Cleaning frig burner

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Tom in NM
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Joined: 06/07/2020 - 18:17
Cleaning frig burner

I am trying to check and clean the propane burner on my frig. I generally have used AC to power the frig but am now starting to camp without power. 

How can I remove the burner cover? The triple propane junction box is right in front of it. Seems like a bad place for it as two hoses also rest against the heater chimney. 
 

Thanks

Tom

DowneastME
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Joined: 09/06/2018 - 12:20
access to burner

I think you posted an earlier request about your fridg burner going out.  I was also having problems before I left on a recent trip with my propane fridge burner going out as well, but not staying lit while trying to switch from 110v to propane.  I decided to clean burner and inspect/possibly replace thermocouple that shuts off gas if flame goes out.  In the end, that fixed the problem as there was collected debris inside the burner cup; possibly spider webs inside the chimney, and a needed repositioning of the thermocouple.  I've since encountered another potentially hazardous situation and have decided I will be changing out the old 3 way fridge on my 2000 Scamp 13' for an more modern, efficient electric unit.  I really like the 3 way flexibility, but all reviews/recommendations suggest upgrading to the more efficient, low-draw electric fridges.  Given the age, I guess it's time.

My setup is different than yours as I don't have the distribution box sitting in front of the burner assembly.  You'll have to figure out whether there are anchor screws holding that box in place that allow you to move it around, or if the hoses need to be removed.  Once out of the way, there is a small phillips head retention screw on the left side of the burner housing that needs to be removed.  Then the lower bracket that covers the burner with the peep hole can be removed by sliding the bracket to the left or right to release a tab/slot connection at the right rear of the bracket.  Once removed, there is a retention screw that holds the burner cup in place.  You'll likely have to remove the thermocouple first which requires a phillips head screwdriver with a 90 degree bend to loosen a retaining screw. On mine, once the thermocouple and burner retention screw is removed, you can pull the burner towards you for cleaning.  I used compressed air which was sufficient to blow out debris. As I did, you may wish to reposition the thermocouple to make sure it is well seated in the burner flame.  These steps fixed what ailed my fridge, for what it's worth.  It's somewhat tedious work intended for small hands, but the rewards of having an operating fridge are worth it.  Hope this helps somewhat.

Tom in NM
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Last seen: 54 min 34 sec ago
Joined: 06/07/2020 - 18:17
Frig burner access - Thanks!

Thanks for the note. Glad to see there are at least a few of us still active here. 

I can't understand why they put that distribution box right in front of the burner. Glad yours wasn't set up that way. That's interesting about the thermocouple alignment. That could well be the issue. 

I may try to gain enough access to blow out any debris. If that doesn't work, I'll have to figure out getting past the junction. I know the guy at the Phoenix location who works on them. I'll give him a call to see what ideas he might have. 

Thanks also for the heads up on newer electric designs. I'd been assuming that running a frig on12v would deplete the battery quite quickly. Now that you mention it, I have noticed there are some portable electric coolers that are compressor driven. Maybe that's a similar tech. The evaporative system in the 3-way seems pretty inefficient anyway. 

Tom