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Old 02-05-2019, 05:39 PM   #1
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Dual LP/electric refrigerator smell

My Norcold dual fuel refrigerator has an odd odor. The odor fills the unit every few days. First thoughts are either a propane or ammonia leak but the odor doesn't fit either of these distinct scents. It appears when the unit is running on both LP and electric. When I had the LP shut off for a few days during furnace repairs, the odor was not present. Thoughts?
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Old 02-05-2019, 08:59 PM   #2
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Open the frig outside vent doors and inspect closely for any yellow stains or residue.
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Old 02-05-2019, 09:01 PM   #3
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Here's what other members have said about these symptoms in the past:
https://www.google.com/search?q=ammo...earch=irv2.com

BTW...how old is your fridge and what model do you have?
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Old 02-05-2019, 09:03 PM   #4
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I'm not certain that it's ammonia as it smells more metallic.
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Old 02-05-2019, 09:48 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by ricktig View Post
I'm not certain that it's ammonia as it smells more metallic.
Kinda like hot metal?? Have you inspected the cooling unit yet?
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Old 02-05-2019, 11:41 PM   #6
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We had a smell on occasion, especially when driving so the fridge was on lpg. Got so bad I pulled over and found some insulation had fallen into the burner assembly. Pulled the smoldering insulation out with needle nose plyers and checked whole back area for any remaining problems. I believe the good Lord was with us that day. It was a norcold 1200 fridge in a 2003 discovery dp. (The insulation had metal foil backing, hence the metallic odor in our case. Good luck and don’t give up until you find the cause.
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Old 02-06-2019, 05:37 AM   #7
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This is a 2016 coach. It's had this issue since I bought it in July 2018. It only had this smell every couple weeks. Now it's nearly every day.
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Old 02-06-2019, 05:50 AM   #8
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My hot water tank has bad smell was dirt dobbers nest in fire tunnell
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Old 02-06-2019, 08:42 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ricktig View Post
This is a 2016 coach. It's had this issue since I bought it in July 2018. It only had this smell every couple weeks. Now it's nearly every day.



SO........
Does fridge cool/function regardless of smell?



YES...then it isn't an ammonia leak cause that would cause cooling unit to overheat and TRIP


Have you inspected the burner/boiler section....is the insulation intact ?
Have you inspected the side wall insulation near boiler/flue stack...is insulation intact?
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Old 02-06-2019, 08:52 AM   #10
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The unit has been working fine for four months on both AC and LP.
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Old 02-06-2019, 09:43 AM   #11
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Norcold model 1211IMT
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Old 02-24-2019, 07:38 PM   #12
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The unit only has the odor when the temperature is around or above 38° F. I've been running it at 32° F for a few days and the odor has disappeared.
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Old 03-30-2019, 08:54 PM   #13
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The unit only has the odor when the temperature is around or above 38° F. I've been running it at 32° F for a few days and the odor has disappeared.
I finally had the unit looked at and the culprit was a water leak from the ice maker line which was dripping water into the insulation under the unit. The odor has dispated after a few days of drying. The leak was not apparent as it looked like water from excessive rainfall had pooled. A second look indicated some calcium build up at the connection. It would appear that any water in the refrigerator cabinet indicates a problem.
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