repairing fridge

tom41 · 07-06-2009, 04:10 PM

A friend owns a 1996 36ft travel supreme fifth wheel. his fridge has an ammonia smell and he has ordered a rebuilt cooling unit (not the fridge). It has been several yrs since I replaced the cooling unit on one of my rv. So I am needing to know if anyone has done this and could refresh me on the procedure. I believe there are about 6-8 screws on the outside frame that holds the fridge in. The one I did I laid it on the floor of the rv withbackside upward. I remember there was a foam that I had to remove from the old cooling unit. I cant remember how the cooling unit was held onto the box. Seems there was bolts that went thru the freezer unit. Can anyone shed any light on this for me? thanks

**RV Wizard** · 07-07-2009, 03:51 AM

Tom, you are correct in that there are screws that hold the refrigerator into the cabinet front and rear. Be sure to turn off the LP gas, 12 volt battery power and unplug the 120 vac power cord. Make notes as you go of what wire attachés to where (pictures if necessary). Inside the freezer and fresh food fins area are screws that bond the wall of the freezer and fins to the evaporator for good heat transfer. These will have to be removed. The burner, fans if the unit has them and possibly the flue baffle may have to be removed and transfered to the new unit. You will then have to cut and remove the entire cooling unit and back wall of the refrigerator. When reassembly be mindful to get a good seal on the cooling unit and a good bond to the evaporator.
If you will give us the make and model we can probably give you a link to the specific instructions.
Be sure to perform an LP gas leak check before firing the unt up on gas.

tom41 · 07-07-2009, 12:59 PM

Thank you RV Wizard! the fridge is a norcold 682IM
I would love to have a link to the specific instructions. we would be indebted to you for it has been several yrs since I have done this. thank you for any help
Tom

**RV Wizard** · 07-08-2009, 04:13 AM

Tom, I will try to remember to bring home the info but I will need to email you a pdf file. Click on my user name and you can send me a private message with an email address. Thanks.