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troubleshooting recreational vehicle propane refridgerators?

I'm trying to figure out why my propane refridgerator is not functioning. It was unused for 18 months. (worked before that) The propane burner is functioning well with blue flame and the unit is level but there seems to be a problem with the ammonia system (or thermostat?). There is a periodic gurgling sound but no cooling happening.
Any tips?

Public Comments

1. Go to rvmobile.com. They have a great troubleshooting site.

2. it needs charged or may have a small leak or themostat is bad.

3. Am not too familiar with propane refrigeration, But believe the thermostat turns the propane on. So that seems to be working OK. I would imagine you have a leak in your ammonia system and have lost most if not all of your ammonia. You should have an ammonia smell if it is still leaking. Hopefully you have valves on the system to add ammonia if needed...RoeB

4. The refrigeration system of an RV uses absorption refrigeration, it is quite different from your refrigerator or airconditioner in your house. Your best bet would be to find a company that specializes in absorption or take it to an RV repair shop, besides, you wont be able to go down to home depot and purchase this type of ammonia.

5. when your propane refrigerator does this,it needs to be removed,turn upside down,and gently peck on the tubes that hold the fluid,let it set this way for a few hours,then try starting it up,if it doesn't work take it to the shop,or replace it ,mine did the same thing. it did start working when i restarted it,hope this helps you ,new ones are soooo high,i just bought one for my house

6. Take this to a qualified RV repair center. Propane & ammonia are not toys to be played with.