3163 NORCOLD HAS PILOT....NOTHING ELSE. TAB 320S, 2017

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• pthomas745 Moderator Posts: 4,168

  May 22 edited May 22

  There are many threads about how to troubleshoot the Norcold.  Sounds like you are in a good position to make more tests.  

  https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7717/norcold-3163-3-way-refrigerator-wont-start-on-propane-what-fixed-mine-general-diagnostic-advice

  Links in that thread to more threads that discuss propane fridges.  There is also a link to a troubleshooting chart in a service manual that will also help.

  
  

  2017 Outback

  Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  

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• Grumpy_G Member Posts: 591

  May 22

  The 3163 does not have a pilot or a valve that turns on additional propane. It uses a constant flame that continuously adds heat to the absorption process. The size of the flame/amount of heat regulates the amount of cooling. 
  If the fridge works on AC power the cooling unit is working. If the flame stays on cooling should work too, but there could be a problem with the flame being too weak or not hitting the boiler where it is supposed to. I suppose switching from AC to gas could also cause issues because the boiler is already heated and the gas flame adds more heat. The absorption process has an upper temperature limit where is doesn't work well any longer. Try turning the fridge off for some time and let the cooling unit cool down (feel the temp at the condenser) and then start on gas. The condenser should start getting warm again. 

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• dscott Member Posts: 5

  May 22

  This is very informative. Thank you.  I think “ weak” may be the issue. If there is constant flame, and therefore constant absorption, what tells the unit to add more “cold” from the process?  What controls “size” of flame.  2 questions. 

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• Grumpy_G Member Posts: 591

  May 22

  The flame size is regulated with the temperature knob. The knob is both a thermostat for AC mode and a variable valve for propane (DC mode has no temperature control). Increasing the temperature basically increases the amount of ammonia circulating in the cooling unit which in turn causes more evaporation to cool the inside of the fridge. 

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• dscott Member Posts: 5

  May 23 edited May 23

  Grumpy-g, you have been incredibly helpful.  Not Grumpy at all. Thanks.  My thought is: 1.  Replace gas control, fairly easy, then if no result, pull fridge and clean combustion box and burner tube, etc. Is my brain working correctly?

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• Grumpy_G Member Posts: 591

  May 25

  Replacing the control valve is fairly easy but probably not the solution. I'd try to get eyes on the flame and see if it changes size, if it's steady etc.. It's a bit of a pain to get the fridge out but you don't have to fully remove it, just pull it forward enough to get access to the burner box. 

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• dscott Member Posts: 5

  May 26

  Thank you. You’ve been incredibly helpful. 

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• dscott Member Posts: 5

  June 5

  The end of the propane issue.  While waiting for the gas valve/ thermostat, I pulled the fridge to look at the flame burner box. I knew that was going to happen anyway if gas valve did not work. Besides why not, I need to know how they tick. 

  
  

  Flame box had some debris and a couple of bugs, but was in very good condition.  

  
  

  Received new gas valve today and installed.  Works better than ever!  Thanks again Grumpy_G.

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