Propane refrigerator stopped working after parking on a hill.

[TMG51]

I know these things don't work when off level. I didn't know running them off level can break them. At least that's what appears to have occurred with mine. It's 17 years old and has always worked great for me. I was parked on a steep hill the other day with it running and it's been running for days since then and won't get cold - gets kinda chilly, but not cold like it should.

Near as I figure no ammonia has escaped. Anything simple I try to make it work again? I've heard of taking them out and turning them upside down. If I need to take it out I'm probably just gonna buy a DC compressor refrigerator honestly. Just checking before I shell out $500+ for one.

 

[jimindenver]

We use to flip them for 24 hours and fire them up. If they worked ok but it's a temporary thing.

 

[DannyB1954]

If the ammonia escaped, you would know it for sure. Very toxic stuff. When you buy ammonia in a store, it is diluted with water down to about 5% The stuff in the reefer is a lot more concentrated. I would give the upside down method. This may remix the chemicals that got improperly separated. You are going to be taking it out anyway.

 

[SternWake]

Yep , running off level is cumulative damage on an absorption fridge.

You can flip it upside down,and/or lightly tappy tap all the coolant line plumbing and get it to work again, but the how well and for how long is the unknown question only you can answer.

If it does not respond or done not respond well enough, and you line the propane factor, the cooling unit can be replaced, but for not much cheaper than a new absorption fridge that is likely not made as well as the 30 year original and will require more 12v power to run the controls. Some of these newer absorption fridges 12v controls consume 17Ah in 24 hours. Id say 60% of the time that is more than my 12v compressor fridge consumes.

Look into the Amish cooling units for absorption fridges. I hear they are made well, But since you have solar, and will be parking off level in the future, a 12vDC compressor fridge might make more sense.

 

[poncho62]

Have you shut it off for a couple of days and drove around some? What has happened when it is running off level is that the small lines have plugged and the ammonia cant get back to the bottom. Letting it settle for a few days (or doing the flip thing) may get it going again

 

[wagoneer]

I am in the same position fridge wise with a working 24 year old fridge but tired of the propane aspect. Seriously considering mounting a compressor chest on a slide out to replace the upright Dometic.

 

[Willy]

I am in the same position fridge wise with a working 24 year old fridge but tired of the propane aspect. Seriously considering mounting a compressor chest on a slide out to replace the upright Dometic.

 I'd say that's your best bet right there.. and you can make a few bux by selling the old unit on Craigslist. ..Willy.