Dometic refir not cooling well

[Scott Forman]

Where could I find such a fan?

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "sfedeli3" <sfedeli3@...>
wrote:
>
> Scott,
>
> I added 2 12V fans to the back compartment which blow across the
> evaporator coils. They dropped my temp in the 'fridge from 45-50 to
> around 25 degrees when the setting is on "5". It was a cheap fix and
> has worked great for the past few months. Bob Robinson and John Finn
> had similar setups and were kind enough to share the idea with me at
> OshKosh.
>
> Shane Fedeli
> 85PT40
> Hershey, PA
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman"
> <sforman@> wrote:
> >
> > My Dometic refir is no cooling well, will only get down to about
48-50
> > degrees. The freezer works fine. Seems to make no difference on
gas
> > vs electric. Ideas?
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 86 PT38
> > Memphis
> >
>

[Scott Forman]

Where is the refir fan if I have one?

Scott

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt"
wrote:
>
> Scott,
> You don't mention what setting it's on so I will assume 5. Do you
have a refrigerator fan and is it working? I replaced my fan and that
dropped my temps about 8 degrees when it comes on. There is a 110
degree thermostat in line to the fan. You can heat it with a long
butane charcoal lighter to get it on. Look up just inside the swing
up door to the back of the refrig.
> Have you had it cleaned and serviced. Check the exhaust on the roof
for blockage. Mine cools best when I run it on gas. I start off on
three and move up one at a time. On #4 I run 0 in freezer and 35 in
refrig. At least I did yesterday.
> When I first got my coach the frig. would not cool a cousin told me
to run it on gas for four or five days and after four days it started
cooling it's been working since.
> Check the cooling coils to be sure they are not blocked.
> Howard T.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Scott Forman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2007 11:48 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Dometic refir not cooling well
>
>
> My Dometic refir is no cooling well, will only get down to about
48-50
> degrees. The freezer works fine. Seems to make no difference on
gas
> vs electric. Ideas?
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.12.10/977 - Release Date:
8/28/2007 4:29 PM
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Gregory OConnor]

Bob, thanks for the Dometic trouble shooting guide. It even has a
repair for #15 Refrig light On when door is closed.

Scott has the same problem I did with the fridge functioning perfect
and the refer not keeping food cold. As Per CurtS, I installed 12
volt computer fan to blow over the coils which helped. the big
result came when I shrouded the fan to draw in new air and push out
the hot air. With my refer on a angle I had enough room to direct the
incomming air over the coil and not at the amonia heater. I must now
turn the refer dial down.

I could never understand why the fride would work so good and the
refer had issues. I can only guess that maintaing frozen food in the
small space is less effort then constant recooling room temp
introduced foods to the refer.

GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "freewill2008"
wrote:
>
> OK - I found the right document and re-posted. The file is
> named "Dometic Diagnostics".
>
> Best of luck with your unit.
>
> Bob Griesel
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "freewill2008"
> wrote:
> >
> > I had to pull the file - it was not the one I thought. I'll keep
> > looking - it may be on my computer at work. If so, I will post
it
> > Monday.
> >
> > Bob Griesel
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "freewill2008"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I just posted the Dometic trouble shooting .pdf that Dometic
sent
> > > when we were having trouble with ours. It is in the Files area
> and
> > > named "Dometic.pdf".
> > >
> > > This guide covers the operation and problem symptoms for most
> > Dometic
> > > refers. I does not reference every model, but once you
identify
> > > which section applies to the model family yours came from, you
> > should
> > > be able to quickly zero in on the things that can go wrong.
> Worked
> > > for us.
> > >
> > > If your symptoms lead to a bad circuit board, I recommend the
> > > Dinasaur replacement.
> > >
> > > Bob Griesel Dometic 3663
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman"
> <sforman@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > My fins have no frost/ice, in fact they have liquid
> condensation
> > on
> > > > them when the unit is running
> > > >
> > > > Scott
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Curt Sprenger"
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Scott,
> > > > >
> > > > > The problem could be icing on the cooling fins located at
the
> > > > inside top of
> > > > > the refirgerator compartment. I've experienced this when I
> > leave
> > > > the unit on
> > > > > for months at a time. A defrost resolved the problem.
> > > > >
> > > > > On 9/2/07, trekkersmith1 wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Scott,
> > > > > > Check to make sure nothing inside the refrigerator is
> keeping
> > > the
> > > > door
> > > > > > from closing completely. Ensure the door is closed. I
have
> > > > sometimes
> > > > > > found that my door is running into something that keeps
it
> > from
> > > > sealing
> > > > > > completely, like a bottle or can or shelf that isn't
fully
> > > clear.
> > > > > > Gary
> > > > > > SOB
> > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > 40yahoogroups.com>,
> > > > > > "Scott Forman" <sforman@>
> > > > > > wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > My Dometic refir is no cooling well, will only get down
> to
> > > > about 48-
> > > > > > 50
> > > > > > > degrees. The freezer works fine. Seems to make no
> > difference
> > > on
> > > > gas
> > > > > > > vs electric. Ideas?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Scott Forman
> > > > > > > 86 PT38
> > > > > > > Memphis
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > Curt Sprenger
> > > > > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> > > > > Anaheim Hills, CA
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Ryan Wright]

Hey Scott,

FYI, I have the exact same problem with my Dometic. Fridge cools to
45-50 degrees max and I have liquid condensation on the fins in the
fridge compartment. I'm going to follow this thread closely. Post here
if you solve the problem, and I'll do the same.

