Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Fridge again
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge again [message #257784 is a reply to message #257768] |
Mon, 04 August 2014 14:52   |
Steve Jess
Messages: 169
Registered: April 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Ron,
Some of us see a water heater. But in my case, with a Dometic installed by a PO, I see the coils and such. However, I am often disappointed in my fridge's ability to keep cold on hot days, and I'm thinking it might work better if air was forced over the coils and out the top vent more efficiently. The PO installed a fan system that has since stopped working.
Steve Jess - Aguanga, CA
1977 GMC Palm Beach "The DreamLiner"The 10,000 pound antique Home Theater with plumbing
> To: Gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2014 10:50:23 -0700
> From: rallymaster@juno.com
> Subject: [GMCnet] Fridge again
>
>
> When you lift the outside vent door on a coach with an absorbtion fridge,
> do you see sheetmetal or refrigerator works (coils and such)? What make
> fridge?
>
> Thanks,
>
> RonC
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge again [message #257807 is a reply to message #257768] |
Mon, 04 August 2014 18:56 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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Senior Member |
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My Norcold 663 is the same, coils and boiler unit. I think all absorption fridges are that way. Not positive though.
Does having a fan to draw out the heat really make these perform better?
If so that is certainly something I am interested in trying.
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge again [message #257825 is a reply to message #257807] |
Mon, 04 August 2014 20:52 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Improving the air flow out the vent will really help out the absorption process. I have used a small computer fan directly driving the hot air out the top. I have also used a small 110v fan for the same air movement. Improving the chimney air flow will go a long way to improving cooling.
Tom, MS II with redesigned chimney
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge again [message #257834 is a reply to message #257825] |
Mon, 04 August 2014 21:43 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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Senior Member |
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tphipps wrote on Mon, 04 August 2014 18:52Improving the air flow out the vent will really help out the absorption process. I have used a small computer fan directly driving the hot air out the top. I have also used a small 110v fan for the same air movement. Improving the chimney air flow will go a long way to improving cooling.
Tom, MS II with redesigned chimney
I am going to try it. Trying to think of the right fan to use though, has to withstand the elements and be low amp draw.
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge again [message #257840 is a reply to message #257807] |
Mon, 04 August 2014 22:40 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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lotsofspareparts wrote on Mon, 04 August 2014 17:56My Norcold 663 is the same, coils and boiler unit. I think all absorption fridges are that way. Not positive though.
Does having a fan to draw out the heat really make these perform better?
If so that is certainly something I am interested in trying.
Jared
Ventilation on the backside of these units can determine whether they work at all and whether they work great. Normally you don't need a fan on the coils but you need to look at the entire venting system. I would google RV refrigerator venting and you will learn a lot.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge again [message #257844 is a reply to message #257840] |
Mon, 04 August 2014 22:48 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Bob de Kruyff wrote on Mon, 04 August 2014 20:40lotsofspareparts wrote on Mon, 04 August 2014 17:56My Norcold 663 is the same, coils and boiler unit. I think all absorption fridges are that way. Not positive though.
Does having a fan to draw out the heat really make these perform better?
If so that is certainly something I am interested in trying.
Jared
Ventilation on the backside of these units can determine whether they work at all and whether they work great. Normally you don't need a fan on the coils but you need to look at the entire venting system. I would google RV refrigerator venting and you will learn a lot.
Bob is correct. If you download and take a look at the installation instructions for a Norcold absorption refrigerator, they will show you the preferred baffle construction for the back of the fridge compartment. I also added a couple of solar powered computer fans in the upper vent to help with the convection. I can't say how much difference the fans make, but I like to think they help. By powering them with a small solar panel, they come on when needed and don't drain my house batteries when dry camping.
Here's how I did it: http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5863-norcold-refrigerator-installation.html
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] Fridge again [message #257851 is a reply to message #257844] |
Tue, 05 August 2014 00:14 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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It is important to insulate the outside wall as it does get hot and thus
heat the cooling air traveling up the upper vent.
Since the new unit is deeper, you'll need to relocate the top vent closer
to the edge of the roof.
There are newer style and larger streamlined vents we sell that will get
rid of the camper appearance.
Our web site also has the 12 volt refrigerator fans.
