Refridge popping while running

[JWatkins]

I have had the coach into the shop (Norcold 1200 not working on LP) and they finally seem to have it working on LP again.
It does run, but if you listen to the flame, it pops a lot. Anyone have ideas on what that might be?
Thanks,
Joe

[TXiceman]

Is the flame actually popping or do you hear the electronic ignition working?

Can you remove the flame baffle or inspection port and see the flame? You might have better luck seeing this if you wait until dusk.

Ken

[RV Wizard]

The first thing I would check is the working pressure of the LP gas system. It is critical for the pressure to be 10.5 - 11 " WC. How long have you ran the unit? If after 30 minutes you should not have any air in the lines that could also cause this.
If you see the flame lifting off the burner; the lp pressure is too high and you would need to replace the regulator if adjusting does not get it down to 11" WC. Good luck and keep us posted.

[JWatkins]

I ran the thing on gas for 3 days and it is now popping like a machine gun. The word "guttering" comes to mind. I am going to pull the shield and visually see what is happening and will report back.
Joe

[RV Wizard]

The assmy needs cleaning. You probably have a flake of rust coving part of the burner.

[JWatkins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Wizard The assmy needs cleaning. You probably have a flake of rust coving part of the burner.

By assmy are you referring to the burner itself?
Joe

[RV Wizard]

Yes

[JWatkins]

I looked at my falme. It looks pretty good. The burner didn't show any stuff clogging it. I watched it pop a few times and couldn't see any reasons. I shut the gas valve off and it popped as it ran out of gas, but as soon as I started it back up, the flame relit and ran fine until it would pop again. The popping sound is the same as when it runs out after I turn off the flame. I see the flames jump a little when it is popping. Here is a pic of my flame:
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...2/IMG_0210.jpg

I am gong to try to detach the burner and check it internally for junk. If anyone has any more ideas, I am ready to listen

Joe

[RV Wizard]

Joe, you need to disassemble the burner Assembly and clean it entirely. This is an annual maintenance procedure; especially if you use LP gas mode much. If you remove the gas line, you can remove the burner; Phillips screw in rear top corner.
Pull out the burner, turn it over in your hand and what do you find? Rust. Tap fairly hard on the chimney over where the burner was installed. You will see flakes and dust of rust falling out. Now, using compressed air, blow out the area and chimney very well. This is only a partial cleaning but it should get you by until you can get it to a shop that will pull the ref., the chimney cap and baffle, clean chimney with wire brush and other more extreme maintenance procedures that may be needed.

[JWatkins]

RV Wizard, I did what you suggested and there wasn't any rust at all. I went ahead and wire brushed the burner and ran alcohol and air through the orifice. I have it back together and it has popped a few times. I noticed that the gas valve "handle" was quite loose feeling. I could move it up and down as well as turn it in the directions it is supposed to go. Is that normal? Is it possible that it is sucking air there?
Joe

[RV Wizard]

It is very possible it is pulling in air. Tighten it up (do not over tighten) and the popping should stop if air was being pulled in.

[JWatkins]

Thanks, RV Wizard. I will let you know.
Joe

[JWatkins]

I pulled the solenoid valve out and see that the solenoid portion and the valve that turns are simply sealed by a rubber seal and what looks to be silicone grease. I will try to find some and re-grease and re-install to see if that stops the popping.
Joe

[RV Wizard]

Be sure to clean the tube and orfice with alcohol and compressed air. I would not have recommended taking the valve apart. When you get it reinstalled be very sure you have not leaks. Do a leak test before attempting to start it back up on gas mode. Have a fire extinguisher handy to be safe.