Forum Discussion

larrypac's avatar
larrypac
Explorer
Apr 14, 2023

gas fridge

I have a gas fridge that is probably 30 or 40 years old. I had gotten so I had to hold in the starter button for 2-3 minutes before flame would stay lit. I pulled it out to se if maybe the thermo couple? was dirty and found that a piece has dropped out of the tube above the flame. I'm attaching pix of the burner area as well as the entire back of the fridge. (COULD NOT FIND A WAY TO ATTACH PIX) Any advice would be appreciated.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Apr 19, 2023
    dougrainer wrote:
    Michelle.S wrote:
    I think at that age, it's long past retirement age.


    You are given a 40 year old car with a bad starter. Car was running great. According to YOU, just take it to the junk yard. The OP has a $1000 refer and for less than $30, it will function just fine. Doug


    I love people that do…and wish more did!
  • fourthclassC's avatar
    fourthclassC
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2023
    Doug R. -
    You are right. Throw away useful items is a waste....
    An old fridge like that may be better then a modern one because it might not need any power to run. (no gas solenoid to hold open with 12v)
    Again - thank you for your truthful comments.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Apr 15, 2023
    Well I think you found the problem.
    Replace the thermocouple.. Take the old one to a Heating and cooling specialist and see if they have one to replce it

    Physically you need the hot end to match

    Electrically you need the same connections at the control housing.

    Cable length is "At least long enough"

    Electrically they are most all identical so if it's a pysical match I'd anticipate good results.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 15, 2023
    Michelle.S wrote:
    I think at that age, it's long past retirement age.


    You are given a 40 year old car with a bad starter. Car was running great. According to YOU, just take it to the junk yard. The OP has a $1000 refer and for less than $30, it will function just fine. Doug
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 15, 2023
    ALL LP refers have a spiral baffle that hangs inside the burner flue just inside the tube above the flame. The purpose is to distribute the Heat from the flame evenly to Heat the fluid. After 30/40 years that baffle has probably rusted/burned up a part of it and a piece fell down on the burner. Look at this link and you will see a picture of this baffle. Now, usually this part is NOT available
    You have to find one i n a throwaway refer or build your own. These are from my OLD notes. Doug


    From my notes for the RM763-

    WIRE LENGTH IS 25-1/2"
    BAFFLE LENGTH IS 5-7/8"
    TOTAL LENGTH 31-1/4"

    BAFFLE WIDTH IS 3/4"

    https://escapees.com/rv-refrigerator-part-2-lp-gas-operation/
  • larrypac's avatar
    larrypac
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2023
    I would describe the shape as: Take a cross (or an X) and pull it up into 3 dimensional. I can't see the top of it but if it had a hook, it probably rusted off.
  • John_Wayne's avatar
    John_Wayne
    Explorer II
    Apr 14, 2023
    no picture seen but if it has a spiral shape to it it should have a hook at the top so it hangs from the top of the chimney that it is inside of.

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