Dometic RM46E Gas Starting Trouble
The Dometic RM46E - three way refrigerator in our trailer has been having trouble lately getting started. The last couple trips we took, we pulled it out into the street where it was somewhat level like we always do and tried to start it several times on gas and failed. The flame seemed not to ignite at all. I leveled the trailer in the driveway and opened up the back compartment to do some tests. The piezo lighter seems to be working fine. Now for some reason the flame is lighting, but goes out when you let go of the knob for releasing safety device. Sometimes we can eventually get the flame to stay on, if we kept that knob pulled out for a minute or two.
Any idea what’s causing the problem here?
Found a manual for the fridge online: http://cortezcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RM46e-dometic.pdf
On the last page it says:
48. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Once or twice a year depending on use, it is recommended to clean and ad just the burner assembly, Proceed as follows:
1. Disconnect the gas pipe from the burner assembly,
2. Bemove the burner housing.
3. Remove the jet,
4. Clean the jet with alcohol and compressed air ONLY.
5. Clean the burner tube and especially the gauze with a brush. Blow with compressed air,
6. At the same time, check the flue baffle: that it is clean and free from soot. Heavy soot formation indicates improper functioning of the burner. Clean baffle and flue. Further, clean cooling unit and floor under refrigerator.
7. Reassemble.
8. The entire gas installation should be checked for leaks at intervals. Test all pipe connections with soapy water, not with an open flame.
9. Check the burner with full flame (MAX) and with by-pass flame (0).
Note: The thermostat will not close to by-pass on- setting “0” unless the refrigerator has been working for a few hours and the thermostat bulb is cooled down to at least 6°C(40°F).
Hasn’t been cleaned since we’d had it and judging by how rusted on the screw that holds the burner housing on is, I’m not sure if it’s ever been cleaned.
Does anyone actually do this maintenance?
Is it necessary?
Would it help this problem?
Any idea what’s causing the problem here?
Found a manual for the fridge online: http://cortezcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RM46e-dometic.pdf
On the last page it says:
48. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Once or twice a year depending on use, it is recommended to clean and ad just the burner assembly, Proceed as follows:
1. Disconnect the gas pipe from the burner assembly,
2. Bemove the burner housing.
3. Remove the jet,
4. Clean the jet with alcohol and compressed air ONLY.
5. Clean the burner tube and especially the gauze with a brush. Blow with compressed air,
6. At the same time, check the flue baffle: that it is clean and free from soot. Heavy soot formation indicates improper functioning of the burner. Clean baffle and flue. Further, clean cooling unit and floor under refrigerator.
7. Reassemble.
8. The entire gas installation should be checked for leaks at intervals. Test all pipe connections with soapy water, not with an open flame.
9. Check the burner with full flame (MAX) and with by-pass flame (0).
Note: The thermostat will not close to by-pass on- setting “0” unless the refrigerator has been working for a few hours and the thermostat bulb is cooled down to at least 6°C(40°F).
Hasn’t been cleaned since we’d had it and judging by how rusted on the screw that holds the burner housing on is, I’m not sure if it’s ever been cleaned.
Does anyone actually do this maintenance?
Is it necessary?
Would it help this problem?
