EXPANDED RECALL OF T@B 320's from 1/1/2013 to 8/31/2016 for 3-way refrigerators

ericnliz

mash2, Many thanks!!!!! That must have been the problem I was having. Again, thanks for being so quick about it, and Cyclonic, thanks for having the same thoughts! [mash2 had you on the draw though!]

DurangoTaB

Michelle...yep, you'll see two hoses in there...one for the stove and one for the fridge. 

ericnliz

I have a thought for the fix on this, and am going to put it out here for some feed-back, as I had a similar problem with a heater hose in a truck rubbing against a sharp portion of a bracket. I used a slightly larger diameter hose, cut it to the appropriate length,sliced it length-wise, and slipped it over the existing hose to protect it from the sharp edge. Would this work in this particular application if there is not enough slack in the hose to bracket it away from this refrigerator fins?  

ScottG

I haven't been in there in a few months, but I'm pretty sure mine looks like PXLs, and there is not much slack in the hose to work with.

I'll probably try using some sort of strap to gently pull and anchor the hose away from the fins. Assuming the hose hasn't been damaged yet, that should do the trick until PV gets a suitable replacement part ready to ship.

Barring that, PXL's pad suggestion should work, at least in the sense that the pad will wear through before the hose.

ericnliz

Verna, Thanks for adding the photos, just now went back to the top, and saw [as usual] you were on top of it already!

Ratkity

I, too, have the hose laying on the fins, but there is slight damage to the hose (not as bad as @sranderle's hose). My fix is not for people with big hands. After removing the gray front cover (5 phillips screws), I could use a flat tiny ratchet with magnetic interchangeable square driver. I removed the screw to the bracket that was in the incorrect place. I then flipped the bracket over so the screw hole faced me.

Then I took long black zip ties and pulled the improperly laying hose tight against the properly installed hose starting below the fan assembly. I had enough slack to do this in the errant hose. The zip ties were placed down below the fan assembly, above it and at the top near the hose bend. After the hoses were in position, I could then screw the bracket back into the "wood" (mine is veneer white - T@Bitha). This hose ain't going nowhere. I know zip ties slip, but with three of them, I didn't even think I needed the bracket (but screwed it on anyways).

This is not an easy task and I rate it as "hard" for do-it-yourself'ers:

Things you need:
Tiny flat specialized ratchet (I had it on hand because I use it for motorcycle stuff) with interchangeable heads
Tiny hands
Medium duty zip ties and the ability to get hand into the space to thread the zip ties.
Small wrench to tighten zip ties (I used a tiny vise grip)
A small adjustable headlamp with strap you can hold in your teeth to illuminate the area you are working in
Patience
Knowing you are going to drop that tiny screw at least 10 times and know where it's going to drop.

In addition to the gas line on the fins, both gas lines were squeezed against the metal fan assembly holder further down where the clamps were positioned. It just looked bent a bit to the left next to the hoses. No damage was seen to the hoses, but just in case, I bent the metal to a straighter position (fan is level now instead of skewed). The metal wasn't easy to move, btw.

OK, I failed "Taking Progress Pictures" in T@B University, but I did get some aftermath photos. Keep in mind I had both gray front panel off and the other side (kitchen sink) side panel off to do the work. Pictures got uploaded out of order.

Tools needed:


Top zip tie and clamp:


Middle and bottom zip tie:


Bottom zip tie near fan assembly - Note I bent the assembly away from the gas hoses.


Entire Fix - Top, clamp, middle, bottom ties.

Tabaz

Just did a quick repair on another T@B using Rescue Tape.  Only one hose laying on the fins.  It had plenty of slack.  Was able to reach the affected area through the sink cabinet access panel.  This stuff really likes to stick to itself (like when you let duct tape fold onto itself).  Should provide enough protection until the T@B gets to the dealer for a permanent fix.

Photomom

My Mac won't open any of the above files including the one mash2 created.

Ratkity

Photomom said:

My Mac won't open any of the above files including the one mash2 created.

That's odd Photomom. I'm on a macbook air and could open them all. I did need an adobe reader program installed. Open Office opens any *.doc files. Let me know if there's a file format I can save in for you and I can send it to you.

Photomom

Pages will def work. I can usually open .docx but these download as .html and my system viewer barfs when trying to open them. Will PM you my email address.

jkjenn

PXLated said:

Just checked mine and have one hose resting on the fins but no damage to the hose. Not sure if there's enough slack to bracket it or not, will have to look closer when I get off the road.



Could one just insert a rubber pad between the fins and hose if not enough slack. Something that wouldn't interfere with the operation but still protect the hose? Am a long ways from a dealer.

I would think you could as a temporary fix.

Ratkity

Ratkity said:

Photomom said:

My Mac won't open any of the above files including the one mash2 created.

That's odd Photomom. I'm on a macbook air and could open them all. I did need an adobe reader program installed. Open Office opens any *.doc files. Let me know if there's a file format I can save in for you and I can send it to you.

Got Photomom the files. All is well

Photomom

Ratkity was kind enough to email the files. Will check on my T@B later.

I am having trouble telling the difference in the two pictures - one is labeled improper installation... and the other is labeled proper installation... but both show the hoses with a clamp attaching them to the wooden cabinet wall.

Ratkity

Just a thought.. don't those fins get very hot? Don't know how hot, however. Doubt they can reach 500F as indicated in the Rescue tape though!!!!

Ratkity

Photomom said:

Ratkity was kind enough to email the files. Will check on my T@B later.

