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Old 08-29-2012, 08:33 PM   #1
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Told Norcold 1200 inslulation is "saturated" and unit must be replaced.

I notched problems with my refrigerator not holding temperature last summer. Having gone through two recalls,and doing lots of research, I decided that the optimum solution to my problem was to have the cooling unit replaced with the Amish cooling unit. This spring I bought it and had it drop shipped to a service/ dealer for installation. This spring we used it a few times and were very impressed with how well it cooled. Now this summer, I notched the temperature inside was very inconsistent. One day in the mid 30s. The next day it would be in the 50s. Makes no sense ? After email and advise I took it to an "authorized" repair guy. The thought process was that the first installer had not followed the instructions and used tape rather than the foam insulation recommended. So, yep, it had not been properly installed. The guy replaced the tape, and it cools great for a day or two, then it gets warm inside. Three different techs told my guy the unit must have a saturation of the insulation of the box. And it is sealed and can not be repaired. I must buy a new box. It was explained that it is like the insulation bonded inside a ice chest has gone bad.

So, here I am, down a bunch of money, and don 't know which way to go. I have never heard of insulation going bad..... I don't think changing to a conventional unit would fit. The furnace is located under the refrigerator, so room is an issue. And the DW is worried abut me messing things up. I really don't want to buy a new a Norcold. Right now, just broke and frustrated. Your comments, suggestions, and thoughts would be appreciated.
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Old 08-29-2012, 09:49 PM   #2
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So just doing a little digging, I understand that the Amish unit has a 5-year warranty.

I think what the techs are saying is that the insulation in the box is saturated with water due to some sort of leak. As it's "sealed" it won't dry out and the water in the insulation makes the insulation worthless.

Saturation seems to be the answer for Norcold techs who are out of answers.. But literally there has to be a source of that moisture to get inside the box and impact the insulation. If your Amish install was bad, that might impact it. If the unit failed and started leaking internally - that would be unusual and would do it.

Confirming "saturation" will mean pulling the unit and opening it up to see the insulation. This will destroy the unit, so someone better be willing to back up their assessment of what went wrong. I think I'd be looking for a non-associated tech (with the other bunch) whose job it is to diagnose and confirm the cause of the issue... And write it down so you've got something to pursue.

Note, I'm not a Norcold tech, but it would make sense to me that there is a less invasive option. On boats, one way to confirm tthat a transom is or is not rotted is to drill into it and have a look at what comes out. Perhaps the unit could be pulled, a hole cut into the insulation and then if dry - patched back up, passing that cost on to a tech that told you "saturated".

Sometimes you have bad luck and things break, but I don't like paying for bad advice... I don't know if your advice is good or bad, but I'd probably follow this situation up.

I'd think if insulation had failed that you'd have a warm unit.. Not one that got cold then warm...

Again: I'm no norcold tech!
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Old 08-30-2012, 05:54 AM   #3
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When recently replacing our 1200 cooling unit to the Amish, there were notices on both sides and rear of the "box" - something to the effect that the box insulation was sealed and not to disturb it. Using an additional 50' of the super duper metallic tape, we taped every thing in sight! Also as to the insulating foam, the directions say to lay a "thumb sized" bead".... In one of my tech conversations I was advised that "wrist sized" would do a better job - hope it all continues to work as well as it does now.
Sounds to me like it was a poor installation of the cooling unit...
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Old 08-30-2012, 03:34 PM   #4
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Not sure who your dealing with?
How did they determined that the insulation was saturated in box walls?
If your not dealing with the RV Warehouse people I would give them a call and explain your situation.
If you look at the video's to left of link do not see how the box insulation would be effected during insulation of cooling unit.
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Old 08-30-2012, 03:41 PM   #5
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just a thought - would one of those endoscopic TV's go through a small hole and show you the issue - you could seal the hole after ?. You can get these for about $90 at Harbor Freight.

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