[Leeboy]

We recently bought a 1976 Ford Motorhome. It has been sitting in storage for 2 years and not even started... After a tune up and new brakes, we re-plummed and gave everything a test run. The only thing that doesn't seem to work is the fridge. It lighs on propane, and we must have ran it for a couple hours, but it doesn't get a bit cold. I heard there was some tricks to get the free-on flowing again, or is it probably dead and needs to be replaced. Im open to any ideas, as we are going camping in 10 days.. Thanks in advance.

[hvacservicetech_07]

Before getting nervous let it run a few more hours, they take some time, maybe switch it to electric to do the test run, let it run over night and see what happens.

[Leeboy]

My parents said to pull it out and flip it on its side... Is that a waste of time?

[hvacservicetech_07]

That will just drain all of the oil out of the compressor, it may be low on refrigerant, I would let it run over night and see what happens.

[Leeboy]

Hi, so, we used the electric plug in, and I let it run all night long... checkd it this morning, and... Damb, I should have put a 6 pack in there... seems prety cold, I just put a bull of water in the freezer to see if I could freeze it. Thanks a lot, and will update you...

[hvac1000]

I believe you have a ammonia refrigeration unit. Most all motor homes/travel trailers use them. They have a advantage since you can use 12 volts/120 volts or propane to make them work.

There ism a separate 12 volt heater cartridge in the unit as well as a 120 volt heater cartridge. You also have a propane control system.

Best thing you can do is check the propane operation. When it kicks in the flame will be a bit higher than normal.

Take care of that unit they cost 2000.00 to buy one new.

[chillsystems]

Hi there
This might sound strange, but give it a go, and then you can tell me if it worked or not.
Most motor homes run on lpg gas or propane, thus the fridges is heated by the propane and heats up the ammonia in the sealed part of the fridge, and because it has been in storage for two years, the amonia has separated, so this is what you need to do, if the fridge is small the turn it upside down and shake the friridge for about a minute, or if you cannot do that then find a car tube so you can bounce the fridge upside down on it, then switch it on and it will work, give it half an hour and you will see the difference.