Community Forums

wvgorby · 06-05-2017, 03:48 PM

My norcold 1210 cools properly in ac and propane. However the flame is always on in propane mode no matter the temperature setting. Any suggestions on the problem?

Fred and Bonnie · 06-05-2017, 04:33 PM

What temp set number are you using? What is the interior refrigerator temperature? It's possible the unit is not achieving the set temperature.

Fred

wvgorby · 06-05-2017, 05:16 PM

Using 7 and 8 34 to 38 degrees with both propane and electric. It did shut down one time when I set it to 1 on propane but will not on now. Electric works ok.

wvgorby · 06-05-2017, 06:08 PM

Only problem is the propane flame stays on all the time. Could the gas valve not be functioning correctly?

Steve Kiemele · 06-05-2017, 08:44 PM

Norcold 1200s have marginal cooling capacity. If the ambient temp is over 80, I doubt one will ever shut off their heat source, gas or electric. You might try cleaning your burner and check your gas pressure. Mine struggled more on gas until I replaced the LP regulator. You can replace the regulator yourself for less than paying a tech to check the pressure.

wvgorby · 06-05-2017, 08:52 PM

Temps were in the 40's to 70's. Electric cycles normally. Furnaces, hot water heater and stove function correctly. Problem just started after functioning correctly for the last year. Will check gas pressure however flame looks good. Stays on even on temp 1.

Steve Kiemele · 06-05-2017, 09:33 PM

All my other LP appliances seemed to work OK too, and the fridge burner flame looked good as well. I replaced the regulator because it developed a leak. The improved fridge performance was an unexpected and welcome consequence. I now carry a spare regulator - they are cheap from amazon.

wvgorby · 06-05-2017, 09:35 PM

Will look at the replacement of the regulator. Could be a simple fix. Nothing else makes sense.

wvgorby · 06-07-2017, 05:18 PM

Replaced the regulator and the same problem exists. No matter what temp setting flame continues to burn. It is either the board or the propane control valve not closing. Flame is better on all propane burners with the new regulator which is a good thing. Will look at replacing the valve. If the board is bad a residential unit is in the working.

Steve Kiemele · 06-07-2017, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvgorby

Replaced the regulator and the same problem exists. No matter what temp setting flame continues to burn. It is either the board or the propane control valve not closing. Flame is better on all propane burners with the new regulator which is a good thing. Will look at replacing the valve. If the board is bad a residential unit is in the working.

Unlikely that the gas valve is the problem. It is simply an on/off solenoid valve - open when the fridge is set to gas and calling for cooling; closed when fridge is off, or when fridge is set to AC. The fact that you have flame when set to gas and not when set to AC proves that it works.

You may have unrealistic expectations for how much the flame should be off on the Norcold 1200. Mine burns most of the time but really does not use much gas.

An equivalent residential unit will cost about $1,000. Then there is installation and possibly cabinet work - maybe another $1,000. The residential unit will not work without AC hookup for any length of time unless you add battery capacity (do you have room?) and/or solar (another couple of thousand $).

Try setting the fridge to level 7 and load it up with some jugs of water in the freezer compartments and refrigerator box (for thermal mass), and leave it alone (don't open the doors) for three days. Just before bed the third night, turn the temp setting to level 2. Check to see if the flame is burning first thing on the fourth morning - before you open a door. If the flame is off, your control board is doing it's thing.

A control board will cost about $250 if you really need one. Easy to install yourself.

wvgorby · 06-07-2017, 06:15 PM

Great info will try your solution. Have ample battery and solar but don't want the hassle of conversion.

Steve Kiemele · 06-07-2017, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvgorby

Replaced the regulator and the same problem exists. No matter what temp setting flame continues to burn. It is either the board or the propane control valve not closing. Flame is better on all propane burners with the new regulator which is a good thing. Will look at replacing the valve. If the board is bad a residential unit is in the working.

One other thought - you may have a disconnected or defective thermistor. This little thing clips onto a specific cooling fin in the refrigerator compartment and senses temperature.

Download the service manual at:

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/ncold1200.pdf

Read pages 17 and 29.

Steve Kiemele · 06-07-2017, 06:43 PM

Correction

Download the 1210 manual at:

http://rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/wp-c...d-Service-1210

And read page 19.

Unplanned Tourist · 06-07-2017, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvgorby

My norcold 1210 cools properly in ac and propane. However the flame is always on in propane mode no matter the temperature setting. Any suggestions on the problem?

We have a 4 door Norcold as well and it seems to be running all the time on propane. We had a 2 door in the old Airstream and it was always switching on and off when on propane, but they both seem to keep cold.
I have a outdoor sensor in the fridge that I can monitor the temp inside without opening the door. It manages to keep the temp around 5 to 7C (41-45F) unless we leave the door open too much!

I don't do the cooking, so I guess that's acceptable.

That's in temps around the mid 80's to mid 90'sF without running the AC. (Yes it gets hot up here, but it's a dry heat.

)
As far as keeping lots of mass in the fridge to help maintain a temp, I try not to let it drop below a two-four.