-Ryan

On 9/2/07, Scott Forman <sforman@...> wrote:
>
> My fins have no frost/ice, in fact they have liquid condensation on
> them when the unit is running
>
> Scott

[Howard O. Truitt]

Scott,
BB carries a heavy duty 12v single speed. Most any auto, heavy truck, marine or
rv parts house should have one.
Howard

----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Forman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2007 5:48 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Dometic refir not cooling well


Where could I find such a fan?

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "sfedeli3" <sfedeli3@...>
wrote:
>
> Scott,
>
> I added 2 12V fans to the back compartment which blow across the
> evaporator coils. They dropped my temp in the 'fridge from 45-50 to
> around 25 degrees when the setting is on "5". It was a cheap fix and
> has worked great for the past few months. Bob Robinson and John Finn
> had similar setups and were kind enough to share the idea with me at
> OshKosh.
>
> Shane Fedeli
> 85PT40
> Hershey, PA
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman"
> <sforman@> wrote:
> >
> > My Dometic refir is no cooling well, will only get down to about
48-50
> > degrees. The freezer works fine. Seems to make no difference on
gas
> > vs electric. Ideas?
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 86 PT38
> > Memphis
> >
>






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.12.10/977 - Release Date: 8/28/2007
4:29 PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Howard O. Truitt]

Scott,
It should be behind the outside vent to the back of your frig.
Howard

----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Forman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2007 6:31 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Dometic refir not cooling well


Where is the refir fan if I have one?

Scott

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt"
wrote:
>
> Scott,
> You don't mention what setting it's on so I will assume 5. Do you
have a refrigerator fan and is it working? I replaced my fan and that
dropped my temps about 8 degrees when it comes on. There is a 110
degree thermostat in line to the fan. You can heat it with a long
butane charcoal lighter to get it on. Look up just inside the swing
up door to the back of the refrig.
> Have you had it cleaned and serviced. Check the exhaust on the roof
for blockage. Mine cools best when I run it on gas. I start off on
three and move up one at a time. On #4 I run 0 in freezer and 35 in
refrig. At least I did yesterday.
> When I first got my coach the frig. would not cool a cousin told me
to run it on gas for four or five days and after four days it started
cooling it's been working since.
> Check the cooling coils to be sure they are not blocked.
> Howard T.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Scott Forman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2007 11:48 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Dometic refir not cooling well
>
>
> My Dometic refir is no cooling well, will only get down to about
48-50
> degrees. The freezer works fine. Seems to make no difference on
gas
> vs electric. Ideas?
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------
----------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.12.10/977 - Release Date:
8/28/2007 4:29 PM
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.12.10/977 - Release Date: 8/28/2007
4:29 PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Scott Forman]

I found the thermostat, but looks like the fan has been removed.

Scott

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt"
wrote:
>
> Scott,
> It should be behind the outside vent to the back of your frig.
> Howard
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Scott Forman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2007 6:31 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Dometic refir not cooling well
>
>
> Where is the refir fan if I have one?
>
> Scott
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt"
> wrote:
> >
> > Scott,
> > You don't mention what setting it's on so I will assume 5. Do
you
> have a refrigerator fan and is it working? I replaced my fan and
that
> dropped my temps about 8 degrees when it comes on. There is a 110
> degree thermostat in line to the fan. You can heat it with a long
> butane charcoal lighter to get it on. Look up just inside the
swing
> up door to the back of the refrig.
> > Have you had it cleaned and serviced. Check the exhaust on the
roof
> for blockage. Mine cools best when I run it on gas. I start off
on
> three and move up one at a time. On #4 I run 0 in freezer and 35
in
> refrig. At least I did yesterday.
> > When I first got my coach the frig. would not cool a cousin
told me
> to run it on gas for four or five days and after four days it
started
> cooling it's been working since.
> > Check the cooling coils to be sure they are not blocked.
> > Howard T.
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Scott Forman
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2007 11:48 AM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Dometic refir not cooling well
> >
> >
> > My Dometic refir is no cooling well, will only get down to
about
> 48-50
> > degrees. The freezer works fine. Seems to make no difference on
> gas
> > vs electric. Ideas?
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 86 PT38
> > Memphis
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
> >
> >
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.12.10/977 - Release
Date:
> 8/28/2007 4:29 PM
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.12.10/977 - Release Date:
8/28/2007 4:29 PM
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[sfedeli3]

Scott,

You can usually locate them at Radio Shack or a local electronic
parts warehouse in your area. Here is a website that sells them-
[http://www.sofasco.com/products/dc_axial/d12038.html] They can be
easily fit into the compartment with zip-ties that secure them to the
coils or any other fixed surface. They draw almost no current and can
run continuously. Most of the 'birds came with a snap-disk thermostat
in the reefer compartment. I removed mine and wired the fans directly
to the "Refrigerator Fan" switch that is on my galley control panel
(right below the water pump switch)

