Can original Dometic Refrigerator ammonia be re-charged?

[skypilot]

Sent: 10/17/2002 10:58 AM

I am trying to restore a '72 Indian and almost nothing works.  The other day I opened the refer doors and Ammmonia nearly knocked me down.  Am I right in thinking that these refes cannot be recharged, and if they could would a 20 yr. old Dometic be worth it?
                                                                      Skypilot

[Elandan2]

Sent: 10/17/2002 12:12 PM

Hi Skypilot,  Had to replace my cooling unit a couple years ago.  Cost $830 Cdn. with a five year warranty.  That was installed in the fridge.  If the interior of your fridge is in good shape, that's the way to go.  A new one costs twice as much and you end up with electronic controls which can be very tempermental and cost alot to fix when ( not if ) they go bad.
Rick 

[chip]

Sent: 10/17/2002 5:48 PM

i agree with Rick. the problem is the cooling unit for your 72 Indian might not be available anymore. if it's an RM60 i know of only one rebuilder that still stocks them. if it's an RM70 [i think it is], then a replacement cooling unit is going to be next to impossible to find.

[Ken]

Replaced my Norcold cooling unit for $930 CDN last year and received  a seven year warranty. Very happy with . Can provide name in Canada if anyone wants.

[Froggy1936]

I replaced my Norcold cooling unit 2 yrs ago paid the extra $100.00 for non flamable gas (new & most rebuilt use hydrogen gas) I you develope a leak wile operating on Propane goodby R/V  Total cost was $650.00 There is a operation in the refrigerator section  Frank

[HandyDan]

Here are just three of several RV refrigerator cooling unit repair stations.  I removed the cooling unit out of my Holiday Rambler a few years ago because, like you, my fridge was an antique that has unavailable parts.  Since I was going on vacation to Alabama, I made my route go by Falkville, AL to the RV Refrigerator Repair CO.  (It is the first link below) They were right off the Interstate.  I dropped it off and then picked it back up a week later on the way home.  I had no problems installing it.  They gave very clear directions and provided all the supplies needed.  The fridge works great, or at least it did until I fried the circuit board with the generator.  However, I got that fixed and now everything is okay.  You can ship the cooling unit to them, it isn't all that expensive, and get it repaired and back like new.  The prices are listed on the websites.  Where are you located?

http://www.rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/pricing.html

http://www.rvrefrigeratorrepairplus.com/

http://www.rvicebox.com/?gclid=CIbztc_hmboCFWZk7AodBSUAnQ