Forum Discussion

tesc213's avatar
tesc213
Explorer
Jul 30, 2014

Atwood Helium Fridge problem

I have a 2012 Attwood Helium Fridge. Up until this weekend it's been working fine. The week I started getting a check gas message. I have lots of propane. The fridge tries to light but won't maintain. The flame looks good through the access hole but shuts down after 30 seconds. After a few tries at restarting it will work for a couple of hours but starts all over again. Is there a flame sensor or something that's acting up? It's way back in the bush so taking it in to a dealer is not an option.
  • pnichols's avatar
    pnichols
    Explorer II
    Aug 07, 2014
    So what is the downside trade-off to using helium instead of hydrogen??

    (There has to be ... or they wouldn't have been using hydrogen all these years.)
  • Clay_L's avatar
    Clay_L
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2014
    Bill.Satellite wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    pnichols wrote:
    I'm curious ... what is "helium" refrigerator technology?


    Helium replaces the Hydrogen in the absorption fridge.


    Hydrogen? BOOM! I think you meant ammonia.


    Nope, there is hydrogen in most of the RV refrigerators out there. It is used as part of the phase liquid/gas change process of the ammonia.
    that is what catches fire from leaks. The helium is now being used instead of hydrogen because it won't burn.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Jul 31, 2014
    The flame sensor is the spark electrode- it sends a small current through the flame to the burner. The gap should be 3/16" between electrode and burner, burner needs to be clean.

    They do use Helium in place of Hydrogen- I have trouble finding the partial pressure of Helium, which is the "magic property" of those gasses.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Jul 31, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    pnichols wrote:
    I'm curious ... what is "helium" refrigerator technology?


    Helium replaces the Hydrogen in the absorption fridge.


    Hydrogen? BOOM! I think you meant ammonia.
  • tesc213's avatar
    tesc213
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2014
    I can't find where the flame sensor is. There is a temperature sensor(I think) above the fame but it's outside the flue. Where is the flame sensor located? It doesn't show on the wiring diagram.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 31, 2014
    pnichols wrote:
    I'm curious ... what is "helium" refrigerator technology?


    Helium replaces the Hydrogen in the absorption fridge.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2014
    Do the "annual", yes annual burner area tune-up. No special tools and not parts needed.

    Lots of little things are addressed than can cause it to not work properly on propane.

    Same with any absorption refrigerator.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 31, 2014
    Yes, there's a flame sensor. Make sure it's positioned properly in the flame and clean it with a BRASS brush or some carburetor cleaner which will dissolve the carbon.

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