How to Replace a Thermocouple in Your Camper Fridge

[@ElKeexote]

This is a great demonstration of replacing the thermalcouple on a Norcold. Just the right amount of info.

[@f.afishing]

That’s a cool magnetic cap, you did great job, I think it’s so amazing that you are able to have your camera and film when you are doing these jobs, I couldn’t do that when I’m fixing my equipment because most of the time I’m cussing, so the video wouldn’t have much audio. LOL! Thanks for sharing your knowledge my Man!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Haha.. somehow I have a hard time picturing you cussing while working. You always seem so relaxed about everything.

[@theshorefisherman1]

Your handiness always impresses me!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@rorymax8233]

Thank you👍, great explanation and illustration.

[@Flyboytr]

Hello, I did enjoy the video and am wondering what holds the thermocouple in the bracket? Also, at 4:25 in the video you mentioned the orange/red wire as being the 12 volt heater wire. That is not correct. That wire is for the ignitor and creates the spark when you mash the button on the control panel...nothing to do with the heating elements. Thanks again for the video.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hello Flyboy. There is a "U" shaped metal bracket with a hole in each end of the "U". The thermocouple probe slides through those holes to keep it in place. I believe you are right about that big red wire. I think the heating element has a smaller white wire. I'd have to look again to make sure. With a name like "Flyboy" are you a pilot too?

[@Flyboytr]

@@GoMidwestFishing , Yes, I have been playing with things that fly for 47 years. Good stuff. The 12 and/or 120 volt heating element wiring enters the insulated chimney stack about 1/3 way UP the stack from the bottom. Thanks for the info. It sounds like the thermocouple just slides into the bracket with no real "Keeper"...other than the position of the tip and the probe cable itself pushing and holding it in place. Is that correct?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

@@Flyboytr yes, that is correct. It fits in there pretty tight so it won't move. In fact, it can be a pain to get it in and out of that bracket. It sounds like you've been flying a long time. I've only been doing it for 24 years.

[@Flyboytr]

@@GoMidwestFishing , over 3,700 hours as PIC (multi/instrument). The majority of my hours are in homebuilt experimental. Over the years we built 6 gyrocopters, 2 helicopters and 4 1/2 fixed wing aircraft. Good stuff! I was only getting 17 mv out of the original thermocouple. By the time it powered the little meter and the interrupter there just wasn't enough juice! The upgrade wire kit was installed a few years ago. Anyway... I just installed a new thermocouple and this one is only getting 9.7mv. Still not enough to make the interrupter connect and hold the valve open and only about 1/2 the mv of the OEM unit. I'm waiting for things to cool a bit and will look at tip placement. It is very hard to see. I will have to pull out my borescope for a better look. Sigh....frustrating.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That sounds frustrating. I haven't added up my logbook in many years, but I'm definitely over 10k hours. Mostly in the Canadair regional jet. I bet those gyrocopters were fun to fly!

[@walleyebass]

Nice work Rande 👍

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@WesLovelace]

Good old PM check and replace....Seems like all my toyz and boat house have been getting a check up and fixx for the last 3 weeks👀😎!!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi Wes. Spring time around here is all about getting the toys all fixed up and ready to go for the summer. I got about two weeks before I can get the boat on the water. I can't wait!

[@JohnAmes]

Some great information my friend

[@paolomartini150]

My gage for flame indicator doesn't work anymore but the refrigerator stays on once ignited. So the thermocouple seems to keep the flame on but the gage is not getting voltage or is getting it and not moving the needle. Thoughts? Also the igniter is not igniting anymore. A lighter is needed. Where does ithe gage plug in to? I haven't taken the fridge out yet.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hello Paolo. The flame indicator has two very tiny wires going to it. They break easily, but have no effect on your fridge working. Its only there to let you know when the flame is lit. It can be easily fixed by repairing the wires. You'll have to pull out the fridge and look at the top and follow the wires. If they are broke, juts look for two very skinny wires in the area.

[@martinryder6910]

Excellent video.

[@keithorourke30]

Does the thermocouple wire not get hot is it ok to use cable ties ?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

The wire does not get hot. Only the tip heats up and sends an electrical current through the wire. Its OK to use zip ties on it.

[@HuntingFarmerOfficial]

Looks like a fairly simple fix. Do they let you work on the planes also?? 😁 Maybe in a future video you could show how to install a turbocharger on the purple jeep! 👍

[@GoMidwestFishing]

So funny story.. we got like 7 of those electric cars. One of them is a Pontiac Solstice. I modified it to be 24 volts. Reed was doing donuts in it, until it overheated and started on fire. Check out the first 10 seconds of this video to see what I'm talking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHTZoYGBe7uAgK8

[@BrettLizzy420]

Thank You Bro. 🎉🎉🎉

[@robertdoyen5434]

Great little fix thank you looks like our snow is starting to finally disappear start getting back out camping and fishing by the way whatever happened to the boat project did you ever finish it thanks from Wisconsin

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi Robert. I already got a fishing trip planned for Wisconsin opener. I'm excited to get on the water. I will be on Long Lake (near Sarona) I also just bought a new camper that need some immediate attention, so I've been working on that. Next I need to unwinterize the fishing boat and install the awesome boat wrap I had custom made for it. Then I will pull the project boat into the shop and hopefully get that finished. I was hoping to get to it sooner, but my "real job" has been working me hard lately.

[@chrischtis2082]

THANK YOU

[@fatherandsonsfishing]

So... did you go to ACE, buy a thermocouple, and realize after the fact it was the wrong one, or... did you "do it for the Tube" and intentionally purchase the wrong one to use as a prop?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I went to ace, bought the wrong one, realized it was wrong, then had a prop for the video. I haven't made it big enough yet on YT to intentionally buy the wrong stuff.

[@fatherandsonsfishing]

@@GoMidwestFishing You pulled it off like a pro, though. You could have said it was on purpose and I’d have totally believed you!

[@hiddenfire89]

👀🤣

[@char_herm]

🔥🔥🔥

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi Charlie.

[@qiqi2692]

Yup , bought the wrong one !. 13 bucks down the drain 😅

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Don't worry, I learned the same way.