Fridge Question: old models vs. new ones

[danthevan]

Hi Everyone,
I took my Electrolux RM212f for service last week to be told that the fridge (which is not working on gas) has to be replaced.
I have the money to buy a new Dometic but a friend told me that I'd be better off buying an (new) old electrolux since they are much better.

Could anybody help me on this as I only have one point of reference?

Regards,

Dan

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
I replaced mine last year and the only complaint was how much I had to pay for it. Unfortunately they don't come cheap. So far I am satisfied.
Don

[Oldiebut goodie]

It appears strange to me that it has to be replaced - you say that it doesn't work on gas - implying that it works otherwise on electric. If it is working it makes more sense to replace any parts on the gas side that are not up to spec. What did they say was the problem that necessitates replacement?

[danthevan]

It appears strange to me that it has to be replaced - you say that it doesn't work on gas - implying that it works otherwise on electric. If it is working it makes more sense to replace any parts on the gas side that are not up to spec. What did they say was the problem that necessitates replacement?

The service report says:
'fridge not working on gas " unable to get parts'.

Dan

[Oldiebut goodie]

There is so little to go wrong - generic thermocouples can be used,sparking side can be adapted with a little ingenuity, taps can be dismantled and refurbished if leaky. Are you sure that they are not just trying to sell you a new fridge?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Just had a quick google and it appears that there are plenty of spares available - I wonder what it is that they cannot obtain - or is it cannot be *rsed?

[danthevan]

I don't know, they seemed quite professional, although it would not surprise me if they couldn't be *rsed.
I think I'm going to look for a second opinion.

Thanks for your help.

Dan

[Oldiebut goodie]

It may be worth just asking them to detail what the problem was - after all you have most probably just paid them for the diagnosis.

[danthevan]

It may be worth just asking them to detail what the problem was - after all you have most probably just paid them for the diagnosis.

I finally talked to the guy who serviced the van and said that the fridge burner was too corroded and failed to give a big-enough flame for the cooling to take place. Does anybody know where to get a new/working burner from?

Regards,
Dan

[Oldiebut goodie]

A quick google gives:
http://www.partmaster.co.uk/cgi-bin/sea ... 9076&part=

http://www.4domex.co.uk/cgi-bin/product ... 9422:79076

You would have to check that they are exactly what you need.

[danthevan]

thanks to Oldiebut goodie for your comments.

i've finally given up after battling for the last month to get the part needed (the gas burner). it is an obsolete piece which the manufacturer doesn't make anymore. the only option is to look for a second hand one in a breaker, then change it, and then hope that stays alive for a loooooong time together with the rest of the old pieces. i opted for the less-hassly-but-more-expensive alternative..... a new fridge.

the score: old models - 0 / new ones - 1

all the best

dan

[1664]

the score: old models - 0 / new ones - 1

Oh I should hang on a minute. The game's only just started, you have to see how long the new fridge lasts before you declare it the winner...............

Anything made these days is usually pants compared to the same thing made 20 years ago

[Oldiebut goodie]

There is a pattern burner and jet at £40 http://www.marinemegastore.com/product- ... 529594.htm here that appears to be in stock. (I never give up easily!)

[grumpyoldgit]

What sort of place did you go to to get the fridge serviced?
I have an RM122B in my 26 year old van which I suspect went in there from new.
It would not work when I got the van but the local caravan place was not fazed by it at all. They said that these sorts of fridges are almost indestructable and they had seen plenty in similar condition. They replaced a BC Jet and the rubber hosing and gave it a good service. It works fine now.

[Pepperami]

I had my fridge service in the middle of a field in Hampshire( thanks Steve P) It works perfectly now. You don't need to spend money straight away. Get someone to sort it who has an idea.