Thanks to all those who replied to my posting.

Although the "pre-heating" process works and the underlying theory makes sense,
the cause which necessitates the "pre-heating" is still unknown.

I've always been able to "cold start" my fridge in propane mode without
"pre-heating" in AC or 12V until this summer. Something has changed or broken or
worn out in the propane mode start system.

I've pulled the fridge a number of times for general maintenance and cleaning,
replaced the combustion chamber gasket, cleaned the orifice using alcohol and
did not find anything out of the ordinary back there.

Roy Olynick
'87 Westfalia GL
(till death do us part)

> > For those times when the fridge is difficult to start in propane mode,
> previous
> > postings in the archives recommend operating the fridge in DC or AC mode
> for a
> > period of time, then attempt to start in propane mode. This method
> certainly
> > does work but the theory behind it isn't explained. I am not able to
> locate
> > archival postings outlining the cause of the no-start condition in propane
> mode.
> >
> > Does anyone understand the cause of the propane mode no-start condition
> and is
> > willing to share it with us?
> >