BajaNomad

Repair propane refrigerator near Guerrero Negro?

bajachris - 7-23-2012 at 03:48 PM

Does anyone know if there is a place in Guerrero Negro or these parts to repair a Norco propane refrigerator. Taking much longer to cool than normal. Suspect cooling unit going out. Would be willing to buy one down here too if that is an option, or do I have to travel to Ensenada? Please reply to my U2U

Thanks

COLD

captkw - 7-23-2012 at 03:55 PM

HOLA, ARE YOU ON GAS OR RUNNING ON THE 120 V SIDE ???

bajachris - 7-23-2012 at 03:58 PM

Gas, propane. Not enought power for 110.

HOLA

captkw - 7-23-2012 at 04:15 PM

HOLA, IM AT HOME WORKING ON A KCKER OUTBOARD AND TAKING MY TIME WITH IT SO I'm on the internet too. you can fix this yr-self most times..first is the tank full and the regulator a known good unit..if yes. have you cleaned the flu or heating chamber that has twisted baffle in the middle of it..also ckeck for exhaust blockage..VERY Important...after cleaning the flu with a round wire brush start the unit with the pilot/themo coupler off/open thats the 2x3 inch sheet metal cover for access..I use a small inspection mirror that you can buy at a auto parts store for cheap and is nice to have around the house anyway..so is the flame burning strong if no you need to clean the jet..if you need to get at it..post model # and I'll try and walk you through this !! K&T

mojo_norte - 7-23-2012 at 07:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajachris
Does anyone know if there is a place in Guerrero Negro or these parts to repair a Norco propane refrigerator. Taking much longer to cool than normal. Suspect cooling unit going out. Would be willing to buy one down here too if that is an option, or do I have to travel to Ensenada? Please reply to my U2U

Thanks


Clean the burner and chimney and burp it... this dude's a bit of a wacko but good article on propane fridge revival..
http://bisonsurvivalblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/propane-refer-...

burping

captkw - 7-23-2012 at 07:39 PM

most units will need to laid to the left side and over night seems to have the most affect..but that is for the older units.. the newer ones dont seem to get the settleing proplem.!! and dont clean a jet with a pin if you can help it !!! a good ole can of carb/breakleen shoud do it... K & T

[Edited on 7-24-2012 by captkw]

larryC - 7-24-2012 at 09:05 AM

Also make sure the flame is mostly blue, lots of yellow in the flame is a sign of a dirty burner or orifice. Sometimes a lot of crud will fall down from the chimney and clog up the burner, so take it apart and blow it out with comprressed air.
Good luck
Larry

Hook - 7-24-2012 at 12:07 PM

With the orifice/jet, DO NOT REAM IT OUT WITH ANYTHING, PHYSICALLY, as that guy on the survivalist blog recommends. Use wood or isopropyl alcohol for a soaking and then use compressed air.

I would also not use carb cleaner or brakekleen as these are highly corrosive liquids. My orifice/jet is not 100% brass; it seems to have a clear plastic or vinyl center around the jet opening.

IF you can access the very top of the fridge, there is usually a wire at the top of the flue/chimney. This is a handle for the flue baffle. It is often kept in place by tension. Remove the baffle and clean it and see how much of it might have burnt away. Now that it's out, you really want to ream out the flue, ideally with a flue brush. A 10 or 12 gauge shotgun brush might also work. Some people also form a long stick out of aluminum foil and it works OK. Carbon builds up on the baffle and inside the flue and it limits the heat that needs to reach the tubes in proximity to the flue.

comitan - 7-24-2012 at 12:53 PM

Before you do anything major, get it on 110V, to zero in on the problem, if it works on 110 follow most of the previous mentioned advice. Also on the fins you should find a thermo wire connected to the fin, one way its colder don't remember,experiment.

If there is an ammonia smell in the rear the unit is BAD!

[Edited on 7-24-2012 by comitan]