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Topic: Wind blows out frig when running on gas  (Read 352 times) previous topic - next topic
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Wind blows out frig when running on gas

WE are new owners of 2004 mid bath and we cannot keep the frig fired up when traveling on the highway.  we usually just turn on the generator because it wont stay on.  any quick fixes anyone knows about without having to take the frig out?
D C Frantz
2004 MB
Re: Wind blows out frig when running on gas
Reply #1 –
I would start by having the refrigerator serviced by a knowledgable tech. Make sure to have the propane pressure tested and set..
If original, a 14 year old refrigerator is living on borrowed time.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Wind blows out frig when running on gas
Reply #2 –
Quote from: D.C. Frantz  - 
We are new owners of 2004 mid bath ...

Welcome to the LDO Forum.  Congratulations on your new-to-you Lazy Daze.  When you get a chance perhaps you can share with us more information about yourself and your '04 MB?  Even attach a pic or two?  And looking forward to hearing about your travel adventures.

Regarding the refrigerator.  At the least, I'd start off by doing a basic cleaning of frig.  I use a brush and compressed air to blow dust and dirt out of the exterior of the frig to include the gas tube.   There's a whole bunch of Youtube videos on this cleaning procedure.

Finally, please allow me to introduce to you The Lazy Daze Companion , just in case you've not found this valuable on-line resource.    Hope this helps.
Re: Wind blows out frig when running on gas
Reply #3 –
   I have a friend with a 2001 MB; their 'frig' flame blows out only when moving. I believe way in the past someone mentioned here (or Yahoo) that he had that problem and had fixed it. Also a MB. I cleaned my friends 'frig' and checked the appearance of the flame. Didn't have a manifold pressure gauge that would work at that low of a pressure. I wonder if it might have something to do with airflow around the side, with the vent being so close to the front. They are on the east coast, but I wanted to experiment with a baffle inside the vent door to control for too much air flow through to the roof while at speed. 
   Has anybody else had this situation?
   Another option, for DC Frantz, and me if I could work on my friends 2001; the MB has a 400W inverter no longer used because the TV has been upgraded, (it has its own 200 W inverter now). It would have a relay, operated by the ignition switch, to apply that inverter to the refrigerator. It is just underneath the refrigerator, and the wiring is mostly in place. I could intercept the 110V. AC wire for the 'frig' and have a another relay operated by the 110V. from the inverter to connect to the refrigerator, and reconnect to the house 110V. when the engine wasn't running.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Wind blows out frig when running on gas
Reply #4 –
Thank you for your advise . I will be trying to figure this out!
D C Frantz
2004 MB
Re: Wind blows out frig when running on gas
Reply #6 –
Hi Steve: very good article, I'm glad he mentioned having to double the number because of two water columns. I didn't drive the 2001 MB much, and I never tried the refrigerator. It was operating and cold when I bought it. My driveway isn't level enough to run it there, and I never camped in it. Presently it is located in Massachusetts. From the lack of responses I'm going to think that this is an uncommon issue. When I had it here in San Diego I neglected to clean the gas orifice, while I was cleaning the burner area with compressed air. The 'frig in this case had a rebuilt cooling unit in (IIRC) 2013.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Wind blows out frig when running on gas
Reply #7 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
When I had it here in San Diego I neglected to clean the gas orifice, while I was cleaning the burner area with compressed air.

A dirty gas jet can cause this problem.
Over time, as the refrigerator is run on propane, a coating builds up inside the jet, slowly restricting the jet's size and flow rate.
Eventually, the flame becomes too small to maintain itself, when there is a breeze.  Reduced cooling is the other result.
The fix is removing the jet, soaking it in solvent and then blowing it out with compressed air.

Do not ever use a metal object to poke the jet clean, it will distort the jet's shape, preventing it from flowing correctly.
An old toothbrush is acceptable to use.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Wind blows out frig when running on gas
Reply #8 –
Thanks Larry, I'll try to get my friends in Mass. to clean that orifice. I've never cleaned mine, so maybe I'll do that and send them my pictures, although I assume there are some YouTube pics somewhere.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB