Forum Discussion
Big_Katuna
Dec 26, 2014Explorer II
UPDATE
So the unit arrived, my oldest son came in for Christmas so I had a good helper.
First comment is that the quality is heads and shoulders better than the OEM unit.
All went mostly well. The mounting holes on the back of the new unit do not align with the original holes and they tell you that on a sticker. Would have made it easier to align the blind inside holes if it had.
It is easier to lay the unit down to test fit and adjust the fit.
I lifted the fridge at the top and held it at a 45 angle while the helper started the screws from the inside.
The one thing I missed was that the unit DOES NOT come with new heater rods. I got one of the old ones out but the other had bare wires showing where they go into the rod so I will have to order a new one. I watched several videos, thought I was paying attention but I never read or heard I needed to buy new ones. I thought it came with them. $45 a pair so no big deal but now I have to take the fridge out again.
I also thought it came with the new fans. At $100 a pop I think Ill re-use the OEM fans
I broke the igniter/thermocouple too so I couldn't test it before re-installing it.
Hopefully I can get a new igniter Friday and it will work on gas.
While I would not call this an easy DIY project, I would do it again.
So the unit arrived, my oldest son came in for Christmas so I had a good helper.
First comment is that the quality is heads and shoulders better than the OEM unit.
All went mostly well. The mounting holes on the back of the new unit do not align with the original holes and they tell you that on a sticker. Would have made it easier to align the blind inside holes if it had.
It is easier to lay the unit down to test fit and adjust the fit.
I lifted the fridge at the top and held it at a 45 angle while the helper started the screws from the inside.
The one thing I missed was that the unit DOES NOT come with new heater rods. I got one of the old ones out but the other had bare wires showing where they go into the rod so I will have to order a new one. I watched several videos, thought I was paying attention but I never read or heard I needed to buy new ones. I thought it came with them. $45 a pair so no big deal but now I have to take the fridge out again.
I also thought it came with the new fans. At $100 a pop I think Ill re-use the OEM fans
I broke the igniter/thermocouple too so I couldn't test it before re-installing it.
Hopefully I can get a new igniter Friday and it will work on gas.
While I would not call this an easy DIY project, I would do it again.
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