mains hook up dumb questions

[TomDub85]

All done this morning everything seems to be ok got the plug inside the units next to the fridge , my drive is on a slope so tested all pipes got warm ect but no sign of getting cold after 2 hours plugged in hopefully its just a level thing will take it to a friends later in the week so I can test it 100% level fingers crossed , not keen on using tips I have read on taking it out turning upside down be allot of hassle . got my zig unit power supply to the leisure batt and onto clips and sorted today another quick fix until I wire it into the leisure batt and use a switch to cut the power on and off .

[Ralf85]

The turning upside down suggestion is included in the advice from the fridge manual as the gas/liquid inside can effectively almost solidify if it is not run occasionally during winter months. Pete the fridgeman (now retired unfortunately) did this to mine a few years ago and it has worked perfectly ever since.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Out of level problems are more of a problem on the old square boiler enclosure - these are very rare now.
Check that there is adequate airflow over the cooling fins also.

From the Dometic service manual:

After the unit has been operating for
approximately one hour, carefully touch the unit
at the boiler box and the absorber area. These
areas should be approximately the same
temperature, regardless of the ambient
temperature. Equal heat between the boiler and
the absorber indicates the fluid circulation within
the unit is good.

Under normal operation the temperature at
the absorber coils (A) and the boiler (B)
should be approximately the same. If the
temperature at the absorber coils (A) is
much hotter it indicates loss of refrigerant
and the cooling unit must be replaced. If
the temperature at the boiler (B) is very hot
and the absorber coils (A) are cool it indicates
that the refrigerant is not circulating properly.
This could indicate:
A. Liquid trapped in the evaporator sections,
caused by out-of-level operation for a
period of time. Resetting the refrigerator
to a level position will not necessarily
correct the problem as liquid can remain
trapped even after level is corrected.
Shut off the heat source and let the
system cool down, then re-start it and
observe the temperatures at A and B
again after several hours. If the same
condition exists it could indicate:
B. A permanent blockage within the boiler
pump tube, caused by too much heat
applied to the burner (oversized orifice
or heating element) or prolonged operation
of the unit when out-of-level or with
restricted ventilation. This type of
blockage consists of hard deposits inside
the boiler pump tube. This condition is
not repairable and the cooling unit must
be replaced.

[TomDub85]

Thanks going to check everything tomorrow just downloaded the manual for my model , hopefully it just needs a bit of tweaking. Thanks for the reply I don't think the fridge has been used for few years so if all else fails I'll source getting it serviced locally.

[Oldiebut goodie]

If it hasn't been used for a few years then the upside down trick will most probably help. 24 hours upside down then another 24 correct way up before you try it again. What it does is re-mix the mixture which tends to separate out if left idle too long.

[TomDub85]

Yeh just want make sure I do it correctly if it needs doing , disconnecting and re the gas etc have all the manuals so going to have a good read and make sure I don't make any mistakes that could gas me and the family. If I do take it out going to add some levelling legs while its out make two jobs out of one .

[TomDub85]

The van is always parked on a sloped driveway is this going to create a problem in the future ? Fluids clogging up ect

[Oldiebut goodie]

You will find that if you are parked so much out of level to affect the fridge you will not be able to sleep in it comfortably anyway. Levelling it on a normal flat surface is all you need do - which is done by the floor pan of your van anyway. Some people use ramps/boards if you are staying on uneven ground for the wheels - this takes care of levelling the fridge. Parking it on a sloping drive won't affect it so long as you don't use it at a silly angle - wait till you are driving before you start it operating in that case. It just means that you won't be able to cool it down the night before you go on a trip which is what a lot of people do.

[TomDub85]

Thanks I have ramps for when I'm camping was just wondering about the effects on the fridge ( turned off ) when parked on a slope for long periods midweek ect going to try get the fridge level inside the van using some blocks so I can give it a level testing before I move onto the next stages of fault finding. Got a good idea of everything I need to do now just making sure gas is re connected safely , soapy water to check for leaks . going to get a mini gas alarm for a extra saftey when out camping. I have options to leave it at the inlaws evening before trips so as long as its all working should be happy days and cold beers.

[TomDub85]

A update on this morning tinkering , so I first took the fridge out very carefully and set upside down and level, van is on a slight slope so had to make the fridge level inside the van using blocks of wood and anything I could find.
Cleaned out the area used a length of hose pipe to feed the wiring from the zig unit into to keep tidy and protected , used old piece MDF I had lay about cut to size and placed in for new level floor and secure base for the fridge . here is a few photos of my work so far today. Only thing left to do is decide how long I leave the fridge upside down for 4 hours should mean I can reset and test late this evening. [/URL[URL=http://s1330.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Warrier/media/photo-27_zps9657a659.jpg.html][/url[URL=http://s1330.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Warrier/media/photo-23_zpsd1ab19ef.jpg.html]

[Oldiebut goodie]

If it hasn't been used for a few years then the upside down trick will most probably help. 24 hours upside down then another 24 correct way up before you try it again. What it does is re-mix the mixture which tends to separate out if left idle too long.

This period is from the manufacturers instructions. (Not 4 hrs.)

[Ralf85]

Also Pete the fridgeman (an expert on van fridges) gave my fridge a gentle rock from side to side while upside down to free the gas/fluid for 10 seconds.

[TomDub85]

I have gone for a quick 2 hours either side so I can test later this evening if no luck I will put back upside down and leave for 24hrs read a few things online everyone seems to use different times , this way I get to test all in one day.if it dont work its no great loss of time and i will go the longer period of time and be ready to test by sat evening . fingers crossed

[TomDub85]

All up and working Great advice from everyone started this thread with one issue and solved 2 . feet up beer in hand (cold) onto the next jobs good day

[Ralf85]

Great news and now you can keep your beer (white wine or a fruit based drink for the ladies) nice and cool on your hols. Result.