How to test and clean the Dometic burner orifice (gas jet), check the burner flame & gas igniter, clean and check the flue tube, baffle (diffuser), and flue cap.
This page is going to deal with the components found to the right of the gas valve,
this is the Dometic burner assembly.
For the components to the left use menu above for testing the gas valve, filter, and pressure test port.
• The burner jet (orifice) can plug with oils and other contaminates.
• At least one mounting screw should have a ground wire that grounds the burner to the controller.
• The spark electrode gap adjustment is described below.
• The burner tube is what the igniter spark should jump to from the spark electrode.
Whenever working on the LP gas lines, perform a bubble test on the gas fittings afterward to make sure there are no leaks in the system. Use extreme caution; always know how to turn off the gas at the source in case of an accident.
RV Fridge Flame Adjustment -- Arc Gap for Easy Ignition
Referencing the photo to the left, a gas igniter arc is shown, the ark is jumping from an electrode to the LP Gas burner. Please note, your burner will have only one electrode, this photo shows two electrodes, we used two electrodes for experimentation and development of the Fridge Defend by ARP.
Typically the propane flame will ignite within two strikes of the igniter. Open the burner housing and have someone turn on the LP gas while viewing the igniter arc. If the flame does not ignite immediately, check the following:
This drawing shows the side view of the burner tube and the spark electrode. Start by making sure that the wire from the Dometic controller to the spark electrode is not arcing to the fridge frame or damaged. Next, check the spark gap ‘d’, this distance should be from 3/16 to 1/4 inch. We prefer 1/4 inch because a wider arc gap makes less electrical noise. Click here for article on cooling unit replacement and working on the burner assembly .
When the igniter is adjusted properly, and the propane flame is lit, the very tip of the igniter
electrode should glow red. This photo shows a properly adjusted electrode and the blue flame one
should see when the burner is ignited.
It is a miss understanding that one can just look at the flame and know if it is giving the proper
amount of heat. This is not true, only by measuring the boiler temperature, as the Fridge Defend
does, can one determine if the boiler is getting enough heat.
Make sure the propane regulator is set at 11 inches of water column, and the LP filter is not plugged.
Referencing the photo to the left, the flame alignment should be in the center of flue.
If the flame is not centered in the flue tube, the burner assembly can be adjusted so that the flame is centered just as seen in this photo. That is, the flame should not touch the flue tube; note the gap between the blue flame and the edge of the flue tube.
A wonderful RV supplier provides the Factory Service and Owners manuals: Bryant RV Services.
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