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AZ_CreamPuff Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2016 Posts: 52 Location: Payson, Arizona
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 10:27 pm Post subject: Dometic issue: Backfiring? SOLVED |
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So trying to rehab the dometic because I would really like not to have to carry a cooler every where.
Pulled the fridge out and did the whole rehab procedure from the FAQ section and still have an issue. When I try to light the fridge I can only get a response once I have let off the gas button. Let off the gas, click a few more times, then poof, backfires out of the flue. I have tried pumping like crazy as well as pumping air from the bottom drain tube.
Anyone have any ideas?
Last edited by AZ_CreamPuff on Fri Sep 29, 2017 4:39 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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atomatom Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2012 Posts: 1867 Location: in an 84 Westy or Bowen Island, BC
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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the path to dometic bliss is 12v or 110v heating of the pipe. after that, very easy to start.
yes, there is a lot else that could be crusty, but heat the pipe, and you will see it light. _________________ 84 Vanagon Westy, 1.9L, California raised but defected to Canada. |
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Timwhy Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2009 Posts: 3997 Location: Maine
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22573 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 6:04 am Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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atomatom wrote: |
the path to dometic bliss is 12v or 110v heating of the pipe. after that, very easy to start.
yes, there is a lot else that could be crusty, but heat the pipe, and you will see it light. |
_________________ .ssS! |
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davevickery Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005 Posts: 2887 Location: Fort Collins, CO
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 7:21 am Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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If you hear it pop, it is flooded. Before it popped, it was even worse flooded.
Let it sit 10 minutes and try again. You cannot give it gas when it is not lit. You have to be hitting the sparker immediately as you give it gas.
If you run it on 12 volts or 110 for 10-15 minutes that heats the element and makes warm air rise and pulls in fresh air to the chamber. Some people's fridges light fine without doing this, but many won't. Just do it and it will light on the first try. |
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dgbeatty Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2006 Posts: 702 Location: Sacramento
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 7:39 am Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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Just on a hunch are you lighting while inside a garage? I have always found lighting while inside is more difficult without a LOT of pumping or an electric pump.
Good tip about preheating and creating a draft. |
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jmranger Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2010 Posts: 699 Location: Quebec
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 10:56 am Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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Adding to what others said so far:
- Double-check that the little air pump and especially the one-way valve in the air circuit are working properly. From experience, lighting a warm fridge with a stuck one-way valve is pretty much impossible.
- Double-check that your igniter is working correctly, and that it sparks at the right place. The tricky part is that not everyone agree on where the right place is. My pick is on the gas diffuser, not on the thermocouple.
If you have to pull the fridge again, I'd suggest to replace the igniter by an electronic one, as described here. Automatic reignition if the flame blows out, real-time notification that the flame is lit (when the igniter stops sparking), much quieter, there's a lot to love for $30-$50.
Also, since you're somewhat new here, I suspect that you may not have that much experience lighting these fridges. The process is a bit tricky, even with correctly tuned fridges. You may want to double-check that your technique is correct with a known working fridge, or asking someone to watch you lighting yours. |
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lucianosanchez Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2016 Posts: 212 Location: Ventura County
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 11:20 am Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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I would remove the fridge and blow compressed air into the gas lines to make sure they are clear. Also triple check that the burner and pilot hole is clear (I know you said you did this already but check again). Maybe run a single string of copper wire through the hole.
I ran across this issue with my fridge. It kept back firing on me so I decided to use the GoWesty cooling system pressure tool to pump air into the vent. I noticed that the more air the better, so pump a lot of air into the chamber using another pump and try to ignite.
Like others have mentioned, it seems to be a lot easier to light once it is warm. I had my fridge running one day and the flame went out after a windy drive so I tried to reignite it right away. It light with one try.
I watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to operate the fridge on propane. Not sure if you've done this or not but I recommend it. _________________ 1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10347 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 1:02 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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jmranger wrote: |
- Double-check that your igniter is working correctly, and that it sparks at the right place. The tricky part is that not everyone agree on where the right place is. My pick is on the gas diffuser, not on the thermocouple.
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link to image from Dometic service manual page showing position of igniter:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6pC4klC0bx9KXxN53 _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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AZ_CreamPuff Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2016 Posts: 52 Location: Payson, Arizona
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 7:00 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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Appreciate all the advice. Ran the fridge on 120 for an hour or so and it fired with gas button depressed (which I didn't before) although the pilot light didn't stay lit. Gasket for the flame box was a little iffy so made a new one out of some bike tire rubber, and poked the jet with a single strand of copper. By the time I got that all done and in the fridge parts had all cooled down. Currently have her back on 120 and will try again later.
If no luck I'll take it apart, again, and blast the propane lines with compressed air. It is firing though so I'm pretty sure im getting fuel into the chamber. Good spark as well, looks exactly like the diagram and I can see the spark through the peep hole
Also fridge is still out. Hooked it up to the BBQ propane. I'll also give the coolant pump a try, gowesty got me on that one too |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10347 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:32 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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AZ_CreamPuff wrote: |
A....Gasket for the flame box was a little iffy so made a new one out of some bike tire rubber,
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That burner box can get fairly hot. I realize the OEM orange-red gasket may be of a similar material but would suggest using red hi-temp RTV or similar to seal the box. That said, maybe tire rubber potentially sees more heat?
