Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255108 is a reply to message #255099] |
Fri, 11 July 2014 19:27   |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Hello,
I put one in my coach a few years ago. I had to cut the top of the cabinet
to make it higher by about and inch. The newer Norcold is taller and narrower
than the original. I also had to remove the cabinet from the wall and add a propane
line from the back. Then I made a sheet metal encloser to direct the cooling air
around the back of the refrigerator to the roof. I also added more insulation
on the sides of the cabinet. The sheet metal protects the urethane foam on the side
of the coach from the heat of the refrigerator flue. And it also protects the wood
cabinet.
The Norcold installation manual shows how much clearance there should be
at the back of the refrigerator. If I recall, the cooling unit tubes should be
about 1 inch from the outside surface to direct airflow.
I also added some +12V roof vent fans to speed up the airflow in hot weather.
I only turn them on occasionally. My roof vent is towards the middle of the
refrigerator. So I had to make a slight bend in the sheet metal to direct
the air over the top of the refrigerator. In hindsight, it would be better
to move the roof vent towards the side of the coach, for better airflow.
Regards,
Bill
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255124 is a reply to message #255099] |
Fri, 11 July 2014 22:39 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I installed a Norcold 641 3-way, about three years ago and did a photo album on it:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5863-norcold-refrigerator-installation.html
We are very happy with it. Yes, the opening in our '75 GMC upfitted coach had to be raised about an inch and narrowed down about an inch I pretty much did it all, including the baffle in the rear, with 1/2" "Warm Wall" foam board from Lowes and aluminum tape. I later added a 3/4" X 3/4" piece all around the front to b ring it out just a little.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255125 is a reply to message #255099] |
Fri, 11 July 2014 22:42 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I installed a Norcold 641 3-way, about three years ago and did a photo album on it:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5863-norcold-refrigerator-installation.html
We are very happy with it. Yes, the top of opening in our '75 GMC upfitted coach had to be raised about an inch and the sides narrowed down about an inch I pretty much did it all, including the baffle in the rear, using 1/2" "Warm Wall" foam board from Lowes and aluminum tape. I later added a 3/4" X 3/4" piece all around the front to bring it out just a little.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255126 is a reply to message #255099] |
Fri, 11 July 2014 22:44 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I installed a Norcold 641 3-way, about three years ago and did a photo album on it:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5863-norcold-refrigerator-installation.html
We are very happy with it. Yes, the top of opening in our '75 GMC upfitted coach had to be raised about an inch and the sides narrowed down about an inch I pretty much did it all, including the baffle in the rear, using 1/2" "Warm Wall" foam board from Lowes and aluminum tape. I later added a 3/4" X 3/4" piece all around the front to bring it out just a little.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255128 is a reply to message #255099] |
Sat, 12 July 2014 00:05 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Ron, your coach has all the correct sheet metal installed.
Jim Hupy
On Jul 11, 2014 10:03 PM, wrote:
>
> Do you have a picture or diagram for the added sheet metal for directing
> the cooling air at the back of the fridge?
>
> Thanks,
>
> RonC
>
> On Fri, 11 Jul 2014 18:27:57 -0600 Bill Wevers writes:
>> Hello,
>> I put one in my coach a few years ago. I had to cut the top of the
>> cabinet
>> to make it higher by about and inch. The newer Norcold is taller and
>> narrower
>> than the original. I also had to remove the cabinet from the wall
>> and add a propane
>> line from the back. Then I made a sheet metal encloser to direct the
>> cooling air
>> around the back of the refrigerator to the roof. I also added more
>> insulation
>> on the sides of the cabinet. The sheet metal protects the urethane
>> foam on the side
>> of the coach from the heat of the refrigerator flue. And it also
>> protects the wood
>> cabinet.
>>
>> The Norcold installation manual shows how much clearance there
>> should be
>> at the back of the refrigerator. If I recall, the cooling unit tubes
>> should be
>> about 1 inch from the outside surface to direct airflow.
>>
>> I also added some +12V roof vent fans to speed up the airflow in hot
>> weather.
