Diagnosing Cooling Problems - Norcold 1082 Service Manual

Note: If the refrigerator operates in one mode but not in another, the problem is not in the cooling system:
refer to diagnostics section of this manual. This section should be used when the refrigerator does
not cool or cools only marginally in both operating modes (AC and LP Gas).
Air Circulation:
• Make sure air is free to circulate across the cooling system.
• Check to insure the refrigerator has been installed with the correct clearances of:
• Remove and dust, spider webs, etc. from the cooling system
Heat Sources:
Installing the refrigerator next to a heat source may lead to performance degradation. If an adjacent heat source
is leading to cooling problems, the refrigerator or the heat source must be removed.
Off Level Condition:
Insure that the refrigerator is operating within 3 degrees off level side-to-side and 6 degrees off level front-to-back.
Refer to the leveling procedure in this manual. If the refrigerator has been operated outside these limits for a
prolonged time (24 hours or more), the cooling system may need replaced. Refer to the cooling unit replacement
procedure beginning on page 19.
Inputs:
Make certain that:
• The input voltage is 120 VAC nominal (108 VAC minimum to 132 VAC maximum).
• The input gas pressure is 11 inches water column.
Refrigeratant Leaks:
The cooling system must be replaced if:
• A yellow powder or liquid is visible at the rear of the refrigerator.
• An ammonia odor is detected in the refrigerator cabinet or at the rear of the refrigerator.
• Bubbling or gurgling sound is heard from the cooling unit.
If either of these conditions exist, refer to the "Cooling Unit Removal and Replacement Procedure" section of this
manual.
Blocked System:
Check the absorber coils on the cooling system. If the coils are cool to the touch and the flue canister is too hot
to touch, the cooling system is blocked and must be replaced.
Checking Door Seals
The door gaskets must seal completely around the entire length of the door. This will insure cooling efficiency
and prevent frost formation. Frequent frost formation or reduced cooling can be indications of air leaks.
Insure the shelves are pushed in all the way. Protruding shelves will not allow the door to close and seal properly.
To check for proper door seal, lay a long narrow strip of paper between the gasket and the refrigerator. Close
the door and withdraw the paper. A frictional drag should be observed. Repeat all around the doors. If the paper
does not have a noticeable drag, the gasket is not sealing.

DIAGNOSING COOLING PROBLEMS

Top:
Right Side:
Left, Rear, Bottom:
6 inches minimum
2 inches minimum
0 inches minimum
17