Dometic Fridge doesn't cool at all on propane

[beachlvr]

We bought a new to us 2015 Shamrock 233S last fall. The Dometic fridge works great on AC but nothing happens on propane. We've cleaned the orifice, jet and flu. Verified there is at least a small/low blue flame (wasn't sure how big it was supposed to be on a newer fridge as compared to our previous ones) and are working on getting the pressure of the regulator checked. I believe it is a Dometic 7 series fridge. Assuming the regulator pressure test comes out normal, what would be the next logical steps to take. We aren't really sure where to go from here. Any help will be appreciated. The dealer is at least 2 hours away.

[Bama Rambler]

I do agree with making sure the LP system pressure is 11" WC and then if it isn't that, you may want to clean the flue. The procedure is in the manual, there's a spiral piece of metal that you have to remove.

[larry2c]

We had that issue once and it turned out to be dirt/bugs/whatever in the burner tube. A quick blast from my compressor cleared it out and it's worked fine ever since. I'm not sure how big the flame is supposed to be but when it wasn't working right, it looked like a pilot light - not much flame. After cleaning, it was much a larger flame.

[Tblt44]

I had this problem
It was a loose wire or 2 on the circuit board,
I re read your post, I had no flame at all on mine.
I'm guessing my valve was not opening do to loose wire

[BillyBass]

Check your burner tube it happen to me and I had a spider web in it .just don't look with a naked eye use a pipe cleaner in it bc you will not see it good luck

[Leever2000]

I seem to have a similar problem with my Dometic fridge but only when it is extremely hot outside. I have my fridge running right now on propane/12 VDC and it is cooling just fine but seems like every year when we go to beach and usually very hot the fridge just cannot keep up. Thought about putting some sort of exhaust fan to help pull heat off of the cooling fins?

beachlvr - what is the temperature outside?

[BillyBass]

Originally Posted by Leever2000

I seem to have a similar problem with my Dometic fridge but only when it is extremely hot outside. I have my fridge running right now on propane/12 VDC and it is cooling just fine but seems like every year when we go to beach and usually very hot the fridge just cannot keep up. Thought about putting some sort of exhaust fan to help pull heat off of the cooling fins?

beachlvr - what is the temperature outside?

couldn't you put a reflection shield on the outside above the frig

[beachlvr]

Thanks all, unfortunately the fridge still isn't working on propance. We checked and cleaned the Flue, orifice, and burner again. Also checked the regulator which is okay. Still not sure what we are going to do from here. I believe next will be to take a good look at all the wiring including the board and see if we see anything obvious. Any suggestions after that? Could it be a bad thermocouple (like I have any idea what I'm talking about). It's a shame because it looks brand new in the back.

[Leever2000]

Originally Posted by BillyBass

couldn't you put a reflection shield on the outside above the frig

The temp outside today is around 75 degrees and not in direct sunlight but when at the beach it seems like always direct sunlight and at least 85 degrees. To top it off the vent grill/grate is black plastic and most definitely absorbing lots of heat. I will try the reflective shield that may be the solution.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Leever2000

The temp outside today is around 75 degrees and not in direct sunlight but when at the beach it seems like always direct sunlight and at least 85 degrees. To top it off the vent grill/grate is black plastic and most definitely absorbing lots of heat. I will try the reflective shield that may be the solution.

Have you installed a fan(s) in the back?
Many of us have and experience much better cooling, especially when in a slide.
Search the forum for refrigerator cooling fans.

[Leever2000]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Have you installed a fan(s) in the back?
Many of us have and experience much better cooling, especially when in a slide.
Search the forum for refrigerator cooling fans.

I have not installed a fan but after your post it confirms that is what I need to do. Thanks for the information.

[beachlvr]

So we still haven't figured out the refrigerator. Went through and cleaned out the flu, orifice, and burner again. A friend came and checked the pressure with a manometer, it was fine. Changed the tank. The fridge lights and flame looks good but the flu never gets hot like it should. Getting ready to have an electrician friend check the battery power. Any other ideas? We are getting desperate.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by beachlvr

So we still haven't figured out the refrigerator. Went through and cleaned out the flu, orifice, and burner again. A friend came and checked the pressure with a manometer, it was fine. Changed the tank. The fridge lights and flame looks good but the flu never gets hot like it should. Getting ready to have an electrician friend check the battery power. Any other ideas? We are getting desperate.

The burner flame may not be centered directly under the flue. What is the model number of your 7 Series refrigerator. Finding a service manual for the Dometic 7 Series refrigerators is like pulling teeth from a sabre tooth tiger.

[Bill and Gail]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

The burner flame may not be centered directly under the flue. What is the model number of your 7 Series refrigerator. Finding a service manual for the Dometic 7 Series refrigerators is like pulling teeth from a sabre tooth tiger.

Check out, manualslib.com ,Dometic 7 series manual mentions what Scrapper says about the flame, in the troubleshooting section.
In android, there is an app for this site, look in app store for Manualslib

[beachlvr]

The model # is DMR702. Still can't figure it out and don't seem to be able to open the cover on the board, can't get to the left side to get it open.

[BillyBass]

Originally Posted by BillyBass

couldn't you put a reflection shield on the outside above the frig

they make clips that goes above it .look at trailer life mag.

[DavidBo]

Although all the suggestions about outside temperatures and extra venting are all sound advice, I doubt that this is the OP's problem because the fridge is performing acceptably on AC but not at all on propane. Any external conditions would likely affect both, even more so on AC because most fridges actually cool better on gas.
I've been told that not only should the flame look right, but you should hear a not particularly loud but noticeable roaring sound from the flue. If you're not feeling the flue getting hot then there is almost certainly a problem with the flame. I've read about people actually damaging the orifice during cleaning which can cause problems.
Good luck and keep us updated!

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by beachlvr

The model # is DMR702. Still can't figure it out and don't seem to be able to open the cover on the board, can't get to the left side to get it open.

In case you don't have the manual for the DMR702