On Mon, Aug 4, 2014 at 8:49 PM, Carl Stouffer wrote:
> Bob de Kruyff wrote on Mon, 04 August 2014 20:40
>> lotsofspareparts wrote on Mon, 04 August 2014 17:56
>>> My Norcold 663 is the same, coils and boiler unit. I think all
> absorption fridges are that way. Not positive though.
>>>
>>> Does having a fan to draw out the heat really make these perform
> better?
>>>
>>> If so that is certainly something I am interested in trying.
>>>
>>> Jared
>>
>> Ventilation on the backside of these units can determine whether they
> work at all and whether they work great. Normally you don't need a fan on
>> the coils but you need to look at the entire venting system. I would
> google RV refrigerator venting and you will learn a lot.
>
>
> Bob is correct. If you download and take a look at the installation
> instructions for a Norcold absorption refrigerator, they will show you the
> preferred baffle construction for the back of the fridge compartment. I
> also added a couple of solar powered computer fans in the upper vent to help
> with the convection. I can't say how much difference the fans make, but I
> like to think they help. By powering them with a small solar panel, they
> come on when needed and don't drain my house batteries when dry camping.
>
> Here's how I did it:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5863-norcold-refrigerator-installation.html
>
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge [message #362226 is a reply to message #257768] |
Fri, 05 February 2021 11:47 |
Randy Hecht
Messages: 93
Registered: March 2019
Location: Roswell, GA
Karma: -5
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Member |
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Any specifics on the electrical fire issues inside the engine compartment, most common ones and recommendations to improve or upgrade to prevent?
As to transmission lines, same type of question, steel flex lines? Heat shielding/deflector?
Agree fully with fire suppression system need to be in engine compartment and generator compartment.
Thanks
Randy Hecht
Roswell, GA
1974 Canyon Lakes GMC Motor-coach
> On Feb 5, 2021, at 12:32, James Hupy via Gmclist wrote:
>
> I have repaired fire damage in several GMC coaches. From what I have seen
> personally, electrical fires in the 12 volt systems lead the list, next
> comes flexible fuel lines combined with plastic see-through fuel filters,
> and lastly comes transmission fluid leaks sprayed onto hot exhaust systems.
> I haven't dealt with any propane fires, but I always check the compartments
> for combustible materials.
> Onboard fire suppression in the engine compartment, fridge
> compartment, and Onan generator compartment are a very wise addition, as
> well. Jim Bounds as well as Applied GMC both have very good systems for
> sale.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
>> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021, 9:14 AM Todd Sullivan via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> As to Ken Bs post, most of the GMC fires I have seen or heard about started
>> in the engine bay with a fuel or electrical fire.
>>
>> Sully
>> Bellevue wa
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021 at 7:41 AM Ken Burton via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>>> I really think you are over thinking this a little bit. First do NOT
>>> drill holes in the refrigerator cabinet floor. The refrigerator is
>>> technically
>>> outside air while underneath the floor is a cabinet and inside air. With
>>> holes, if you had a leak there would be a path to dump propane inside the
>>> coach.
>>>
>>> I have propane a powered refrigerator and I love it. I have had both
>>> Norcold and Dometic brands and would never consider electric. If fire in
>>> the
>>> refrigerator is bothering you place an automatic fire extinguisher in the
>>> refrigerator cabinet screwed to the floor. Jim K has some that would
>> work
>>> well.
>>>
>>> Do not forget the other things in your coach, like the main engine, the
>>> onan, the gas stove and the furnace. They all have the potential of
>>> catching
>>> fire. I would worry about the Onan and main engine followed by the
>>> furnace, stove, and finally the refrigerator. This is from someone who
>> has
>>> had a
>>> fire and won fighting it. In my case the main engine caught fire and
>>> caused over 10K in damage.
