norcold 3 way fridge

[bearsden]

When using my fridge on gas, to fire it up you need to push and hold the primer button for 15 seconds before releasing it to the running position.  As soon as you let go, it goes out.  Currently I have to wedge the button down to keep it lit.  
 
Does anyone have any ideas on what to look for.  We have a 2000 Coleman Mesa w/Norcold 3 way fri ge
 
Thank you for your help!!   :confused:

[pershingd]

Sounds like a bad thermocouple to me.

The thermocouple is a safety device that is designed to turn the gas off in the event that the flame is blown out. It should be a fairly easy repair -just remove the old one and replace with a new one.

Do you have the owner's manual for the fridge that has the diagrams of the unit?

If not, I have the info on mine (Norcold 323) and I can scan the relevant pages and e-mail them to you if you would like.

David

[bearsden]

Sounds like a bad thermocouple to me.
 
The thermocouple is a safety device that is designed to turn the gas off in the event that the flame is blown out. It should be a fairly easy repair -just remove the old one and replace with a new one.
 
Do you have the owner's manual for the fridge that has the diagrams of the unit?
 
If not, I have the info on mine (Norcold 323) and I can scan the relevant pages and e-mail them to you if you would like.
 
David

That would be great if you could send a copy of that manual out to me so I can see what makes this thing tick and preform the surgery on it. We are going away tuesday or wednesday of next week and I would like to have this fixed prior to our trip.
 
thanks again...Dennis e-mail me at denSDmenace@msn.com ("denSDmenace@msn.com")

[tlhdoc]

You need to hold the button down for 15 to 30 seconds after the flame lights.  The thermocupler has to have time to get hot, to keep the gas flowing.

[pershingd]

I've looked everywhere and can't find a diagram.  :mad:

Here's a link to a site that describes the thermocouple's operation:
http://www.rverscorner.com/rvthermocouple.html

I'll go out and take a good look at my unit tomorrow and post some instructions about how I would do it.

David

[pershingd]

Ok - after looking at the unit in my Jayco, I no longer think this is a simple job.  

The end of the thermocouple that is in the flame is retained in a bracket that is held by one screw. Remove the screw and that end of the thermocouple is free.

The end that connects to the gas control, however, is a different story. The connection is made on the backside of the gas control. There is very little room to get in there to remove it and reinstall the new one. If might be easier if you completely remove the fridge from the pup, but I'm not sure I'd want to tackle that one.

In the end, it might be worth contacting the rv service centers in your area and see if they can squeeze you in before your trip. Continuing to wedge the knob down so the gas stays on is not safe. If the flame were to blow out while you were sleeping, propane would continue to flow and possibly collect in/under the pup. The first spark would bring your trip to a tragic end.

I apologize for the bad news.

David