>> I only turn them on occasionally. My roof vent is towards the middle
>> of the
>> refrigerator. So I had to make a slight bend in the sheet metal to
>> direct
>> the air over the top of the refrigerator. In hindsight, it would be
>> better
>> to move the roof vent towards the side of the coach, for better
>> airflow.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Bill
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
> Ron & Linda Clark
> 1978 Eleganza II
> North Plains, ORYGUN
>
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255134 is a reply to message #255099] |
Sat, 12 July 2014 01:12 |
<rallymaster
Messages: 361
Registered: May 2014
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Fridge worked well between the time you installed it, and the beginning
of our trip to California. Unfortunately, after we left your house, with
our new 1 Ton front-end and rear brakes, on our way South, the Fridge
quit working. The gas burner was working, but the inside of the fridge
was in the mid-seventies. We turned the fridge off, and continued on to
our campground in CA. When I tried it on AC, it still didn't work, and
popped the hi-limit switch that was part of their band-aid recall that
they also installed on all new units before they were sold. You were
gone, when we got back, so we took it to Camping World (Olinger RV sales)
in Hillsboro. I explained what had happened, and that it was still under
warranty, but they tried to do it under the recall, which, of course
didn't include that unit. I asked if they were sure it was only the
switch, and was told that they had jumpered the switch, and the fridge
then worked. The next week, they said the factory sent them the wrong
part, then, when it did come, they replaced the hi-limit switch, but it
still didn't work. Actually, they hadn't even ordered the switch at that
time. They bleeped around with it for about two months and finally said
they made all the tests that Norcold told them to, and all the test
results were correct, so they quit trying to diagnose the problem and
told us they COULDN'T do anything more with it, because it they didn't
install it, and it wasn't installed correctly. By that time the year
warranty period was up. I think they only flat-out lied to me 4 times.
Needless to say we don't do business with Hillsboro Olinger/Camping World
anymore.
Monday, I'll try calling Norcold, and see what happens.
Ron
On Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:05:18 -0700 James Hupy
writes:
> Ron, your coach has all the correct sheet metal installed.
> Jim Hupy
> On Jul 11, 2014 10:03 PM, wrote:
>>>
>> Ron & Linda Clark
>> 1978 Eleganza II
>> North Plains, ORYGUN
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255141 is a reply to message #255134] |
Sat, 12 July 2014 07:47 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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<rallymaster wrote on Sat, 12 July 2014 02:12
Fridge worked well between the time you installed it, and the beginning of our trip to California. Unfortunately, after we left your house, with
our new 1 Ton front-end and rear brakes, on our way South, the Fridge quit working. The gas burner was working, but the inside of the fridge
was in the mid-seventies. We turned the fridge off, and continued on to our campground in CA. When I tried it on AC, it still didn't work, and
popped the hi-limit switch that was part of their band-aid recall that they also installed on all new units before they were sold. You were
gone, when we got back, so we took it to Camping World (Olinger RV sales) in Hillsboro. I explained what had happened, and that it was still under warranty, but they tried to do it under the recall, which, of course didn't include that unit. I asked if they were sure it was only the
switch, and was told that they had jumpered the switch, and the fridge then worked. The next week, they said the factory sent them the wrong
part, then, when it did come, they replaced the hi-limit switch, but it still didn't work. Actually, they hadn't even ordered the switch at that
time. They bleeped around with it for about two months and finally said they made all the tests that Norcold told them to, and all the test
results were correct, so they quit trying to diagnose the problem and told us they COULDN'T do anything more with it, because it they didn't
install it, and it wasn't installed correctly. By that time the year warranty period was up. I think they only flat-out lied to me 4 times.
Needless to say we don't do business with Hillsboro Olinger/Camping World anymore.
Monday, I'll try calling Norcold, and see what happens.
Ron
Ron,
I hope you have this all documented. In Michigan (at least), warranty time stops accumulating when the original complaint is logged and is holding until the unit is deemed serviceable.
If this is the case in Oregon, you still have a warranty claim with Norcold. As Norcold is now in Dexter, Michigan. You may be able to roll over any Oregon statutes.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255146 is a reply to message #255099] |
Sat, 12 July 2014 08:51 |
Len Novak
Messages: 676
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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We looking at a Dometic rm3762rb as it has 7 cu ft of storage. This
assuming I can't resurrect the Norcold 833 this weekend. There was some
debate if the Dometic would fit.
