Refrigerator leaking ammonia

[Kardinal]

While packing for a trip to Florida I noticed the refer wasn't on. Opened door and a slight smell of ammonia. When I went out and pulled outside panel off I got a strong oder. We also get the ammonia oder when running the AC.

My question is, is it safe for my family and I to stay in the motorhome while having this leak?

Thanks in advance,

Brad

[wolfe10]

Another option to an ice chest is DRY ICE in the refrigerator.

10 pounds wrapped in 2 layers of newspaper in freezer.

10 pounds wrapped in 4 layers of newspaper in refrigerator.

Old trick when we went off shore in sail boats and didn't want heavy electrical draw to run refrigerator/freezers.

Google "dry ice" and your location.

[Don_Don]

When you smell that, it's shot. Time for a new one.

[Kardinal]

Thanks for all the input.

I've got the frig shut down and have run a fan blowing out of the side vent. All oder is now gone. Hitting the road to FL in the morning with a ice chest packed.

Thanks again...

[wolfe10]

Yes, indeed make sure that the refrigerator is turned OFF. With a leak in the cooling system, continuing to run it could cause a FIRE.

If you are on a trip and can find dry ice, buy 20 pounds. Wrap 10 pounds in two layers of newspaper and put it in the freezer. Warp 10 pounds in 4 layers of newspaper and put in the refrigerator.

This is an old boater's trick. We use it when going off shore to reduce the electrical load to run the refrigerator/freezer.

If at home, decide how you want to fix/replace it.

[Old-Biscuit]

The ammonia has leaked out...now you just have residual smell

Remove DC fuse in Dist. panel for fridge
Remove lower vent.
Unplug ac power cord
Place a fan blowing into lower compartment to get rid of ammonia smell..... won't take long.

[ScottG]

Turn off the fridge and use a cooler and you'll be fine. The ammonia won't get hot and cause problems unless the heater is on. BTDT.

[Kardinal]

wolfe10 wrote:
As long as you can smell ammonia, NO, it is not safe.

But, it should dissipate quickly once it has all leaked out.

This means that you will need a new cooling unit or new refrigerator (economic decision depends on age and condition of the rest of the refrigerator).

Thanks for the quick response.

Any way to drain the ammonia out faster?

Brad

[wolfe10]

As long as you can smell ammonia, NO, it is not safe.

But, it should dissipate quickly once it has all leaked out.

This means that you will need a new cooling unit or new refrigerator (economic decision depends on age and condition of the rest of the refrigerator).