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Post Info TOPIC: Cracks in Dometic refrigerator inner wall
Donesailing


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Cracks in Dometic refrigerator inner wall
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Hi all,

I have a 225 litre 3 way AES Dometic refrigerator in my van and just love it. Forty degree days and the beer is still ice cold. One problem I do have is a few hairline cracks in the inner shell of the refrigerator behind the crisper bins. On humid days water will drip from the cracks however the humidity drain for the unit is not blocked up and happily drips away. I am assuming the water is condensation forming behind the inner shell. In humid weather I just mop up any water in the bottom of the refrigerator every 2nd or 3rd day.

When I contacted Dometic asking if they have had the same problem in the past, they would not answer the question and suggested I get in touch with a refrigeration mechanic.

Has anyone had a similar problem and if so how did they fix it?



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Peter_n_Margaret


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Nothing to do with a refrigeration mechanic, more to do with a vacuum formed fridge lining which is too thin. A less than satisfactory design and Dometic should take full responsibility for that.
I think your guess for the source of the water will be correct and if allowed to continue will likely cause the cabinet to rust away from the inside.
The lining will almost certainly be made from ABS plastic. It is glueable with MEK based solvent glues (the same as used for PVC pipes would suffice). Alternatively seal the cracks with a good quality tape.
Cheers,
Peter

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Possum3


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Donesailing, What is the model number and age of your problematic Fridge?

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DeBe


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I agree with Peter on this, but if it drips moisture from the cracks then its a bit late to try & seal it. The foam insulation has already absorbed moisture, this will affect the insulation property.

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D.L.Bishop
Donesailing


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Hi,

It is a model RM4805 and is 4 and a bit years old. The hairline cracks total lengths (2 sets of cracks) is approximately 200mm and while the dripping is not a show stopper, in my opinion it indicates a fault or issue.

Cheers



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Craig1


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uPVC solvent cement and primer/cleaner should work if you get no resolution from Dometic. It is slightly unsightly, but try to get clear versions of both rather than red primer and green or blue solvent. My shed fridge has survived for over 20 years with this repair.

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Cheers Craig
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