Len and Pat
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule@Roadrunner.Com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of rallymaster@juno.com
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2014 3:38 PM
To: Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install
I remember a while back that several of us were talking about replacing our
current Norcold fridge with the Norcold 641. Did anyone do it, and what
mods, if any, did you have to make to do a working installation.
Thanks,
RonC
Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
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Len and Pat Novak
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Las Vegas, NV new email: B52sRule@Gmail.com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255147 is a reply to message #255134] |
Sat, 12 July 2014 09:15 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Ron, I don't think the way that camping world treated you was right or
ethical. Other R'S I have had personal experience with, namely Paul Hoge,
and John and Deb Harper have similar stories to tell. I would like an
opportunity to look into your fridge situation. I will be home most of
August. Is there a period of time that you are free to have me look at your
fridge?
Jim Hupy
On Jul 11, 2014 11:14 PM, wrote:
>
> Fridge worked well between the time you installed it, and the beginning
> of our trip to California. Unfortunately, after we left your house, with
> our new 1 Ton front-end and rear brakes, on our way South, the Fridge
> quit working. The gas burner was working, but the inside of the fridge
> was in the mid-seventies. We turned the fridge off, and continued on to
> our campground in CA. When I tried it on AC, it still didn't work, and
> popped the hi-limit switch that was part of their band-aid recall that
> they also installed on all new units before they were sold. You were
> gone, when we got back, so we took it to Camping World (Olinger RV sales)
> in Hillsboro. I explained what had happened, and that it was still under
> warranty, but they tried to do it under the recall, which, of course
> didn't include that unit. I asked if they were sure it was only the
> switch, and was told that they had jumpered the switch, and the fridge
> then worked. The next week, they said the factory sent them the wrong
> part, then, when it did come, they replaced the hi-limit switch, but it
> still didn't work. Actually, they hadn't even ordered the switch at that
> time. They bleeped around with it for about two months and finally said
> they made all the tests that Norcold told them to, and all the test
> results were correct, so they quit trying to diagnose the problem and
> told us they COULDN'T do anything more with it, because it they didn't
> install it, and it wasn't installed correctly. By that time the year
> warranty period was up. I think they only flat-out lied to me 4 times.
> Needless to say we don't do business with Hillsboro Olinger/Camping World
> anymore.
> Monday, I'll try calling Norcold, and see what happens.
>
> Ron
>
> On Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:05:18 -0700 James Hupy
> writes:
>> Ron, your coach has all the correct sheet metal installed.
>> Jim Hupy
>> On Jul 11, 2014 10:03 PM, wrote:
>>>>
>>> Ron & Linda Clark
>>> 1978 Eleganza II
>>> North Plains, ORYGUN
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
> Ron & Linda Clark
> 1978 Eleganza II
> North Plains, ORYGUN
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255155 is a reply to message #255134] |
Sat, 12 July 2014 10:29 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Senior Member |
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<rallymaster wrote on Sat, 12 July 2014 01:12Fridge worked well between the time you installed it, and the beginning of our trip to California. Unfortunately, after we left your house, with our new 1 Ton front-end and rear brakes, on our way South, the Fridge quit working. The gas burner was working, but the inside of the fridge was in the mid-seventies. We turned the fridge off, and continued on to our campground in CA. When I tried it on AC, it still didn't work, and popped the hi-limit switch that was part of their band-aid recall that they also installed on all new units before they were sold. You were gone, when we got back, so we took it to Camping World (Olinger RV sales) in Hillsboro. I explained what had happened, and that it was still under warranty, but they tried to do it under the recall, which, of course didn't include that unit. I asked if they were sure it was only the switch, and was told that they had jumpered the switch, and the fridge then worked. The next week, they said the factory sent them the wrong part, then, when it did come, they replaced the hi-limit switch, but it still didn't work. Actually, they hadn't even ordered the switch at that time. They bleeped around with it for about two months and finally said they made all the tests that Norcold told them to, and all the test results were correct, so they quit trying to diagnose the problem and told us they COULDN'T do anything more with it, because it they didn't
install it, and it wasn't installed correctly. By that time the year warranty period was up. I think they only flat-out lied to me 4 times.
Needless to say we don't do business with Hillsboro Olinger/Camping World anymore.
Monday, I'll try calling Norcold, and see what happens.
