NorCold RV Fridge

[Adirondack Bob]

Hey Guys,  A friend of mine has a NorCold Fridge in his camping trailer that is not getting cold. Model# 838EG2  Serial # 2691A. Electronic Ignition. On the propane setting, the flame burns well and he can actually hear the gas circulating through the coils. On 120 volt setting the heater gets warm. The unit has Ammonia in it instead of Freon. Is it possible/economical to have someone recharge it?  Thank You, Bob

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Do you hear a percolating sound in the boiler pack kinda like a coffee percolator? If so, the cooling unit has leaked and will need to be replaced.

[Adirondack Bob]

Thanks Samurai, I think the peculating is what he described. I will find out and post back... Thanks, Bob

[Adirondack Bob]

Good Evening, The unit does in fact have a loud peculating sound. I have found a rebuilt cooling unit for $485.00. They will subtract $100.00 with core. Pretty expensive but a new RV fridge is $1245.00. Thanks for the help Samurai, Bob

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Gotta watch out for those rebuilds-- some are just patched but not rust-proofed and will soon leak again at another spot. I used to strip 'em down completely, take off all the urethane foam, sandblast, repair, recharge, leak check, then rust-proof and repaint. If these units aren't done this way, then they're not rebuilt, they're just repaired.

Also ask about their guarantee and how long they've been in bidness; a warranty is only as good as the company giving it.

[Adirondack Bob]

Thanks for the heads up. Very good point. That is why you are the master. I will definitely found out about the rebuild process that's used, especially since there seems to be quite a few companies offering the rebuilt units. Thanks, Bob