Norcold Fridge - Pilot/Flame is too big spreads??

Question

My fridge in my tent trailer gets used 30 nights per year each summer, then stored in garage the rest of the year. It is 5 years old and never had issues. Until I went to light it today. It is a simple system... I run it on propane. I turn the gas on, then use the ignitor.

Please refer to the image in this link
http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Norcold-621957-Refrigerator-Part-Burner-and-Orifice-Assembly-Kit-Trailer-Camper-

The flame would not ignite. I could tell that the "slots" looked quite crusted up, so I used a soft toothbrush to try and clean them a bit. Once clean, the problem is the flame now seems to spread. I DID NOT make the slot holes bigger... I was only using a toothbrush.

Now, when the flame is set to anything but the lowest setting, the flame is spreading - it winds up igniting at the HOLE in the attached image (which is outside of the wind protected portion of the box). Obviously I assume this is a bad thing.

Any ideas on what to do? It seems maybe I need to replace the part shown in the image. The warning sticker in the trailer makes it seem like I shouldn't touch it.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

RV

joe417 · Answer

Someone else here was having a similar problem a few days ago.

Not sure if they got it corrected.

It may be that there is a blockage in the burner tube. Spider web or dirt dauber nest.

I have had dirt daubers build in the burner tube. If you are able to unscrew the burner tube from the orifice it is easy to clean.

I could not, as the tube was rusted to the orifice.

I had to use a wire going in through the slots and vent hole to clean it. Don't stick anything in the orifice, which is the tiny hole that lets gas into the burner tube.

Another option is to buy a new orifice and burner tube.

old-biscuit · Answer

Main Flame should be steady and just reach entry to flue.
If you can NOT get your burner tube/slots cleaned up then replace burner tube

This is what flame should look like (Main Flame----there is NO pilot)

dougrainer · Answer

He stated he turns the gas ON and then uses the Ignitor. That indicates (also because he has a tent camper) that he has a BYPASS controlled refer. Which will have a pilot. He really needs to blow out the back and the burner area with compressed air. All he did with the brush was cause the debris to fall inside the burner tube. Doug

bill_t · Answer

I think a good cleaning will correct your problem. Looking at the provided excellant pics by Joe and old-biscuit break the connection at the flare nut and orfice nut. Remove the single Philips head screw holding the burner ass'y in place. You will have to wiggle the burner ass'y to free it from the end-slot, see the pic Joe provided, the flat end can be difficult to remove the first time. Remove the orfice nut from the burner tube.
Clean the orfice w/alcohol and blow out. A slight touch of anti-seize on the orfice nut threads will make removable easier the next time. Clean the burner slots and inspect the inside of the burner for mud dauber nest. Reassemble all and light it off.
Other things to consider are improper propane pressure and a stopped up flue.

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Norcold Fridge - Pilot/Flame is too big spreads??

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