>>> --
>>> Ken Burton - N9KB
>>> 76 Palm Beach
>>> Hebron, Indiana
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge [message #362229 is a reply to message #362226] |
Fri, 05 February 2021 13:58 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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One 12 volt fire was caused by a combination of things. The battery box
floor was rusted through, allowing the batteries to slide forward and tip
towards the ground. The second thing was that the wrong batteries were
installed in the coach by Les Shwabs in Wilsonville, Oregon. They were dual
post style batteries and the front posts were unprotected from making
contact with the front lighting harness for the headlights. The installer
used bungee cords for hold downs, that were loose enough to allow the
batteries to move around. Because all the electrical grounds are shunted
back to the common electrical ground on the coach, when the batteries made
contact with the headlight harness, a dead short occured through the
electrical harness. A melted conductor in the harness did the rest. It
destroyed the harness, the dimmer switch, both headlights, the horns, the
headlamp switch and more stuff. The coach owner grabbed the red hot harness
with his bare hands and burned the heck out of them. Took me 2 months to
find all the burned out stuff, and to make a new harness and get rid of the
fire fighting chemicals.
Jim Hupy
Sale., Oregon
On Fri, Feb 5, 2021, 9:48 AM Randy Hecht via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Any specifics on the electrical fire issues inside the engine compartment,
> most common ones and recommendations to improve or upgrade to prevent?
>
> As to transmission lines, same type of question, steel flex lines? Heat
> shielding/deflector?
>
> Agree fully with fire suppression system need to be in engine compartment
> and generator compartment.
>
> Thanks
>
>
> Randy Hecht
> Roswell, GA
>
> 1974 Canyon Lakes GMC Motor-coach
>
>
>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 12:32, James Hupy via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> I have repaired fire damage in several GMC coaches. From what I have
> seen
>> personally, electrical fires in the 12 volt systems lead the list, next
>> comes flexible fuel lines combined with plastic see-through fuel filters,
>> and lastly comes transmission fluid leaks sprayed onto hot exhaust
> systems.
>> I haven't dealt with any propane fires, but I always check the
> compartments
>> for combustible materials.
>> Onboard fire suppression in the engine compartment, fridge
>> compartment, and Onan generator compartment are a very wise addition, as
>> well. Jim Bounds as well as Applied GMC both have very good systems for
>> sale.
>> Jim Hupy
>> Salem, Oregon
>>
>>> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021, 9:14 AM Todd Sullivan via Gmclist >> gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> As to Ken Bs post, most of the GMC fires I have seen or heard about
> started
>>> in the engine bay with a fuel or electrical fire.
>>>
>>> Sully
>>> Bellevue wa
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021 at 7:41 AM Ken Burton via Gmclist >> gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I really think you are over thinking this a little bit. First do NOT
>>>> drill holes in the refrigerator cabinet floor. The refrigerator is
>>>> technically
>>>> outside air while underneath the floor is a cabinet and inside air.
> With
>>>> holes, if you had a leak there would be a path to dump propane inside
> the
>>>> coach.
>>>>
>>>> I have propane a powered refrigerator and I love it. I have had both
>>>> Norcold and Dometic brands and would never consider electric. If fire
> in
>>>> the
>>>> refrigerator is bothering you place an automatic fire extinguisher in
> the
>>>> refrigerator cabinet screwed to the floor. Jim K has some that would
>>> work
>>>> well.
>>>>
>>>> Do not forget the other things in your coach, like the main engine, the
>>>> onan, the gas stove and the furnace. They all have the potential of
>>>> catching
>>>> fire. I would worry about the Onan and main engine followed by the
>>>> furnace, stove, and finally the refrigerator. This is from someone who
>>> has
>>>> had a
>>>> fire and won fighting it. In my case the main engine caught fire and
>>>> caused over 10K in damage.
>>>> --
>>>> Ken Burton - N9KB
>>>> 76 Palm Beach
>>>> Hebron, Indiana
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge [message #362241 is a reply to message #362229] |
Fri, 05 February 2021 18:19 |
Randy Hecht
Messages: 93
Registered: March 2019
Location: Roswell, GA
Karma: -5
|
Member |
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|
Thanks, I for one am going to go and inspect my coach, ensure proper mounting, and may add a non-conductive shield between the batteries and any wiring just in case or an accident causes a situation. Sort of the Ford fix to the Pinto rear axle and fuel tank.
