little or a lot depending on how un-level it is. When that happens, the Sodium Chromate or Bromine is boiled to a gas which condenses as solid crystals in the coils causing a blockage which can not be removed. At that point, the refrigerator checks out okay but won't cool.
The only solution is to have a replacement evaporator unit installed. We stopped for less than 15 minutes out of level to run in to buy German sausages and that was enough to kill the refrigerator. We used ice for 3 months until we made a trip back east and stopped in Plumerville Ar. off I40 to have it repaired. Cost $600.00 but the alternative would have been to replace it with a new Norcold unit for $1,800.00 plus labor. They did all the work, removed the refrigerator, pulled out the old evaporator, installed the remanufactured evaporator, and re-installed the refrigerator. Took about 5 hours as I recall. Good old boys!
I now turn the refrigerator off if parked out of level for any time period. Then turn it back on as soon as we are moving again.
Good luck.
Postal address (* hard to find, ask for directions)
World Class RV Refrigeration, Inc.
Plumerville, AR. 72127
Telephone
(866)977-0877 Toll Free
(501)977-0877 In Arkansas
FAX
(501)977-0833
Electronic mail
General Information:
[email protected]
Sales:
[email protected]
Customer Support:
[email protected]
Webmaster:
[email protected]
Wholesale Accounts:
[email protected]
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