Community Forums

dwhit · 07-04-2014, 05:53 AM

Just a thought...

I was able to easily install fans and thermostat on my fridge working from the roof. Yes, I murdered the stack with the screen getting it off but Amazon brought me a new one that was inexpensive. I reused the top cover. Then some RTV work.

After that I installed interior compartment fin fans.

Fridge now works much better than expected. Be careful not to install noisy fans.

HD4Mark · 07-04-2014, 06:46 AM

A couple of thoughts. First and foremost is to check the serial number on the fridge and look here to see if it has been recalled Norcold Recall If it is in the recall Norcold will pay to have a safety device installed. The tech may be able to spot problems while doing the install. What they share with you or repair and how much depends on who you get and if you are able to be there. Fires have been associated to the units in the recall so be sure to check this.

The fans. They only run when the thermostat that is attached at the top of the coils in the back call for them so unless it is warm in there, you won't be able to tell if they work. If you need to replace them don't pay $50 each for OEM. They are PC pancake fans. I bought 4 that work just fine for $17 on Amazon. Two went on the fridge and two at the top of the vent. The ones on the fridge are living happily in my garage until I can find a buyer for it as I too have installed a residential.

krivanj · 07-04-2014, 07:20 AM

Hey dwit,
Thanks for the addition. Question: did you hook the fans that you put at the top up to the existing thermocouple, or did you put in a new one! Or what did you do?
Thanks

dwhit · 07-05-2014, 07:28 AM

DR4FILM inspired my modification because it's so sanitary an install.
With a new stack and screen I mounted two 120mm long-lasting medium-speed 95cfm ball-bearing brushless computer fans (ebay) inside this stack and wired the 12vdc thru a 100 degree snap-disc thermostat (ebay) easily attached to the upper coils working from the top. The 12 volt/low current you can get from the fridge input connections at the lower end. Fishing the wire was easy doing it from the top. Use heavier wire as for the insulation thickness from the heat of the coils. There was NO fan originally.
System runs like a residential unit now...makes ice all day long and interior temps at 33 with setting on 4 (1-9 range). Fans should be installed by MH mfg so that these refers can breathe so much more efficiently. I have to imagine if there would be so many complaints about absorption refers if they were all ventilated by fans.
If you were to do some exploring in the archives under refrigerator fans you'll find photos of DR4FILM's modifications as well as my copy of his efforts.

RonNBama · 07-06-2014, 01:40 PM

Pulled the vent cover again to check for fan operation. No sounds at all and minimal or no warm draft either. I notice that the wiring for a solar panel is already installed in the side of the vent stack (at least that's where my Dynasty's solar panel connected into the coach wiring). Hmmmm, wonder if this may be an easy 12V source?

Heading to Amazon and FleaBay now to look for fans.....wish me luck. Getting warmer in TX by the hour!

RonNBama · 07-07-2014, 10:58 AM

Minor update: left vent cover off top of stack. Inside temp of fridge was 3-5 degrees colder that "normal" this morning and ice maker had caught up with our usage. You guys pegged the problem with your air-flow suggestion. Still have to get fans installed but for now at least my "Worry Meter" has dropped down out of the red-zone.

Plan to shim up rear of cover upon re-installation using longer screws and spacers to raise it a bit. Hopefully I'll create a venturi-draft (or something equally aerodynamic) and keep my beverages chilled while driving.

Thanks for the help....

DAJO · 08-08-2014, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonNBama

Minor update: left vent cover off top of stack. Inside temp of fridge was 3-5 degrees colder that "normal" this morning and ice maker had caught up with our usage. You guys pegged the problem with your air-flow suggestion. Still have to get fans installed but for now at least my "Worry Meter" has dropped down out of the red-zone.

Plan to shim up rear of cover upon re-installation using longer screws and spacers to raise it a bit. Hopefully I'll create a venturi-draft (or something equally aerodynamic) and keep my beverages chilled while driving.

Thanks for the help....

Did all that and much more still does not work.

Good Luck

MandG-Fun · 08-14-2014, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAJO

Did all that and much more still does not work.

Good Luck

Dave,

I finally found the fix, fridge now runs at a consistent 34-36 degrees and freezer is -5 to +5 whether I am traveling or stationary. I resisted for 2 years while I invested time and money but now the proud owner of a Whirlpool. Icy cold beer and hard ice cream

.

WesinRockies · 08-14-2014, 05:33 AM

Looks good! Waiting for my Samsung to come in. My Norcold works fine I just want more room and wife doesn't trust Norcold.

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

DAJO · 08-14-2014, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MandG-Fun

Dave,

I finally found the fix, fridge now runs at a consistent 34-36 degrees and freezer is -5 to +5 whether I am traveling or stationary. I resisted for 2 years while I invested time and money but now the proud owner of a Whirlpool. Icy cold beer and hard ice cream

.

I agree 100% but don't have the time to do cabinet mods and spend major dollars to do this.
We are going back to Amish next Monday. They are at least concerned about this not working for us. Another Kountry Star exact same model here in Indiana had theirs replaced by the Amish and it works good, just not ours. Either the install is leaking in warm air or the cooling unit is not doing the job. I have the ARP unit on the fridge so I can see the boiler temps. The ARP unit is a big help in diagnostics when you have the actual numbers available.

336muffin · 08-14-2014, 05:18 PM

Glenn, looks great! I have to ask you for the deminsions now. Height , width , depth please.

MandG-Fun · 08-14-2014, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 336muffin

Glenn, looks great! I have to ask you for the deminsions now. Height , width , depth please.

In the interest of not hijacking this thread any more than I already have... perhaps its better to direct you over to a thread I started that documents my install. I didn't post the dimensions required to fit the fridge but I'll post again over there with that info. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/out-w...11-215583.html