Fridge Problem

Bru · Senior Member

Fridge Problem

KevinC · Senior Member

You'll have to test it using 12v or 240v. If it doesn't cool on anything, go to the experts. If it's only the gas that doesn't work, it'll probably be just a service from the gas people. You shouldn't stuff around with the gas, and I'm thinking, if you have to ask, then you already need a licenced gas fitter.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I guess you have actually held the button down for about 30seconds after lighting the gas? Not trying to be smart but sometimes I have not held down long enough. Just a thought.

If you get to Greens make sure you come and say hi. Glenelg is first on the right of the launching ramp and I am second.

Mmmmmm, does that mean I am second to none biggrin oops, that should say, one biggrin

Travel safe.

elliemike · Guru

IS YOUR VAN LEVEL. This is important.

Is it working on 240v If it is ok on that, fault is probably the gas ribbon burner not getting enough gas.

If it hasn't been used for a long period it could have had a spider or some insect activity in the burner that it choking it a little.

Or just rust particles from the Flue falls down on the ribbon burner choking it a little.

This can be blown out if you take the bottom fridge vent off and the remover the little cover off the burner. I use a piece of 6 mm plastic air hose about 400mm long to blow by mouth cleaning the dust off the burner.

Most times this is all that is needed. But you may have a blocked gas Jet which will require a bit more knowledge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aArA8MBhQ3w

SORRY THAT VIDEO DIDN'T REALLY SHOW THE BURNER IN ACTION.

-- Edited by elliemike on Tuesday 16th of February 2016 11:22:56 AM

-- Edited by elliemike on Tuesday 16th of February 2016 03:54:48 PM

Hylife · Guru

Just like your BBQ at home, if the fridge has not been used for some days and the gas bottle has been turned off, the gas in the pipes can dissapate and it can take up to 30 seconds to a minute for the gas to work its way through the pipes to the burner.

Continue to click the piezo ignitor whilst holding in the gas button until you see the yellow flame in the clear plastic viewing lens. If you do not see the yellow flame (turns blueish once heated up) then the pilot light is not lit.

Continue to hold in the gas button for up to 30 seconds after the pilot light is lit until the safety thermocouple (gas shut-off) has had time to heat.
The shut-off is designed to cut the gas supply to the burner in the event the pilot light blows out, so if it is cold it will extinguish the pilot light as soon as you let it go.

I would recommend that you clean your burner area regularly of rust, dust and soot for a more efficient gas operation. This is best done with an air compressor after removing the lower exterior grill on the the outside of your van behind the fridge. Whilst there, have someone inside the van repeatedly press the piezo ignitor whilst you look from the outside for a nice strong blue spark at the pilot light.

Absorbtion fridges take a couple of hours to cool down so it is best to pre-cool them on 230V AC before your departure and switch them over to 12V DC during driving which is very poor for efficiency and immediately on reaching your destination switch them over to 230 or Gas. Keep the fridge as full as possible as an empty fridge will warm up very quickly.

Hope this helps.

Bru · Senior Member

I really am a novice, the van is parked on the road on a slope, so no gas fridge, i.e. not level. So I will wait till camping in a safe level environment to check it out, will switch to 12v as I take off tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the help.