Dometic RM3862 question

Hi,

I rebuilt the fridge about 4 years ago with an arctic cold ammonia coil and it has been working great.

Prior to I installed a dinosaur electronics board which is still solid.

The other day I noticed my fridge would not run on GAS (propane) so I disassembled it. I called Dinosaur electronics to see if perhaps they thought I might need a board and for diagnostic tips.

I came to the conclusion the brass gas valve was not working properly. I removed it to clean the jet and I sprayed some brake kleen in to the valve and put 12v power to it to cycle the valve repeatedly.

I put it back together and it worked. Since then I ordered a new valve but am leaving Sunday on a trip and hope it works the duration.


Questions:

Has anyone experienced something similar ?

What purpose does the small foam plug serve that is in the inlet valve orifice....diffuser?

Thanks
Joe