On Wed, 05 May 2004 22:48:11 -0500, Jon Elson
wrote:



mastic wrote:
Does anyone out there have any info on diagnosing and repairing an RV,
Ammonia type refrigerator? I have one that obviously has a small leak,
(it stopped cooling and you can smell ammonia), and would like to see
if I can repair it and recharge it. Maybe some links or something?

Thanks in advance.

Ammonia is quite corrosive, so once it has started leaking, there may be
many more pinholes forming.
As I understand it, there must also be Hydrogen in the system. When it
develops a leak, the Hydrogen is going to escape very quickly through
even the smallest hole.

These things are called Arkla coolers, or Ammonia absorption chillers.
That may give you some help in looking up info on it. note that Hydrogen
and Ammonia are both flammable and can be explosive. Also, with all that
still in the system, you can't just apply a torch to the tubes.

Jon

Indeed. What I would suggest, is finding an RV dealer who junks out
trailers and motorhomes, and buy a good used reefer.

They are quite popular for the survivalist and bus converter crowds, as
the newer ones run from 12vt dc/110/propane and can be had for very
little money. A buddy just recently purchased one from an 30+ foot
Airstream that had been rearended by an 18 wheeler. Its a huge reefer
for an RV...12 cubic foot I think. He paid $125 for it. I got the 6000
watt inverter/charger for $35.. Unfortunatly the batteries (8) had
busted out of their trays...sigh.

Gunner

"A vote for Kerry is a de facto vote for bin Laden."
Strider