Rust Issue Dometic DMC4101 12volt refrigerator

[travelkids]

Has anyone else have or had a rust issue on their Dometic DMC4101 Fridge?
Noticed rust when I opened the freezer door along the bottom right of the fridge frame. I sanded down the rust, treated it with "Rust-Oleum Rust Dissolver" and so far 1 finishing coat of paint.
Looks like the freezer door gasket is not sealing.
Anyone else with this issue and if so, how did you correct it?

 

[Eagle5]

Hi Bob,
If you cut a 1" wide strip of paper and closed the door upon it, will the paper stay in-place or drop-out? I would use this method to assure that the seal is (or is not) contacting the frame.
Nice job getting it re-painted.
Eagle5

 

[travelkids]

Good morning Eagle5,
I sent a message to Dometic's customer service and they recommended the following:
Refrigerator Door Gasket RejuvenationProcess
1. Pull gasket away from frame of the door
2. Put cotton balls or polycord in the valley behind the gasket
3. Use hair dryer to heat up gasket and make pliable. Use your hand as a guide to ensure you do not melt the gasket.
4. Once pliable, close the door and leave for 3 to 4 hours
5. This will pull the magnet back up snug to the door and create a seal as good as if not better than the original seal when the refrigerator was manufactured.
I asked what size polycord and they did not have a recommendation as to polycord diameter. I'll most likely use the cotton ball method. Dometic does have replacement gaskets in stock should it be necessary to replace the gasket.

 

[Eagle5]

Hi Bob,
That sounds like a good technique, and I will keep it in mind should I too ever need it.
Thanks, Eagle5

 

[travelkids]

I did a bit of searching on the internet and decided to try some Rust Oleum rust dissolver. As strange as it may seem, I read the directions and even stranger, I actually followed them.
Sanded the rust off, two applications of rust dissolver, and two coats of paint.
Went out to the camper this afternoon and did the paper test Eagle5 recommended with a dollar bill.
Nice tight seal!
We're heading to Flower Mound, Texas next week and then on to Jasper, Texas.
Hoping this takes care of my issue. If not, I'll try the recommendation from Dometic.

 

[Eagle5]

Hi Bob,
Sounds like a great repair!
Have fun on your trip and safe journeys.
Eagle5