Icemaker Fix

[JDT]

I know there is another thread running about icemakers but my problem is different. In the 4 years we have owned our Ambassador we have used the icemaker only a few times because of leaks in the solenoid where the the brass fitting with the 1/4" inlet tube screws on to the solenoid. On ours that brass connector is rather short and when I tightened it it messed up the plastic threads on the solenoid, which are rather soft.

Went looking for a new solenoid but couldn't find one. Started looking for a fix and found a plastic, in line, garden hose shut off valve. The longer threads of the female end of the valve reached the good threads on the solenoid for a solid fit and the harder plastic of the male end of the valve worked well with the brass fitting on the supply tube. Now I have a good tight fit with no leaks and the bonus of a way to shut it off without having to get under the refrigerator.

This is probably not a commom problem but thought I would post it just in case. Someone may even have a better solution.

Jim

[CyberVet65]

SCS / Frigette - Climate Control Products for a World in Motion
I purchased an origanal valve from these folks.

[wa8yxm]

Camping World is the authorized distributor of that very standard solenoid, Or you can go to most any appliance parts store (Serve-All) and get most any Refrigerator Solenoid. There are two differences in the solenoids brand to brand..

One: Shape. some of them have different shaped mounting brackets, You simply need to either bend a piece of metal, or drill a new screw hole, to use one like this, in place of the original

2: The "inlet" Some have 3/4 inch garden hose fittings, designed to take a screen washer.. These will often come with a brass adapter to 1/4 inch copper pipe thread, The others, like your original, come with quarter inch copper pipe fitting, but in plastic..

So, if you need the adapter.. Any decent hardware or plumbing shop, or the appliance parts store. will have it.

So, you can get a new one anywhere.. Now here is the bad news.

IN 2006 when I froze and busted my solenoid $12.00

This year when I priced another new one.. $120.00

I'm looking for a 'fridge that's shot and has one.. since as I said, they are all basically the same and only the mounting is different.