Shane Fedeli
85PT40
Hershey, PA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>
wrote:
>
> Where could I find such a fan?
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "sfedeli3" <sfedeli3@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Scott,
> >
> > I added 2 12V fans to the back compartment which blow across the
> > evaporator coils. They dropped my temp in the 'fridge from 45-50 to
> > around 25 degrees when the setting is on "5". It was a cheap fix and
> > has worked great for the past few months. Bob Robinson and John Finn
> > had similar setups and were kind enough to share the idea with me at
> > OshKosh.
> >
> > Shane Fedeli
> > 85PT40
> > Hershey, PA
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman"
> > <sforman@> wrote:
> > >
> > > My Dometic refir is no cooling well, will only get down to about
> 48-50
> > > degrees. The freezer works fine. Seems to make no difference on
> gas
> > > vs electric. Ideas?
> > >
> > > Scott Forman
> > > 86 PT38
> > > Memphis
> > >
> >
>

[Curt Sprenger]

Scott,

A computer or electronics cooling fan works well. Get one about 4",
depending on the space between the frig. coil and the outer wall. You can
usually find them at a surplus electronics store for about $5.00.Or you can
send me your address and I'll mail you a fan. I used zip-ties to anchor it
behind the frig., and installed a cheap household heating/cooling thermostat
from H-Depot, and leave it set to about 85 degrees to turn on the fan. I'm
about to install a second fan that will be switched and will be used only on
the very hot days, like today when it gets to 104 degrees here in sunny CA.
More air flow is better. Keep in mind that the fan will run when the coach
is parked, unless you turn it off...a drain on the batteries.

On 9/3/07, sfedeli3 <sfedeli3@...> wrote:
>
> Scott,
>
> You can usually locate them at Radio Shack or a local electronic
> parts warehouse in your area. Here is a website that sells them-
> [http://www.sofasco.com/products/dc_axial/d12038.html] They can be
> easily fit into the compartment with zip-ties that secure them to the
> coils or any other fixed surface. They draw almost no current and can
> run continuously. Most of the 'birds came with a snap-disk thermostat
> in the reefer compartment. I removed mine and wired the fans directly
> to the "Refrigerator Fan" switch that is on my galley control panel
> (right below the water pump switch)
>
> Shane Fedeli
> 85PT40
> Hershey, PA
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Where could I find such a fan?
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> "sfedeli3" <sfedeli3@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Scott,
> > >
> > > I added 2 12V fans to the back compartment which blow across the
> > > evaporator coils. They dropped my temp in the 'fridge from 45-50 to
> > > around 25 degrees when the setting is on "5". It was a cheap fix and
> > > has worked great for the past few months. Bob Robinson and John Finn
> > > had similar setups and were kind enough to share the idea with me at
> > > OshKosh.
> > >
> > > Shane Fedeli
> > > 85PT40
> > > Hershey, PA
> > >
> > > --- In
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> "Scott Forman"
> > > <sforman@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > My Dometic refir is no cooling well, will only get down to about
> > 48-50
> > > > degrees. The freezer works fine. Seems to make no difference on
> > gas
> > > > vs electric. Ideas?
> > > >
> > > > Scott Forman
> > > > 86 PT38
> > > > Memphis
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>



--
Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, CA


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Gregory OConnor]

Curt, I used a led lighted toggle switch to power my fan. Got the fan
from Radio shack 12 volt about $30.00, has a good hummmm. Powered it
from the 12 volt input to the refer. (I would have used a leaf
blower if that what it took the make the friggin-fridge work)

Of interesing note is the gas heater element has a heat stack that
passes next to the evap coil. the stack ends near the middle of the
fridge, below one other coil????? I dont know if it is intended to
passivly heat the other coil????? create heat convection and draw
more air over the evap coil??? all I know is with the fan, every
thing stays cool. (I'll leave amonia refrig engineering to Albert
Einstine the theory inventer)
I think an exhaust fan at the roof would work better with limited
space. When I tried putting a fan over the coil, the results proved
minimal improvement. That method seemed to just recirculate the
trapped hot air in the fridge mechanical area.

http://www.pbase.com/gregoryoc/image/83321477

GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa
118f and shaking from a 4.7

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Curt Sprenger"
wrote:
>
> Scott,
>
> A computer or electronics cooling fan works well. Get one about 4",
> depending on the space between the frig. coil and the outer wall.
You can
> usually find them at a surplus electronics store for about $5.00.Or
you can
> send me your address and I'll mail you a fan. I used zip-ties to
anchor it
> behind the frig., and installed a cheap household heating/cooling
thermostat
> from H-Depot, and leave it set to about 85 degrees to turn on the
fan. I'm
> about to install a second fan that will be switched and will be
used only on
> the very hot days, like today when it gets to 104 degrees here in
sunny CA.
> More air flow is better. Keep in mind that the fan will run when
the coach
> is parked, unless you turn it off...a drain on the batteries.