On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:24:10 -0600, wrote:

Norcold, about 12-13 years old.

Was working well, then RV was moved.

Now, freezer works, fridge does not. Stays slightly cool,
50F or so, as the freezer seems to be absorbing some of the
heat.

All adsorption refrigerators have to be somewhat close to level to
run properly, or the ammonia and water don't separate and flow and
recombine at the different levels the way they are supposed to. Side
to side more important than front to back.

The newer refrigerators have designs that tolerate off-camber
operation much better - Old ones can be downright persnickety.

Google up a diagram of how they work - it's one of those 'Bumblebees
can't fly! - Good thing nobody ever told the Bumblebees...' type of
impossible possibilities.

Sometimes the sealed system develops a pinhole and leaks out just
enough of the water and ammonia mix to stop working. All the big
makers can exchange the sealed system cartridge for a nominal fee.

But before starting, look at the condition of the rest of the unit
first. If the gas burner is rusting out, the electric heater is shot,
and someone has beaten on the thermostat with a rock to make it work
in the past, sometimes you're better off to scrap it and get a new
one. See that part about off-camber operations above.

(Yes, I realize this is r.c.m where people answer to Don Quixote and
see these things as a challenge, but you have to pick your battles.)

When you take the cooling cartridge out and replace it, use fresh
Permagum sealing putty cord, and the cork and asphalt insulating tape
as needed, so the cold stays on the inside and the hot on the outside
- it's available at any good refrigeration house.

-- Bruce --