1975 winnebago brave refrigerator

[Darrin and Marnice Marshall]

Can anyone tell me how to test the thermocouple? Also, can anyone tell me if I can use a generic one to replace it? I'm fairly sure it's bad and I haven't been able to find anyone that carries it.

[Jimco_W001]

Hello Marshall's,the thermocouple generates millivolts when it is heated.But this is a wear item so I would put a new one in anyways.If you can find a number on the t/c try googling it.

[Darrin and Marnice Marshall]

Thanks. What's a t/c. Are most thermocouples the same. If I cant find an oe fit can I make one fit?

[david craft]

symptoms please..

[david craft]

thermocouples will interchange. The threaded ends for all the furnaces are one size. The refers and catalytic heaters are all another size. Therefore a universal from your local hardware store will NOT fit. The end usually looks burnt up before they fail. The electromagnetic coil it hooks to rarely fails. I clean the connection that the end connects to. Turn off the propane and unscrew the cap To remove electromagnet.

[Robin]

Why do you think it might be the thermocouple that is the problem?

If it is, you must use an original one as it is metric threaded and a universal thermocouple is imperial thread.

[david craft]

why MUST you use an original one?

[david craft]

If the original thermocouple is obsolete, ANY thermocouple with a matching thread pitch that can be fashioned to maintain good flame immersion can be used. The afore mentioned cap may be able to be removed and even retapped.

[Darrin and Marnice Marshall]

Thanks a ton for all the info.  I don't feel like I need an original thermocouple, I just want one that works.  I'm fairly sure that the thermocouple is bad since I cleaned the tip that is immersed into the flame and the fridge worked as designed for a bit. 

David mentioned that each genre of appliance has its own thread pitch.  What should I look for/ask for if I am to find the best chance of a thermocouple to fit.   

[david craft]

most all refers have the same thread pitch.  get OEM if you can. it just fits better.  if they are NLA, start scrounging and try a used one off a scrap fridge.  if they fail the flame just goes out so there is no safety issue. when you say "works for a bit" it does not sound like a thermocouple. a bad thermocouple will extinguish the flame as soon as you release the bypass button.