arizonakid
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Re: Dometic Refer Recall - Possible Fire Hazard -Update 2/13/07
The Dometic refer in my 2001 Sierra which I just bought has hadly been used at all in the past 10 years, never had the recall done... works fine on gas andelectric but I decided to replace the 120V element and have the recall work done... Replaced the element today with a new one, here are photos of the old and new element. They have done some redesign work as timsrv mentioned earlier.... edit: WTF can't use HTML to post photos? OK copy and paste time... http://lakeboon.com/trailer-2001-sierra/refrigerator-elements-1.JPG http://lakeboon.com/trailer-2001-sierra/refrigerator-elements-2.JPG The old one measured 38.4 ohms, the new one 41.0 ohms... still too low with the 120 VAC here so I will install a light dimmer to lower the voltage (and wattage).1.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Dometic Refer Recall - Possible Fire Hazard -Update 2/13/07
Some have wondered why Dometic didn't install the lower wattage element as part of the recall. They should have, based on their comments as the reason for the original failures: "In April of 1997 Dometic modified the design of the affected refrigerators by increasing the wattage of the heating element from 325 watts to 354 watts. All production of the affected units from April 1997 through May of 2003 utilized the 354 watt heating element. In May of 2003, in order to improve the operating life of the refrigerators, Dometic returned to the use of the 325 watt heating element which it continues to use today. It is now believed that the use of the higher wattage heater contributed to abnormal fatigue in the boiler tube." But it would have done no good. I think it was timsrv who wondered why a slight (within tolerance) heat difference should crack the boiler weld. He was correct, and Dometic was wrong, as shown by the the second recall which added units from June 2003 to September 2006 (all of which presumably had a newer 325 watt element). Poor construction of all of the elements whether 354 watts or the later 325 watts (perhaps too hot a lower tip, hot spots, etc) may have contributed to the problem, but it appears that (as others have mentioned) the real cause of failure was metallurgical (wrong metals, weld, heat treatment...). Perhaps Dometic figured it out. Anyone know how the 2007 - to - present units are holding up?1.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Dometic Refer Recall - Possible Fire Hazard -Update 2/13/07
ak63 wrote: WORD OF CAUTION ABOUT THE PREVIOUSLY POSTED TRANSFORMER MODIFICATION I would not recommend that as a solution, since you are connecting 120V to a low voltage secondary. The insulation on the wiring on the transformer secondary side (6.3v-CT-6.3v) may not be sufficient for 120V. This could create an electrical hazard with all the associated risks: fire, electrocution etc. My apologies if this has been commented on -- but I don't believe you are correct... with the xfmr connected in bucking mode you are now dropping 113 volts across the heating element, and only the 6.3 volts across the transformer secondary. Should be no insulation problem. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.1.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Dometic Refer Recall - Possible Fire Hazard -Update 2/13/07
timsrv wrote: All this aside, the recall ended early in 2003, so it seems just a little odd you would have a recalled refer in a 2005 trailer. What are your model and serial numbers? Tim OK here's the answer, the recall was extended to 2006.....1.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Dometic Refer Recall - Possible Fire Hazard -Update 2/13/07
smkettner wrote: Model number RM2652 Serial number 521 05122 From recall website: When I put in 52105122 for S/N it says not affected. When I put in just 05122 then it says needs repair. Question... What is the correct input length for the S/N? There does not seem to be an error check just yes or no. My trailer was built about 10/2005. Am I safe or need repair? That was on page 69, the response was that his refer is not affected -- I have not read to the end of this thread so perhaps the response (based on earlier info?) has been corrected, but it is affected. Here are the affected models and SNs http://rvcountryllc.com/dometicrecall.aspx Here is the dometic site to check http://67.238.126.140/recall.php Tom1.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Dometic Refer Recall - Possible Fire Hazard -Update 2/13/07
ausdoug wrote: Willis, for all of us wanting to see the mod, thanks for posting. Your pictures will help us ensure our dealer does it the same way. Not if you use photobucket, they disappear after a while.... Is there any way to attach a photo to your post on rv.net?\1.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Dometic Refer Recall - Possible Fire Hazard -Update 2/13/07
"...a fatigue crack that may develop in the boiler tube in the area of the weld between the boiler tube and the heater pocket. ..." Were is that? Can anyone post or link a picture of this area... and whether sealing the area with JB Weld might avoid the issue on the small percent of refers affected?1.5KViews0likes0Comments
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