Bringing old LP system and fridge to life again

richard5933 · October 10, 2017, 06:27:56 AM

It is an old system, true. Vehicle only has 40k miles though (actual miles - not since conversion), and I'm not sure if the LP system was actually even used. I'll find out more when I pick up the bus next week. The cooktop is electric, and I believe it currently has an electric-only water heater installed. Current owner has never opened access door to LP tanks.

I see no signs of diesel furnace onboard, so my suspicion is that the LP also powers the furnace.

Aside from all that, it does look like the fridge is a 3-way, definitely an older one. That's where my main concern lies. I've read about various recalls on these, but wasn't sure if there was a master list somewhere of all the models through the years that have been recalled. I'll probably change it out in the spring to something new, but for now I wanted to be sure not to miss some safety check that would cause a problem.

Richard

luvrbus · October 10, 2017, 07:07:10 AM

Richard most RV's of that era were Propane or Butane that was a little before the time of diesel fired heating,the propane appliances of that era were pretty durable the restores of vintage RV's pay big bucks for those

bevans6 · October 10, 2017, 08:03:33 AM

The fridge has a burner chimney in the back, the flame heats the ammonia bulb and the heat follows the chimney, promoting condensation in and around. First step is simply examine the burner, the surrounding area, check for rust, holes blown in the chimney, etc. But I have to say I am a fan of appliances that don't have computers in them... The recall was mostly Dometic fridges between 1997 and 2006. http://67.238.126.140/

Brian

chessie4905 · October 10, 2017, 08:43:53 AM

From back in 70's propane fridges were sensitive to coach being not level. They have fixed that problem mostly. The main thing they were good for was keeping the food cold.Sometimes some would have issues with fresh food freezing, and they would report they drew lots of power when on battery and would suck down house batteries in fairly short order. AC was preferred if off propane. The other option back then was 12/ 110 volt type fridges. They worked decent on battery with the efficient swing motor they use, but sufficient cooling was always an issue. You would run a small fan at bottom to get better air flow over the coils and people would buy the tiny fridge fans that ran on 2 D cells and place them inside the fridge. Even that wouldn't help much if temps were in high 80's or more. They are improved now with mostly better insulation. Many people swear by Novakool these days on all the bus forums. If you need propane for other appliances anyway, then a 3 way would make sense. Household refers are nice and some are pretty energy efficient nowadays. With their efficiency labels now, go to Lowe's and find the most efficient one. One issue is getting it into coach and out in future if necessary. Space for one is going to be at a premium in a 4108 at 35 feet and with the stepped area at front of coach. And how much butchering would be required to fit it in in an already converted coach.

Lin · October 10, 2017, 08:51:47 AM

As with many other systems on the bus, you will need to inspect/test it. Certainly look for leaks. You can use soapy water at all connections as well as trying to detect an odor. If you want more than that, there are probably highly sensitive leak detectors available. Test the frig on 120v electric first. The heating element should get quite hot, if it doesn't, it may need to be replaced. It's not hard to change or expensive, but I would then try the unit on gas before putting money into anything. These frigs take a long time to cool down, so give it plenty of time. I have had several 3-way frigs but have never used 12v even once. Personally, I would continue to use what checked out and replace as needed.

Utahclaimjumper · October 10, 2017, 11:23:25 AM

Is the LP tank an upright or laydown type,,the uprights have to have the recent valve to be legal, the laydowns do not and are good to go.. If you need the LP side of the fridge to operate sooner just turn it upside down for a day then back up to circulate the ammonia,,good to go.>>>Dan

richard5933 · October 18, 2017, 06:01:00 PM

Now that I've had a chance to dig in a bit deeper, a brief update.

Apparently the fridge is a Norcold dual voltage. Kind of an the smaller side, kind of on the older side, but surprisingly still turns on. I'll wait till I'm home to leave it on for a while and see how it cools. If it's like the last bus, I wouldn't be surprised if it worked just fine.

There are two horizontal LP tanks. Each looks to be about the same size as what's on the back end of my old forklift. One of the tanks shows about 80% still in the tank. Can LP go bad with age?

Regulator seems to be in good shape externally, and the lines also look good. The only thing that currently is connected to the LP is the Suburban furnace. I don't think it's been run in years - the vents all had brown paper taped over them and the furnace looks nearly new. My guess is that the PO used only the electric heaters (there are three of them). I'll do some more inspection and testing before trying to light the furnace.

Since the LP is only a few feet from the water heater location, perhaps I'll be able to add an LP water heater and have hot water without being plugged in. We'll see.

Richard

chessie4905 · October 19, 2017, 06:31:34 AM

That's good about the paper over vents. Common issue was bees and spiders and webs getting inside and causing starting issues. Is it auto lighting or pilot light? With propane shut off to it, it will probably take a bit to get gas to it to the first time. Those refers were very common and pretty reliable, although sufficient cooling was an issue it hot weather. People used fans at bottom to pass more air over the coils on those days. They make a dinosaur board for them if yours electronics crap out. If you don't have papers for furnace and heater, info is available online.

Dave5Cs · October 19, 2017, 07:13:07 AM

If it does not light up on the LP side take it out and turn it up side down for a few days and try again. This will get it circulating.

Utahclaimjumper · October 19, 2017, 10:01:03 AM

That sounds familure,, see above.>>>D

Dave5Cs · October 19, 2017, 01:36:30 PM

Sorry Dan didn't read that for some reason but you didn't either because read above "the uprights have to have the recent valve to be legal" Clifford said that also earlier. I guess we are getting old eh, LOL

luvrbus · October 19, 2017, 02:28:35 PM

Frame mounted DOT propane tanks require the updated OPD valve you don't have to it certified every 10 years. Plus you can remote mount a fill on the ASTM DOT tanks the fill does not need to be on the tank like a cylinder tank mine were always remote fill to a easy location for filling