Jayco 806 Norcold problems

[darekj24]

I have a '05 Jayco 806 with a 3 way Norcold fridge. The thing is, the temperature sits at no less than +8 degrees Celsius on AC, but on propane it reaches -2 Celsius. Is this normal or should I be expecting even lower temperatures that are safe for storing meat. Any one else run into these problems? How did you fix them.
Fridge is leveled now, but I don't know if it was before, I bought it 2 weeks ago.
Thank you.

[mike837go]

It doesn't surprise me that the temps differ when using gas vs. electric. They use separate thermostats.


However +8C sounds a bit warm and -2 is too chilly for fresh food (ice crystals).


Also, the gas flame pumps the energy into the fridge more effectively.


Have you waited at least 24 hours for the fridge to settle in? Gas absorption refrigeration takes a looooooong time to stabilize.

[darekj24]

Originally Posted by mike837go

It doesn't surprise me that the temps differ when using gas vs. electric. They use separate thermostats.


However +8C sounds a bit warm and -2 is too chilly for fresh food (ice crystals).


Also, the gas flame pumps the energy into the fridge more effectively.


Have you waited at least 24 hours for the fridge to settle in? Gas absorption refrigeration takes a looooooong time to stabilize.

Thanks for the replay...the temperature was the same for 3 days on
AC...Maybe I should check the AC thermostat as you mentioned? How can I
tell? I'll do that next time I open up the trailer.
Thank you again.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by darekj24

Thanks for the replay...the temperature was the same for 3 days on
AC...Maybe I should check the AC thermostat as you mentioned? How can I
tell? I'll do that next time I open up the trailer.
Thank you again.

You'll have to check your manual for where thermostats are located. My current Norcold has 5 click-stops from Cold to Coldest and I've had it going well for a week on AC.

My old trailer's Norcold had a knob that rotated over 90* and had a frosty thermometer pictured at one end and an ice-covered one at the other.

So, there should be a front-panel or interior mounted something to set the temperature of the box. Look near the On/Off, AC/12V/GAS, igniter controls. And be prepared to make adjustments from time-to-time.

I would set the thermostat at home (AC) and it would be fine. After a day at the campsite (propane) I would have to move the knob warmer by a bit because the margarine was getting to hard.

After getting back home, the adjustment would be reset because drinks were just not cold enough.

[darekj24]

Originally Posted by mike837go

You'll have to check your manual for where thermostats are located. My current Norcold has 5 click-stops from Cold to Coldest and I've had it going well for a week on AC.

My old trailer's Norcold had a knob that rotated over 90* and had a frosty thermometer pictured at one end and an ice-covered one at the other.

So, there should be a front-panel or interior mounted something to set the temperature of the box. Look near the On/Off, AC/12V/GAS, igniter controls. And be prepared to make adjustments from time-to-time.

I would set the thermostat at home (AC) and it would be fine. After a day at the campsite (propane) I would have to move the knob warmer by a bit because the margarine was getting to hard.

After getting back home, the adjustment would be reset because drinks were just not cold enough.

Thanks. There is no temp adjustment for AC or DC (read in the manual) only a knob adjustment for gas.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by darekj24

Thanks. There is no temp adjustment for AC or DC (read in the manual) only a knob adjustment for gas.

I find that odd. A refrigerator without a temperature adjustment?

Which model Norcold is it?

[darekj24]

Originally Posted by mike837go

I find that odd. A refrigerator without a temperature adjustment?

Which model Norcold is it?

Me too. Norcold 323.
Thanks.

[darekj24]

Originally Posted by mike837go

I find that odd. A refrigerator without a temperature adjustment?

Which model Norcold is it?

This is from the manual:

Electric Modes
The AC mode, and DC mode in the case of the 3-
Way model, is thermostatically controlled by a nonadjustable
thermostat. The Thermostat has a capillary
sensor attached to the cooling fin. The electric
heater (AC or DC) will cycle in response to the fin
temperature to maintain the cabinet temperature.

[mike837go]

Found the repair manual:
http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/ncold323.pdf


Looks like temperature inside the box is the user's responsibility.


AC power will provide a certain amount of cooling (BTU's/hr drawn out of the box) and the gas flame is capable of greater levels of cooling.


Ambient temperature and how often the door is opened will impact how much cooling is needed.


I'd say turn off the gas flame and vacuum/brush out the flue and all of the heat sinks.


Make sure the fresh air intake at the back is clear and vent at the top as well.


And don't expect any serious cooling when on 12VDC.

[darekj24]

Originally Posted by mike837go

Found the repair manual:
http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/ncold323.pdf


Looks like temperature inside the box is the user's responsibility.


AC power will provide a certain amount of cooling (BTU's/hr drawn out of the box) and the gas flame is capable of greater levels of cooling.


Ambient temperature and how often the door is opened will impact how much cooling is needed.


I'd say turn off the gas flame and vacuum/brush out the flue and all of the heat sinks.


Make sure the fresh air intake at the back is clear and vent at the top as well.


And don't expect any serious cooling when on 12VDC.

Thanks. I did all of that, even pulled the fridge out and put on it right side and then upside down for 12 hrs for ammonia to mix with water (as per Norcold manual) and still was getting +8C on AC.

[mike837go]

The cooling unit is functioning within specs. The non-adjustable AC thermostat is faulty. It is deliberately keeping the box too warm.


Consider replacing it.


Other than that, you'll be on propane when camping?

[darekj24]

Originally Posted by mike837go

The cooling unit is functioning within specs. The non-adjustable AC thermostat is faulty. It is deliberately keeping the box too warm.


Consider replacing it.


Other than that, you'll be on propane when camping?

Yes, correct-only propane for now. I'm positive you're correct with replacing the AC thermostat.
Can I disconnect AC thermostat to see if the fridge temperature would drop more than I was getting with it?
Thank you.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by darekj24

Can I disconnect AC thermostat to see if the fridge temperature would drop more than I was getting with it?

Not so much "disconnect" as "bypass". If you can read the electrical diagram, short circuit across the two wires going to the thermostat.

BE CAREFUL!
1) Disconnect the AC supply while working on the electrical parts.
2) Check the temp hourly-or so. With the electric heater on 100% you could start to boil the water portion of the ammonia/water mix - NOT GOOD. Confirm that the box gets below 0C on 110V then re-enable the thermostat.

[darekj24]

Originally Posted by mike837go

Not so much "disconnect" as "bypass". If you can read the electrical diagram, short circuit across the two wires going to the thermostat.

BE CAREFUL!
1) Disconnect the AC supply while working on the electrical parts.
2) Check the temp hourly-or so. With the electric heater on 100% you could start to boil the water portion of the ammonia/water mix - NOT GOOD. Confirm that the box gets below 0C on 110V then re-enable the thermostat.

Thank you.
I was looking for a new thermostat - couldn't find it...will do the bypass in 3 weeks when camping - my trailer sitting inside of garage with kayaks and canoe on the top of it.