Dometic Refrigrator not cold enough on propane

[TomTexas2]

This is on a 2002 Dometic RM2353, 3-way



Cools to 20 degrees on electricity, but only to 60 on propane; so I know the issue is not enough heat from propane.


I have 11.31 WC pressure of propane at burner with two range top burners on high. So pressure is not the problem.


Removed, and soaked for a few hours in alcohol both the burner orifice, and burner tube. Then blew compressed air, in direction gas moves, through them both. I can see light through orifice, kind of a pink tint to the light I see.


Nice blue flame, but I don't hear it. This seems like a good clue.


Tapped on boiler housing, and junk dropped out on burner tube before cleaning.




What next?


1. Order new burner orifice and burner tube. Cost $125 shipped.
2. Pull refrigerator and clean burner flue and replace burner baffle (spiral medal part in the flue).



@Old-Biscuit would love to hear your thoughts.


Tom

[TomTexas2]

photos

[rarebear.nm]

I'd start by checking baffle and maybe replacing the orifice and burner tube. Assuming you did a good job in soaking/cleaning them. Flame looks good. While cleaning might as well clean the thermocouple as well.

[Old-Biscuit]

You have a nice clean blue flame........all good

BUT you have a rusted up spiral baffle (possible missing some of the spiral)

And flue is probably rusted up

Need to remove spiral baffle (in intact wire brush it) and clean out flue tube with 12ga shotgun bristle

[TomTexas2]

Thanks. I will post a follow-up when I have it done.

[TomTexas2]

I had to wait for parts to arrive. I ended up ordering from www.everythingcaravans.com.au since this refrigerator was 21 years old, it was hard to find parts closer.



I first cleaned the flue tube and replaced spiral baffle. Stuff dropped out on the burner again, I should have removed it before the flue tube cleaning.



Then I re-cleaned the burner. But, the flame would not stay lite even if I continued to hold the button. So, I replaced the orifice and burner. (another wait for parts).



However, after all that WOW, my refrigerator is really cold on propane now.

[Old-Biscuit]

Clean parts and heat generated can be transferred

Glad you have a COLD fridge again!!

[theoldwizard]

If you want cold, get a DC compressor refrigerator or a 120VAC residential one. Yes that means batteries and an inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch.