reviews for R101 - Cooling Unit Repair Training Package Young Farts RV Parts - September 1, 2022. This was the most informative class we have ever taken in life! Being part of the RV industry it was absolutely astonishing all the new things we learned about RV Fridges. The pure passion of the Ford’s left us baffled! We did not know what to expect making a trip from Canada to Kentucky, At first we thought we were mostly paying for the formulas. But it is much much more than that. The years of experience from the Fords is priceless! We were so grateful to work with such amazing and nice people! This is such rare knowledge, and the fact they have made this program to inform others in the RV industry is absolutely amazing! Without Everything the Ford’s have done, the RV industry would have never seen the possibility of fridge repair! It really is an experience of a lifetime. if you are even slightly thinking about doing the course just do it! you wont regret it!
This video was extremely helpful to me. I had an installer remove the insulation from the boiler on a Norcold unit, just because he thought it would rattle. then he couldn't figure out why it would not cool. I was told I purchased a defective refrigerator. I learned everything I needed to know about evaporation refrigeration in minutes thanks to Roger Ford. This video saved me time and money and not only that, everyone here at the shop thinks I'm a refrigerator repair expert because I was able to explain exactly why the refrigerator fails to cool and how all the different parts of the cooling units are designed to work. Thank you, Roger!
Dennis, With a 1200 NC you should have 2 fans right above the absorber coils which should bring fresh air in the bottom vent and push it up thru the condenser and out the top vent.
Roger and his wife were so nice when I called the shop. Although difficult to diagnose over the phone they saved me 2200.00 on a new installed cooling unit. They both said if you Norcold is working on electric the cooling unit is okay. What a wealth of information. Keep up the good work.
I have known the basic function for years. This vid cleared up & answered 2 foggy area questions and defined them for me. "Excellent presentation" thank you. But not the 3rd question I initially was searching for... and that is "What is the max & min operating pressure of the heating /cooling? I do realize they vary as things heat, expand cool and contract throughout the cycle. I'll just leave the Q here while i graze the next video.
Oh. ok. Well unfortunately for me... "I can not afford" the lesson so I guess I will continue my venture else where. That does however bring yet another Question. Does a student receive certification Upon completion of your training course?
Hello John: A code 5 on a Norcold means there is a flame sense circuit failure. This problem may require a new board, which I understand you have already replaced. Unfortunately, even new boards can be defective. Contact the dealer you purchased it from, if it hasn't been to long it should be under warranty. If they installed it, you shouldn't have to pay labor again, it should be covered as well. Also ck to make sure you have a good flame and it's heating the sensor.
Wow.. so nice for folks who really knows their stuff to generously share their knowledge with the rest of us.. I really like the pace of instruction ..very easy to follow.. Well done and many thanks.
This is great stuff! I'm a licensed heavy truck and auto tech in Ontario and have worked in the industry over 30 years 25 of those in dealerships. Trained and certified, CAT,CUMMINS,DETROIT,INTERNATIONAL engines, basically every transmission, brake system, ABS and A/C that ever was came on a big truck. You can imagine I've done a lot of training !! I am the new owner of a 1977 GMC Birchaven that is getting a lot of tlc and this will help a lot.
Bob Blenkarn Glad you think so! We appreciate you checking us out. If you liked these videos go to our webpage and check it out. www.rvrefrigeration.com
I can tell you have a lot of knowledge to share and i for one am glad you are willing to share your expertise with us. You clearly know your stuff. That said, I had a hard time sticking to it with no mic. Too hard to hear. Pleas keep making videos but use a mic. Thanks!
Vinnie, Thanks for your comment. After years in HVAC I remember when I first heard I had to have heat to create refrigeration. WHAT!! But after years of R and D we created a nice niche business. Our next video should be out soon. We hope our videos help you help someone else. GBYAY
Wonderful Glenn!! We are always excited when someone else wants to increase their income by becoming a part of this in-demand service. RV Owners are searching for Certified RV Refrigerator Specialists when their refrigerator fails. They know they will save money, get a better warranty, and cumulatively, we are all reducing our carbon footprint. We look forward to hearing from you! GBYAY!
Thank you so much, finally a comprehensive and professional tech video on the ammonia cycle. I have a fridge that cools a little then stops cooling, I've taken all propane burner apart, cleaned it, tried to put the fridge upside down for a while then started it again. Still not working, brought the fridge from my camp to my house and plugged it electrical, no more results...I'm still searching what's wrong. I'm a refrigeration tech for over 40 years but this ammonia was still a mystery before your explanation. Thanks again and if you can give me pointers to fix my fridge, I'd appreciate it a lot.
I have a Dometic DM 2652 that is 13 years old. I did start it up unlevel a few weeks ago and let it cool for about 30 hours before leaving to go camping. It is getting just cool, but not cold. The freezer is about proper refrigerator temp. Following advice from someone else, I burped the unit (turn it over to each side for about an hour, and restart level after about 8 hours. no change. The ambient temp has been upper 70's to low 80's. The cooling issue is new. No evidence of leaks. Recently replaced the electric heater because it was faulty (short to ground blew breaker). the refrigerator worked fine for about two trips after. I have considered fans at the vent, but it has worked fine in this weather before. Flame is nice blue on the gas side. Not sure what is wrong.
Hello friend, If you’re having problems with your RV REFRIGERATOR go to our website and find free DIY RV REFRIGERATOR troubleshooting and repair videos. I hope they help and you help someone else GBYAY rvrefrigeration.com/diy-videos
Hello majorheavyhat, it always helps for me to know the make and model of the refrigerator, but, no I don't think the plastic covers over the screws will improve the cooling.
This is the best overview of how RV refrigeration work. But what that spiraling black piping on the bottom (@ 14min into video). I think it's called the 'absorber coil set' or something. ?How does that work? and ?How does the hydrogen get back up to the evaporator? Thks
Hello Jim McElwee, You don't have to leave the refrigerator on. We recommend you let it run at least one hour every other month. I agree with your theory, if off more than a week, the doors should be left open.
Explanation of theory starts at 8:53. What an intriguing design! I wonder why hydrogen was chosen as the carrier gas, as opposed to something like nitrogen or argon?
mrsokla Most changes in the refrigerators have been about reducing blockage and other problems. Energy efficiency increases have been moderate at most and therefore would not justify changing out. That being said, due to many parts on older models no longer available; it may be better to change out an older RV refrigerator for a newer model.
I do have the 2 fans but I also added a 3rd fan mounted directly below the condenser. I have not had a chance to run it in the sun with 90+ outside temps but my preliminary garage tests it seem to cool down faster and with lower temps.
Steve Hanes, for the odor, open the doors on the refrigerator and the windows in your RV. However, if it's a slow leak, the odor will linger for awhile. This is indicating a leak in the evaporator. However, it can be repaired for less cost than a replacement and with a 100% warranty. Have you checked our web site to see if there is an RVRN member close to you? Feel free to call our office if you we can be of further service. GBYAY, Roger
Steve Hanes, the evaporator can be repaired by us or one of the RVRN members. It will be less costly and you will receive a 100% warranty on it. GBYAY, Roger
What a great video! Cant thank you enough for simple explanation. Brilliant system and a brilliant video for us to enjoy. Thank you for the effort in making these videos for us.
Question: My Norcold frig problem; That on electricity both the freezer and refrigerator stay cold but on LP the freezer stays cold and the refrigerator section does not cool .
Hmmm. Intriguing. I would wonder if a leak occurs in the upper condenser where hydrogen accumulates would that cause an explosion? Chemically speaking it would be nice if the hydrogen could be replaced with a non-flammable component.
In my 33 years of reconditioning and recharging these RV refrigerator cooling units, I have never seen a leak in the condenser. In every cooling unit, there is a safety that is designed to release all the pressure prior to an explosion occurring. However, equally, I have never heard of a cooling unit exploding. "Chemically speaking", Atwood developed an RV refrigerator in which helium replace the hydrogen. Dometic bought the refrigerator aspect from Atwood and took them off the market. GBYAY!
Good stuff thanks. My dometic has cooling issues and the gas side sometimes won’t light off. I’m changing ing the solenoid valve. I let ya know how it goes. Thanks
I have a Dometic 2600 that just stopped working and the smell of ammonia is very strong inside the fridge and the freezer compartment. I am assuming that the cooling unit failed and needs to be replaced. How can I get rid of the smell so I can removed the unit from the rv to repair it. It has been about a week now and the smell in the unit is still very strong. It is a refrigerator from a 1986 travel trailer. Thanks in advance for your advice ~ We RV'ers really appreciate what you do !!!
I have a Dometic RM 2620 4 years old. Turned it on Friday cooled right down. Fairly hot out it gets very cold. Was very careful to not run it out of level, parked it Monday, last night it was still ice cold. Then this morning it has stopped working. Flue still hot but pipes ice cold. What would cause this? A blockage? How would the blockage occur if it had just been running great and was definitely not out of level. Thanks! Great videos!
How can I find out if the piping system contains ammonium / hydrogen. Is there a port to review such a thing. How long should the fridge be working to know if it is operating.
Do you mean that the evaporator can be repaired and that replacing the cooling coil is NOT necessary? Just want to make sure I understand you ~ Thanks !
I am receiving a code five on my Norcold refrigerator. I have reset it several times and after a few minutes to a few days it shuts down to the code 5 again. The unit is level and i have replaced the circuit board. What do i do next?
Great videos, very informative. Is it possible to change a heating element with the refrigerator in place? My sisters Dometic RM2852 element is bad and pulling 6.4 amps (768 watts)this thing is cooking and tripping the thermal limit switch. Any suggestions?
gypsyman1967, First wear safety glasses. Sometimes there is enough room in the RV that you can change the heat element. If the H/E is sized up in the H/E sleeve and you cant remove it. DO NOT FORCE IT. Applying force could rupture the cooling unit. This could be very bad. There is a H/E sleeve next to the other one use it for the replacement H/E. GBYAY
Lou Dibello, from what you are describing, there is not a blockage. I will need more information to assist you. If you wish you are welcome to call or email me. You kind find our contact information at our web site. Thank you for your nice comment and you are quite welcome. GBYAY, Roger
Does the freezer require the plastic cover over the screws for proper operation? My freezer is missing that, but works great, but the fridge doesn't cool at all.
Thank you so much! Very in depth video s ! Have a dometic frig that has power at plug board and fuses look good so is the element possibly the problem ? If I slide it out as your 1st video shows what do I need to see on volt meter, just continuity? God Bless and thanks again will them up subscribe, and visit websight
To keep up with what is going on with the RV industry, RV owners, campgrounds and international news. Go to rvdailyreport.com and subscribe. Tell Greg Gerber we said hi. GBYAY
I have received information that the unit should always be on even if the rv will be parked for one or more months. My theory is that if the unit is turned off and defrosted for a week or more that it should be off and the doors open. What is your advise that I will take and use? Thanks for your time.
I have a norcold refrigerator that just all of a sudden quit working. I have power and there are no error codes so I'm not sure why it's not cooling. Any suggestions?? I turned the unit off and going to leave it off for a couple hours and then turn it back on to see if that solves the problem. I turned it on propane mode and it seems to be working that way. I only had it on for a couple hours but it seems to be cooling that way, but I'd rather have it on electric to save propane.
What temperature does the ammonia and water boil? I was wondering if it would be possible in theory to cool your house using the heat in the attic. My attic gets to 120 - 130 degrees in upstate NY. Great video, I would like to meet the guy who thought that tubing system up. Great video. My cousin bought a house with a natural gas powered whole house air conditioner, it ran for decades, then there was a problem and no one knew how to fix it, so it got replaced with a compressor, too bad.
where is dc fuse between battery and norcold 61. my red light will not turn on for power, checked convertor panel fuses, all good. Is dc fuse for frig. inside module box?
I have an old 1989 Model Norcold Frig in my 1989 Winnebago. Not long ago someone tried to steel my Refrigerator. They did not take it but they cut the gas lines and unplugged all the wires. I replaced a fuse at the rear but I do not know where the black wires or the yellow ones go. The box has (J) numbers at the rear like J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6,. The box has DC and AC contacts also. The front of the Frig has Auto, DC, and Gas. I do not want to take a guess and fry something in the process.
great videos I have a domadic fridge that runs on 110 and pro pane but the issue I have cant figure out is when its off it will drane my battery bank dead in no time ... WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT COULD BE DOING THIS ? I HAD TO PULL THE 12 VOLT FUSE THANKS MUCH
Terry Russell, there is no compressor or fans on these units to speed up the cooling process. Due to gravity and the way they are made, it requires that amount of time for the chemicals to circulate through the cycle to create the cooling. Absorption is the perfect marriage for the RV but owners do need to start them up the day before they are needed. We recommend that your food be cold when you put it in the refrigerator and frozen before putting in the freezer compartment. GBYAY!
Roger, it's a Dometic 2862. Some freezers seem to have a freezer plate, whereas mine just seems to be missing a plastic cover over the screws. Could mine be missing a freezer plate?
Presently, these are the videos we have available. There are more in the works but it will be winter before we get anything else up. rvrefrigeration.com/diy-videos GBYAY!
Hello, I have a 1973 Dometic rv fridge/ freezer, Pilot looks good on propane, electric heating element has power when on electric setting, but not cooling. do you think its the thermostat? it doesnt work no matter what thermostat is set at. if it is thermostat, can it be cleaned or do you think it needs to be replaced? Thanks
Hello Brian B. The first thing you need to do is follow the instructions in FRVTS Video 9. After doing so, let us know the results and we can go from there. Thanks for posting & GBYAY!
Hello Kristi M! We try to keep up with the threads on a weekly basis. Sometimes we get so busy with training and service that it takes us a little longer to answer all the questions but we will be happy to assist you if we can do so from here. GBYAY!
@@FordRVRefrigeration Thank you! Well, after a lot of research on RU-vid and trying everything under the sun, I happened upon a video about "burping your RV refrigerator," which entails turning the refrigerator upside down and letting it sit there a few hours (or days) in the hopes that the ammonia based cooling agent will circulate and in the process, clear out any sediment that may have formed...which is apparently somewhat common with these types of RV and marine refrigerators. Wow! That was a long run on sentence. Anyway, I tried it and it worked! I turned it upside down and immediately could hear the fluid circulating. I left it upside down for an hour and then put it on its side for 30 mins and then upside down again for another 30 mins or so. When I turned it right side up, I powered it on by DC (it still wouldn't power up by AC alone). But it got fully cold in a few hours!. It is still being powered by DC but when my son gets back he is going to disconnect the DC and see if it will remain powered on by AC alone. I read somewhere in the manual something about this fridge needing to first be powered on by DC and then it will switch to AC. Anyway, the "burping" actually worked and I was SO happy!!
PLEASE SHARE TO HELP OTHERS! Don’t be a parts changer save money, time and frustration. Learn proper DIY troubleshooting and repair with DOMETIC and NORCOLD service manuals or DIY videos. Go to - rvrefrigeration.com/diy-rv-refrig-videos/
Is it possible to cool a1500sq ft home using this absorption technology? If so How big would the unit be and could it be powered by magnifying the sunlight? I'm asking as I live in the south and would be nice having cooler home without increasing my electric bill. Thank You for your input.
My friend and I was discussing this the other day and we decided that it would be best to keep the entire unit outside. Then it would utilize some sort of heat exchanger to remove the heat from the interior and prevent ammonia out should the system develop a leak. Still does not protect the neighbors from it. Are there other kinds of evaporative coolers/chillers that do not use ammonia?
Here's the thing Dan, Roger and Anna Lee (sp?) have invested a lot of years, their time, sweat and money learning what they know and built. They have a State licensed and Accredited Training Center, as I understand it. Now if they give away to many lessons for free then why should anyone need to take their training? Cheers
Hi, What is the typical life span of these refrigerator? We have 6 year old propane freg that is not cooing well, is there a common problem when this happens? Do leaks commonly occur at the heat element? Thank you
EurekaRecycler, Many Cooling units that we have reconditioned have lasted over 20 years. For the last few years the most common leak is at the boiler. Be safe and GBYAY
My wife and I have a 1977 Vanguard truck camper with Dometic three-way refrigerator. The fridge is original, 40 years old and still running! I don't know if this is typical or unusual. But I'm sure happy I don't need to replace it yet.
Hello majorheavyhat, I don't believe you are missing a freezer plate. However, if you want to call me, please feel free. Contact information is at our website. GBYAY, Roger