RESOLVED: Mud Daubers created Norcold fire hazard

[blacklabbob]

I have a double door NORCOLD refrigerator in my 2013 3650 RL Big Country. When new last October it would not stay lit on propane, but worked on 120V. Had it repaired at the dealer, and they said it was only an "adjustment". It worked the next time out. Just got back from a month long trip to New England, and had to use coolers the entire trip as it did not work on propane again. Code is always "No FL". I tried to relight it often, but it would go off after a few minutes. A friend looked in to the back where the controls are, and found the flame melting the plastic drip pan, burning the insulation around the flame pipe and the wiring to the igniter, and scorching the wood bulkhead of the trailer. Needless to say I did not try again to relight it again. Sure made for a lousy trip. Has anyone else had similar issues with their NORCOLD? Many reviews I have read are negative about this brand. Have an appointment with my dealer this week to attempt another repair. We do worry about burning up with this brand. ONE DAY LATER: Problem solved. MUD WASPS had built a mud nest in the orifice where the flame was supposed to be, causing the flame to ignite outside of the flame tube. All holes in the flame orifice were clogged up tight. LESSON LEARNED; tape a sheet of plastic over the outside vent panel when unit is not in use for a period of time. And inspect orifice regularly.

 

[Rrloren]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire

I think I would ask the Dealer to replace it . Wouldn't trust it at all.

 

[danemayer]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire

When new last October it would not stay lit on propane, but worked on 120V. Had it repaired at the dealer, and they said it was only an "adjustment".

A friend looked in to the back where the controls are, and found the flame melting the plastic drip pan, burning the insulation around the flame pipe and the wiring to the igniter, and scorching the wood bulkhead of the trailer.

My first thought is that the service tech who worked on it in October created an unsafe condition leading to the symptoms you experienced.

It's possible, but less likely, that there is a broader problem that Norcold needs to investigate.

I would recommend you call Norcold rather than turn it over to the dealer again.

 

[blacklabbob]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire

Solved. NORCOLD not at fault. See addendum to my original post. MUD DAUBERS.

 

[boatto5er]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire

You may want to invest in a screen cover that fits the vent opening for the fridge.

 

[MCTalley]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire

Always good to find out the resolution.

While at the rally this summer, we sat through a seminar given by the Norcold folks. They recommended hanging a flea collar in the back area of the refrigerator. It supposedly drives bees, wasps and other "let's build a nest in your gas appliance" pests away. Might not hurt next time you are in storage.

 

[happykraut]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire. PROBLEM FOUND!

Flea collars and mothballs in a container like a medicine bottle with holes cut in it was recommended at another seminar I attended.

 

[Pizzadigger]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire. PROBLEM FOUND!

The Norcold fridge in my 96 jayco TT still works great never any problems and I fulltimed in that rig for several years.

 

[jimtoo]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire. PROBLEM FOUND!

The Norcold fridge in my 96 jayco TT still works great never any problems and I fulltimed in that rig for several years.

Hi Pizzadigger,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum and to the family. We have a great bunch of folks here with lots of information and all willing to share their knowledge when needed.

Join us at a rally when you can and meet some more Heartland owners.

Enjoy the forum.

Jim M

 

[Gary521]

Re: Norcold fridge catching fire. PROBLEM FOUND!

On the first trip with my 5th wheel years ago, I noticed bees entering the fridge vent. When I got home I fabricated a screen over the inside of the fridge vent and added screens on the vents by the water heater too. I bought a couple of screens that attach over the heater exhaust. I read somewhere where bees like the odor given off by propane. So far no bee issues.