Forum Discussion

Bob_E_'s avatar
Bob_E_
Explorer
Jun 26, 2018

Fridge not Working

My dad's 10yr old Norcold Fridge quit working in his camper. It runs but doesn't cool at all on either gas or 120v electric. Opened the outside cover and you can see some green residue in the corner of the opening under the right side where the heating element is. The local RV shop, without looking at it, told my dad that the green residue is where the ammonia has leaked out of it and the fridge will need replaced at about $1300 or so. He said the cost of repairing it would be prohibitive so may as well replace it.

Before we go and rip it out, does the advice of the local RV shop make sense? Or are they just trying to sell us a new fridge?

Thanks for any advice.

Bob E.
  • Bob_E_'s avatar
    Bob_E_
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2018
    Thanks everyone. I’ll let my dad know. I had told him the same thing regarding an electric fridge and upgrading his batteries and adding some solar. He rarely camps without hookups. So I’m sure he will be fine with an electric fridge.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 26, 2018
    The cooling unit has had it. You really have to decide on what your needs are. If all electric works then that's fine. For those that like to dry camp occasionally, simply replacing the cooling unit may be the way to go.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jun 26, 2018
    The 'yellowish/green' residue is NOT ammonia..ammonia turns to vapor and dissipates fairly quickly

    The sodium chromate is the residue left behind when cooling unit leaks
    Sodium chromate is an anti-rust inhibitor and is what crystallizes when overheated.
    Crystals form and plate out on inside of tube

    When cooling unit has a crack (typically in perk tube---boiler) the sodium chromate dries out and leaves the residue behind \ clear tell-tale that cooling unit is no good
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jun 26, 2018
    I would go electric fridge and spend the money saved on a solar panel system.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 26, 2018
    Amish cooling unit, about 600 dollars. Labor for the average DIYer, 4 hours. New refer, about 1300 dollars.
  • DavinD's avatar
    DavinD
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2018
    There's a good picture here of an ammonia leak. I think the shop is correct.

    http://rvvoyageur.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-case-of-broken-down-rv-refrigerator.html
  • maillemaker's avatar
    maillemaker
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2018
    From what I have heard, the ammonia leakage is usually yellowish in color, but yes, sounds to me like your ammonia has leaked out.

    You can buy replacement cooling units for about $500, but I imagine if you had it professionally installed that yes, you would probably be close to the cost of a new one.

    A lot of people are going with residential refrigerators instead of RV ones as they are far, far cheaper (like <$300) so long as you can live with 120V operation only.

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