< shrugs >
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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AZ_CreamPuff Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2016 Posts: 52 Location: Payson, Arizona
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:52 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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Yeah, I was concerned about that too. Rehab guide said inner tube works too. Might change it for good measure if I can get it lit. Still no dice. Watched a few you tube videos, can get it to pop no problem but that's about it. These refers are frustrating! |
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dgbeatty Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2006 Posts: 702 Location: Sacramento
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:56 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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1990 model fridge. Perfect working condition. Includes aux air pump for lighting under difficult conditions. $100 prefer pickup in Sacramento CA. Freshly cleaned and serviced. Collecting dust. |
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Alaskaberrys Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016 Posts: 1000 Location: SE Alaska
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 11:53 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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I completely went through our 1990 Dometic using some newer parts - new auto ignitor, replaced the thermocouple from a known working fridge (this keeps the gas valve open after you've let off the gas button and flame is proved), re-lubed the air pump so it actually did something (there's a thread on a mod to the pump too somewhere - you enlarge the hole a bit). Cleaned all the flue ways. Careful with the clearing of the orifice, may have enlarged it a tad and getting to much gas which is throwing the mix off till enough makes it into the flue to ignite - "pop!". Our works great now, lights easy and does a pretty good job of keeping things "cool". Will make ice if it's less then 60° out
Also LP gas that has been sitting for sometime can be pretty stubborn. Make sure your stove burners are burning nice and blue w/o yellow or orange.
All that said...
dgbeatty wrote: |
1990 model fridge. Perfect working condition. Includes aux air pump for lighting under difficult conditions. $100 prefer pickup in Sacramento CA. Freshly cleaned and serviced. Collecting dust. |
I'd jump on that if your going to stick to LP. I probably spent close to $100 refabbing ours. _________________ '91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10347 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 1:16 am Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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There's no doubt that how much a fridge has been abused (e.g. run on to much of an angle) plays into how well it works (due to chemical interactions, or lack thereof, beyond my means of understanding) but I've gotten at least two old 182 fridges to make ice; when I got my first Westy with a 182A, it worked only on AC mode. It eventually worked on all 3 just fine save for the occasional blow out on LP while driving or camping in really stiff cross winds. Yes, if it got too warm inside the van, and there was too little cold food inside, or I parked with the fridge side exposed to midday Summer sun, they would perform poorly, but I think my point is that if the fridge is repaired, it can work ok on all modes and under the right conditions, make ice easily. In terms of the actual "guts", condenser etc., where one draws the line in terms of bailing on a given absorption fridge, I don't know. Not sure how one tests that kind of thing. In terms of investing too much money in a loser fridge, "Caveat Emptor". That said, i did not invest much money in any of my Domestics. Just my time, some wires, switches, fans and a lot of head scratching and searching.
Neil.
My original 182A Dometic doing quite fine back in 2009 during a Fall trip in Idaho and Oregon. If I'd traveled longer, exchanged less food so often (drank less) that cooling unit would be covered in ice frost. Notes from that time
"Happy Dometic. Behaved well in spite of mid 90's (highest temp in van window open driving) Highest fridge temp 42F. Weather was hot at times. Used all 3 fans during those times. [all 3 being fan at rear exterior cooling fins, fan inside fridge, "city water" fan] Leaving factory fan on seemed to help a lot. [I had wired a bypass switch to the fan at fridge exterior rear] Well that and the pre cooled beers, and NOT parking with fridge side toward sun."
_________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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davevickery Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005 Posts: 2887 Location: Fort Collins, CO
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Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 9:41 am Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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AZ_CreamPuff wrote: |
Yeah, I was concerned about that too. Rehab guide said inner tube works too. Might change it for good measure if I can get it lit. Still no dice. Watched a few you tube videos, can get it to pop no problem but that's about it. These refers are frustrating! |
You don't want to hear it pop. When they light normally, it does not pop. The popping is the result of the chamber being flooded. I assume you blew out the intake and exhaust hoses with a shop vac? That is usually a big help. I would guess you are doing something wrong when you try to light it. |
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AZ_CreamPuff Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2016 Posts: 52 Location: Payson, Arizona
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Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? |
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Appreciate the offer on the fridge! I'm in AZ and not sure if I'll be in Sacramento anytime soon :-/
What about this. Could my BBQ regulator be supplying to much pressure to the system? This particular regulator is used to supply a turkey fryer I have. Might throw it back into the van this evening and see if my luck changes. |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10347 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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AZ_CreamPuff Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2016 Posts: 52 Location: Payson, Arizona
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Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 4:39 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? SOLVED |
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Update so I don't leave this thread hanging. I think my suspicion was right with the BBQ regulator being to high of psi. For what it's worth the BBQ regulator is 15 psi. I believe the gas being delivered inside is less than that. Hooked it back up in the van and lit up first try. Thanka for all the help. Hopefully this thread helps someone in the future trying to test the fridge outside of the van |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7893 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 4:55 pm Post subject: Re: Dometic issue: Backfiring? SOLVED |
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AZ_CreamPuff wrote: |
Update so I don't leave this thread hanging. I think my suspicion was right with the BBQ regulator being to high of psi. For what it's worth the BBQ regulator is 15 psi. |
Yes; if you're going to use a BBQ regulator to bench test, it needs to be a low pressure version (which my new BBQ regulator is, but boy does it put out the pressure compared to the clogged up old one!).
Good to hear your Dometic is now working. _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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