Randy Hecht
Roswell, GA
1974 Canyon Lakes GMC Motor-coach
> On Feb 5, 2021, at 14:59, James Hupy via Gmclist wrote:
>
> One 12 volt fire was caused by a combination of things. The battery box
> floor was rusted through, allowing the batteries to slide forward and tip
> towards the ground. The second thing was that the wrong batteries were
> installed in the coach by Les Shwabs in Wilsonville, Oregon. They were dual
> post style batteries and the front posts were unprotected from making
> contact with the front lighting harness for the headlights. The installer
> used bungee cords for hold downs, that were loose enough to allow the
> batteries to move around. Because all the electrical grounds are shunted
> back to the common electrical ground on the coach, when the batteries made
> contact with the headlight harness, a dead short occured through the
> electrical harness. A melted conductor in the harness did the rest. It
> destroyed the harness, the dimmer switch, both headlights, the horns, the
> headlamp switch and more stuff. The coach owner grabbed the red hot harness
> with his bare hands and burned the heck out of them. Took me 2 months to
> find all the burned out stuff, and to make a new harness and get rid of the
> fire fighting chemicals.
> Jim Hupy
> Sale., Oregon
>
>> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021, 9:48 AM Randy Hecht via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Any specifics on the electrical fire issues inside the engine compartment,
>> most common ones and recommendations to improve or upgrade to prevent?
>>
>> As to transmission lines, same type of question, steel flex lines? Heat
>> shielding/deflector?
>>
>> Agree fully with fire suppression system need to be in engine compartment
>> and generator compartment.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>>
>> Randy Hecht
>> Roswell, GA
>>
>> 1974 Canyon Lakes GMC Motor-coach
>>
>>
>>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 12:32, James Hupy via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> I have repaired fire damage in several GMC coaches. From what I have
>> seen
>>> personally, electrical fires in the 12 volt systems lead the list, next
>>> comes flexible fuel lines combined with plastic see-through fuel filters,
>>> and lastly comes transmission fluid leaks sprayed onto hot exhaust
>> systems.
>>> I haven't dealt with any propane fires, but I always check the
>> compartments
>>> for combustible materials.
>>> Onboard fire suppression in the engine compartment, fridge
>>> compartment, and Onan generator compartment are a very wise addition, as
>>> well. Jim Bounds as well as Applied GMC both have very good systems for
>>> sale.
>>> Jim Hupy
>>> Salem, Oregon
>>>
>>>> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021, 9:14 AM Todd Sullivan via Gmclist >>> gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> As to Ken Bs post, most of the GMC fires I have seen or heard about
>> started
>>>> in the engine bay with a fuel or electrical fire.
>>>>
>>>> Sully
>>>> Bellevue wa
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021 at 7:41 AM Ken Burton via Gmclist >>> gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> > I really think you are over thinking this a little bit. First do NOT
>>>> > drill holes in the refrigerator cabinet floor. The refrigerator is
>>>> > technically
>>>> > outside air while underneath the floor is a cabinet and inside air.
>> With
>>>> > holes, if you had a leak there would be a path to dump propane inside
>> the
>>>> > coach.
>>>> >
>>>> > I have propane a powered refrigerator and I love it. I have had both
>>>> > Norcold and Dometic brands and would never consider electric. If fire
>> in
>>>> > the
>>>> > refrigerator is bothering you place an automatic fire extinguisher in
>> the
>>>> > refrigerator cabinet screwed to the floor. Jim K has some that would
>>>> work
>>>> > well.
>>>> >
>>>> > Do not forget the other things in your coach, like the main engine, the
>>>> > onan, the gas stove and the furnace. They all have the potential of
>>>> > catching
>>>> > fire. I would worry about the Onan and main engine followed by the
>>>> > furnace, stove, and finally the refrigerator. This is from someone who
>>>> has
>>>> > had a
>>>> > fire and won fighting it. In my case the main engine caught fire and
>>>> > caused over 10K in damage.
>>>> > --
>>>> > Ken Burton - N9KB
>>>> > 76 Palm Beach
>>>> > Hebron, Indiana
>>>> >
>>>> > _______________________________________________
>>>> > GMCnet mailing list
>>>> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>> >
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fridge again [message #362260 is a reply to message #257768] |
Sun, 07 February 2021 10:15 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
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Have a look at the new Norcold 12 - 24 - 110 volt refrigerators. They use a compressor and draw way less current than an absorption one. No propane, no open flame, much less worry.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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