I haven't used the van in 18 months. Gas comes through to stove, oven and hot water, but the fridge will not light. I've tried it regularly over the last 3 weeks, numerous times. It was supposed to be fixed several times, but the guy is sooooooo busy... There doesn't appear to be a pilot light, and as it's gas, I'm not playing with it!
So, I've resigned myself to no free camping until I hit a big town where I can get it looked at, but have been concerned. So I've turned the valve off under the van to the fridge unit. Can I assume it will be safe to use the gas stove and oven? And just run the fridge on 240?
Hello Jeri,
If the tap only turns off the gas to the fridge - yes, you can use the other appliances.
I know the fridge jet has an extremely small hole in it so there could be a blockage in the feed somewhere. (I assume you're holding the gas feed button in as you try to ignite the flame - some of us do forget at times). I prefer to hold it "in" for 15-20 seconds before operating the ignition button.
You mention "that it was supposed to be fixed several times" - does that refer to your local chap? Does his work have a warranty period?
Have a read of the recent post in the Techies chapter called "Gas bottle to regulator hose failure". If your van has rubber hoses feeding the regulator from the bottles - this could be the cause. The jets in the stove/oven would be larger, I'd guess.
Best of luck
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
May I be one of the first to welcome you to the forum
I am not a Gas Fitter, but if you mention the make and model number of your fridge, a techi may know something about it, and give you some clues As I do not have your type of caravan, I have no experience of your fridge, gas line set up
In a normal situation, when a three way fridge is on either 12 volt or 240 volt, or off, the gas still gets to the fridge, but can not get passed the mechanical/electrical valve inside the fridge, to the burner Therefore in a normal situation, with the fridge set to 240 volt, or off, it should be safe to use your stove
If you have any doubts about the safety, of the gas side of the fridge You could perhaps close off the stop valve on the copper pipe, (if it is not too stiff), and then check if the stove still works
Thanks for the replies. It's a Dometic fridge. I have closed off the stop valve and all seems to be fine so I'll just stay at powered sites until I can get it looked at. Thanks again
You were asked the model number of your fridge, can you please give it to us.
When you were attempting to light the fridge,how long did you hold down the gas safety switch whilst attempting to ignite the flame? The gas can take quite a few minutes when you first light it. Hold down the gas safety switch and click the piezo lighter every 2 seconds for at least 4 minutes before giving up.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