Ron Since the gas burner was working (and applying heat to the coils), running it on electricity would not be expected to work either. And basically says the magical fluid contained in the coils has escaped, or is not flowing properly. There are some things that MIGHT fix it, IIRC, standing it on its head for a day and then putting it upright for two days, or something like that. Other than that, the coil unit would have to be replaced, basically at a cost of a new fridge. Which is probably why the people you took it to are trying to avoid actually fixing it.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255164 is a reply to message #255134] |
Sat, 12 July 2014 12:55 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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<rallymaster wrote on Fri, 11 July 2014 23:12
Fridge worked well between the time you installed it, and the beginning
of our trip to California. Unfortunately, after we left your house, with
our new 1 Ton front-end and rear brakes, on our way South, the Fridge
quit working. The gas burner was working, but the inside of the fridge
was in the mid-seventies. We turned the fridge off, and continued on to
our campground in CA. When I tried it on AC, it still didn't work, and
popped the hi-limit switch that was part of their band-aid recall that
they also installed on all new units before they were sold. You were
gone, when we got back, so we took it to Camping World (Olinger RV sales)
in Hillsboro. I explained what had happened, and that it was still under
warranty, but they tried to do it under the recall, which, of course
didn't include that unit. I asked if they were sure it was only the
switch, and was told that they had jumpered the switch, and the fridge
then worked. The next week, they said the factory sent them the wrong
part, then, when it did come, they replaced the hi-limit switch, but it
still didn't work. Actually, they hadn't even ordered the switch at that
time. They bleeped around with it for about two months and finally said
they made all the tests that Norcold told them to, and all the test
results were correct, so they quit trying to diagnose the problem and
told us they COULDN'T do anything more with it, because it they didn't
install it, and it wasn't installed correctly. By that time the year
warranty period was up. I think they only flat-out lied to me 4 times.
Needless to say we don't do business with Hillsboro Olinger/Camping World
anymore.
Monday, I'll try calling Norcold, and see what happens.
Ron
On Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:05:18 -0700 James Hupy
writes:
> Ron, your coach has all the correct sheet metal installed.
> Jim Hupy
> On Jul 11, 2014 10:03 PM, wrote:
>>>
>> Ron & Linda Clark
[color=teal]>> 1978 Eleganza
Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
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GMCnet mailing list
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From what I understand the recall that was added to Dometic or norcold was to turn off the refer if the pipes were over heated mostly due to plugged up or badly restricted internals that can be caused from operating the refer off level. A friend's diesel pusher refer quit working in quartzite last winter I removed the recall to get it working till the Rv shop could get a new relay in this case is was a mater of the recall going bad. You might have better luck if you get Motorhome or FMCA magazine involved they will have better luck then you could on your own.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
[Updated on: Sat, 12 July 2014 15:09] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Norcold 641 Refrigerator install [message #255176 is a reply to message #255099] |
Sat, 12 July 2014 13:55 |
<rallymaster
Messages: 361
Registered: May 2014
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Mark, when I took it to CW, I described what happened, and suggested that
it was a refrigerant problem, and that it was still under warranty. They
insisted it was only the hi-limit switch that blew, so they eventually
ordered one and replaced it. They said that blew something else. CW
eventually performed the tests that Norcold told them to do, and they all
came up OK. (Or at least CW said they did) It still doesn't work and they
told me TS. Didn't even suggest getting the Chaplain to punch my TS card.
I tried it on AC at the campground to see if anything had changed due to
the highway bumps and bounces. I went to Norcold website and found that
it had a fault code list, and wanted to see if it displayed a fault code.
I didn't remember one showing up while I was messing with it while
running on LP.
Ron
>> Ron
> Since the gas burner was working (and applying heat to the coils),
> running it on electricity would not be expected to work either. And
> basically says
> the magical fluid contained in the coils has escaped, or is not
> flowing properly. There are some things that MIGHT fix it, IIRC,
> standing it on its
> head for a day and then putting it upright for two days, or
> something like that. Other than that, the coil unit would have to
> be replaced, basically
> at a cost of a new fridge. Which is probably why the people you
> took it to are trying to avoid actually fixing it.
> --
> '73 23' Sequoia For Sale
> '73 23' CanyonLands For Sale
> Upper Alabama
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
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