Gas frig not igniting.

[rbpru]

After several trips my refrigerator will no longer fire up on gas.

I had a chance to inspect it and brush out the dirt, leaves and etc. What I found is the igniter is sparking directly above the slits in the combustion chamber tube but the gas will not ignite.
I can reach in with a stove lighter and sit fires right up, nice blue flame and it runs until the frig cools down and cuts off the gas. When the frig warms up and need to start again, the igniter sparks but does not ignite the gas.

Even though the igniter spark reaches the center of the gas flame port is it possible that it is too weak to ignite the gas? :h

[LIKE2BUILD]

rbpru wrote:
Judging from the spark photo, my spark is weak. I will start with a new igniter.

Before you spend any money first check the spark gap. While you're doing this make sure all connections for the igniter are clean and free of corrosion. Also, use a fine emery cloth and clean the end of the igniter to remove all char. Now, if after doing all this it still has weak spark try a new igniter.

KJ

[rbpru]

Judging from the spark photo, my spark is weak. I will start with a new igniter.

[LIKE2BUILD]

^^^What Old-Biscuit said.^^^
If you can light it and it stays running that should mean the flame sensor, which is also the igniter on most models, is okay. Also make sure you have good ground connection for the igniter. A poor ground will cause weak spark and could make it so the gas won't ignite.

KJ

[westend]

OB, those pictures are worth 10000 words. Great post.

rbpru,
If you have good gas pressure and the spark igniter is located correctly, your orifice to the burner may be partially clogged. You can pull it and the burner tube out and clean both.

[bobndot]

took this from rv fridge site :

Works on 110 VDC but not on propane, then try this:
•The first step is to determine if you have a good quality flame. If the flame lights but goes out almost immediately, the thermocouple which acknowledges the presence of a flame may have failed. This device is attached to the main gas valve at the back of the refrigerator and has a tube extending to the vicinity of the gas burner. In most instances, this can be replaced by an owner with some mechanical ability.
•If the flame stays lit, the next issue is the quality of the flame. Often rust and debris will fall from the vent interfering with the burner system. I personally have experienced this problem twice, causing the burner not to light at all. To fix the problem only requires removing a minimal amount of tin shielding and then vacuuming the area around the burner thoroughly.
•If the flame fails to light, vacuuming the burner area may clear the port (or jet) of the burner. Worst case scenario, run a very thin wire into the burner orifice to clear debris. Because a small steady flame may not be the proper flame, I recommend cleaning the area with a vacuum in every case of failure.

[Old-Biscuit]

Spark position---centered over slots
Spark gap........1/8#
Gas pressure-----11"WC
Gas burner/orifice clean

ALL affect propane flame ignition

If you are getting a spark then it is one of the above

Top....dirty orifice


Good strong spark


Good strong clean flame

[2BNOT2B]

There may be rust from the exhaust pipe in the chamber. This will cause what you have described. Have you opened the chamber where you see the flame? If not try it. I vacuum mine out after every long trip.

I'm sure someone will offer additional advice.