rv refrigerator screw up

[jeeper93436]

i figured id post this here and see what you guys think. i had a propane smell coming from the refer. i have never done any kind of heating or similar work before, so i didnt know what to look for.the smell was only with the refer turned on. i ask a buddy and pointed me to checking the orifice. sure enough it had alot of rust in the burner. so i unscrew it cleaned it put it back together. turned it on and heard a weird noises, i was waiting to see if i fix my problem. noises got louder and **** the back of the refer was on fire. extinguished the fire, no major damage. so i pulled the refer, had it on the floor and i was able to see the fire started by the gas vent. now this is were i screwed up i dint tighten the line to the orifice, i hand tighten it and never went back. now im a little worried about putting it back together. i know i screwed up on the line but would feel more comfortable if someone has experience leaving that fitting loose before and having similar problem or could i have another problem. my theory is that propane was getting through the fitting and making a lot bigger flame and thats why the fire started by the vent.

 

[Gunnert]

Before I put it back together again I'd make sure I had good insurance coverage and had practiced my emergency evacuation plan within the past couple of weeks, otherwise, go for it!


Seriously though, put it back together, check for leaks with soapy water "before" you fire it back up.

 

[Highbeam]

You removed the fridge? Pretty major deal that involved even more LPG fittings. I am an RVer and have had a leak at the fridge valve. All of the propane lines, valves, etc. are exposed on most of these fridges right in front of you behind the exterior panel.

If yours is set up like this then you can access and verify every single connection. Reinstall and run it. Stand there the whole time, have the RV parked outside unhitched from the truck, and soap your connections. Have an extinguisher ready.

If you really feel the need you should reinstall fully and then have an RV shop check your work. Call it maintenance or a safety check.

Good luck getting into the RV shop schedule at this time of year.