I am having trouble telling the difference in the two pictures - one is labeled improper installation... and the other is labeled proper installation... but both show the hoses with a clamp attaching them to the wooden cabinet wall.

The clamp in the improper installation is way too low and causing one hose to rub over the top of the fins, causing damage to the hose. The fins are very stiff and are able to rub a hole in the hose.

Verna

Those of you who do what you consider a permanent fix need to please send photos along with VIN, your name, address,  phone # and email address to Ed, please. He will have to OK the fix and report it to the appropriate authorities as fixed by owner. These recall issues do have a lot of legalities hidden in the fine print that PV must follow.  

DurangoTaB

Problem solved/averted...installed a 3/4" cable clamp.  The fact the stove top comes up so easy meant I didn't worry about anchoring into the access panel. I noticed one of my Dometic stove-top screws had come off the countertop (easy to fix), and insulation that was covering half of the fins against the access panel wall (pushed back).  Whew!
!  

Tommy

Verna said:

Those of you who do what you consider a permanent fix need to please send photos along with VIN, your name, address,  phone # and email address to Ed, please. He will have to OK the fix and report it to the appropriate authorities as fixed by owner. These recall issues do have a lot of legalities hidden in the fine print that PV must follow.  

Sorry if this has been discussed already - or if it's too soon - but since Ed want's to OK our DIY fixes are they going to send out the double hose holder clip that I see in the pictures? Otherwise I'm very much inclined to fix mine with zip-ties and gorilla tape

Photomom

I took the cover off mine to check. I think the clips might be lower than they should be but the closest hose is about 1/3 inch from the fins and appears to be pretty stable, so In my judgment this can wait a bit.

I am wondering if the white insulation stuff should be lying on the fins like this.

mickietucs

Gosh, how do you all have so much room in front when you took your panel off? I can barely get my hand in there. Also would like to know about the white insulation stuff. Mine is also over the fins (but not in between the hoses and the fins).  

mickietucs

DurangoTaB said:

Michelle...yep, you'll see two hoses in there...one for the stove and one for the fridge. 

After looking again, the stove hose is also against the fins. It's so tight in there, even my tiny hands aren't able to move the 2nd hose to see or feel for any wear. The fridge hose definitely is compromised. I sent Ed/Warranty a new set of pics and all the info requested. I do not think there's enough slack in mine to easily install new brackets - but will let a dealer determine that. Since my truck got side-swiped, it's in the shop and I may not get it back for 3 weeks or so --- then will have to get the T@B to the San Diego dealer (upon Ed's authorization). Gosh, hope this can be done before I'm due to leave Oceanside the beginning of Nov! 

Ratkity

Verna said:

Those of you who do what you consider a permanent fix need to please send photos along with VIN, your name, address,  phone # and email address to Ed, please. He will have to OK the fix and report it to the appropriate authorities as fixed by owner. These recall issues do have a lot of legalities hidden in the fine print that PV must follow.  

Thanks V, will do.

DebWild

JustJohn said:

Well, my Outback has the hoses laying on the fins. Problem is my dealer is so untrustworthy I will never spend another penny with them and would not trust them to make the repair, even a free warranty repair. I have paid the labor charges for three warranty repairs so far, so looks like I'll be paying for a another. I sent Ed an email this morning requesting the parts and any instructions for the repair and I know he will do everything he can to help all of us get this resolved.

JustJohn - please tell me who your dealer is so I don't go to them when I'm ready to buy....!!!!

Ratkity

DurangoTaB said:

Problem solved/averted...installed a 3/4" cable clamp.  The fact the stove top comes up so easy meant I didn't worry about anchoring into the access panel. I noticed one of my Dometic stove-top screws had come off the countertop (easy to fix), and insulation that was covering half of the fins against the access panel wall (pushed back).  Whew!
!  

You just won't be able to get the access panel off from the sink side, Durango.

Ratkity

Well, I thought the damage to the propane stove line wasn't bad, but there's a flat spot where it rubbed on the fins. Feels likes someone shaved the outer part of the propane line a tad. I sent an email to Ed. I'm not sure if I should be worried or not. Is there an inner lining to propane lines, like a tire?

ScottG

mickietucs said:

Just opened up my panel and mine, too, is laying against the fins and I see it's been compromised. Really tight in there - hope to be able to get a clear pic of it and will send to Ed.  Question - can I assume there's a different propane hose going to the stove? I'm on shore power (so no propane going to fridge) but I am using the stove every day.

Yes, there are separate hoses going to the stove and the fridge. However, they both tie into the same iron manifold underneath the T@B. If the gas is on at the tank, both lines may have gas in them, even if you are not running the fridge.

ScottG

Checked out mine this afternoon (2015-S). The fridge line was touching the fins, but just barely. I think my psuedo-tiny hands are small enough to do the "Ratkity mod" and call it good.

On mine, it looks like if they had just swapped the position of the fridge and stove propane lines, this probably would not have been an issue. DurangoTaB and Photomom, it appears that's how yours are configured. Mine is the opposite--the fridge line crosses in front of the stove line, which nudges it into the fins. 

Tabaz

My fridge hose is chaffed enough from the fins to warrant a replacement hose. I consider my T@B unsafe and inoperable until a new hose is installed. What do I do next Verna?

DurangoTaB

@Ratkity... Per Ed K the hoses have a metal braid between 2 layers of rubber.  If abrasion/wear is down that far it's time out.

Norbert1223

PXlated ---  Yes I'll just do that in my spare time.  Some of us aren't retired .  Have large tool box and very familiar with a Phillips screwdriver.