hit the wrong reply button, so it didn't go to all yas...

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Matthias Kuster <matthiaskuster@verizon.net>
> Date: July 19, 2007 5:49:59 PM PDT
> To: "Old Volks Home" <oldvolkshome@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: dometic thermostat replacement?
>
> It's not the thermocoupler I need, it is definitely the thermostat.
> And it is the Dometic 182B, sorry, but thought all thermostats were
> same for both a&B. The tube broke when somebody took it out the
> last time, or maybe it's broken from stress and age. This fridge
> had never been used before I gave it a shot. I'd bet a large patch
> of my farm on it anyways.  1983 WaterWesty. The fridge worked for
> maybe 2 days then I got propane smell and no more cooling. I just
> now took it out and see that a connector copper nut was completely
> cracked, vertically, in line with threads, all around the nut, and
> the thermostat pipe is also broken. The only thing I still need
> fixed is the thermostat.
> All the places I contacted said it was unobtainium. Have not heard
> back from Dometic.
> And yeah, thanks OldVolksHome. However I am kind of nervous about
> ordering from either one of those links, no pic, no description?
> Will it be compatible with the housing on the fridge? Anybody
> ordered those before?
> Just need some reassurance...else I have to do some more serious
> legwork, or God forbid, the Samba with its exorbitant pricing.
> Isn't there a scam that would fool the fridge into getting a high
> thermostat input? Would be overkill, but what's that with these
> reefers anyways?
> I had also just recently become aware that the thermostat lead is
> actually hollow filled with gas. That's why I called it tube. Mooooob!
>
> Any input is greatly appreciated.
>
> Matthias
>
>
> On Jul 19, 2007, at 1:42 PM, Old Volks Home wrote:
>
>> You didn't give a year and more importantly, the model number of
>> your fridge (RM182A, B or BEGI).  Westfalia shows two different
>> Thermostats:
>>
>> VW# 253 070 522 80-86 w/RM182A or B
>>
>> VW# 255 070 527 87-91 w/RM182B or BEGI
>>
>> It is basically a disc shaped piece with two electrical terminals
>> and the disc bracket attaches to the fins on the fridge.  While,
>> VW has discontinued carrying these, but are still available from
>> RV supply houses with prices ranging from $40 to $50.  While VW
>> doesn't indicate the earlier one being superseded to the later
>> one, from my research, it shows that Dometic only offers one
>> replacement regardless of fridge RM182 series model.  Here's a
>> link to a place in Texas that offers them (around $44):
>>
>> http://www.rvdealership.com/rvdstore/pc-120614-1-switcht-stat-n.aspx
>>
>> or Bus Depot (at $16 higher, if they can get them):
>> http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=255070527
>>
>> I'm not sure what you mean by the "tube rather broken".  Are you
>> sure you're talking about the Thermostat or the ThermoCouple (VW #
>> 253 070 589 [now 255 070 506]), which has a long copper tube?  2
>> entirely different items.
>>
>> If what you're looking for is the ThermoCouple, here's a few links:
>>
>> From GoWesty:
>> http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?
>> id=2446&category_id=129&category_parent_id =
>>
>> From that Texas place I described earlier (almost $10 higher than
>> GoWesty):
>> http://www.rvdealership.com/rvdstore/pc-141787-1-thermocouple-n.aspx
>>
>> From Bus Depot (over $20 higher than GoWesty):
>> http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=253070589
>>
>> Hope this info might help.....and I agree with Dennis Haynes, a
>> heater regulator/home thermostat would not work very well, if at all.
>> --
>> Jim Thompson
>> 84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
>> 84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
>> 73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
>> 72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
>> oldvolkshome@gmail.com
>> http://www.oldvolkshome.com
>> ***********************************
>> On 7/19/07, Matthias Kuster <matthiaskuster@verizon.net > wrote:
>> I just removed my fridge and saw that it has the thermostat lead
>> wire, tube rather broken. What are my replacement options? I heard
>> someone say that a regulator home thermostat for an upright gas
>> heater can be substituted. If so how? I guess my Dometic will not
>> reach full capacity ever without thermostat influence? That tube
>> being broken means it's not working on high, since the gas inside
>> escaped? It will only work on low now? Could I tweak it so it's
>> always on full steam/gas?
>> Finally found the cause of my gas leak: A cracked nut to the
>> refrigerator gas valve, on the main copper line. Unbelievable. But
>> managed to fix that.
>>
>> I shall finally reach happycamperdom!
>>
>> Matthias
>