[VAC] Fridge problems

[Tombhs@xxxxxxx]

Hello all: I would like to ask for help/ suggestions on my recent problem of gas flow 
in my Dometic fridge-model MB 52 which is in my 1969 Tradewind.  The fridge works on 
electric but I cannot get the gas burner to ignite.  I have tested the thermocoupler 
and it works.  Gas flows down the ignition tube but will not ignite using the flint 
striker.  I light the gas ( which ignites at the base of the burner tube) by a match 
from the outside of the trailer.  The flame burns out of the holes at the base of the 
burner tube but not at the top.  As soon as the lighting button is released, sometimes 
within 10 sec. or so, the flame goes out.  Anyone had this problem?  My first thought 
is that since the flame is coming out of the bottom of the burner tube and not the 
top, is that there is a clog in the burner tube...mud daubber kind of stuff.  Or is 
the flame out of the bottom of the burner correct....where is the pilot supposed to be 
on this?  Any help would be appreciated.....
Tom Fairbank
1969 Tradewind, 25 ft.

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Forwarded Message:
Subj: Heater and fridge
Date: 1/5/02 6:17:46 PM Mountain Standard Time
From: Tombhs
To: drgreene@bellsouth.net

Jim: I had some time today to mess with the heater.  It now works without the knocking 
sound but I do not know what I did.  I did not have to take it out...I did find a 
loose screw in the exit vent but I don't think that would have done it.  Anyway, on to 
the next problem....the fridge will not run off gas.  It works off electricty fine.  
The flint striker works but will not light the pilot.  The burner tube has the flame 
coming out the openings at its base (is this the pilot)? or does this mean the burner 
tube is plugged?  I took out the thermocouple and had it tested, it works.  Gas is 
moving down the tube as evidenced by the flame coming out the holes in the bottom of 
the burner tube.  When I release the start button, the flame goes out.  Is the pilot 
at the end of the burner tube?  If so, then the flame is not getting through the 
burner tube and I may have a plug in the tube.  A RV service dept recommended checking 
something back at the dial, suggesting that the gas is not being released once the 
thermocouple heats up and works, but I am still not sure where the pilot flame should 
be.  Any experience with this?    Thanks Tom
P.S.  I do have a manual for this unit - it is a Dometic MB 52 -C