3 way fridge question

[IndigoSteve]

I decided (stupidly) to pull my fridge out today after owning the van for a year and it never working on gas.

I cleaned all the lines and the jet and then managed to connect to gas and electric whilst it was out of the cupboard. I switched it to gas and the ignition unit started firing and after a few volcano like eruptions from where the flue would plug in I noticed that - what appeared to be the pilot light was on.

A couple of issues

1. I can see the light by looking down the flue outlet that on the cylinder thing (sorry don't know name of it) - when I turn the fridge up the flame gets a little bigger but nothing of substance seems to happen - should it just be a gentle flame when running or should I see something more sustantial ?

2. Despite there being a flame and the thermo couple end glowing red the igniter continues to fire. It only stops if I press one of the other buttons 12v or 240v

3. Switching between modes the gas flame does not go out at all. I have turn the gas off to get it to go out.

Is this working as it should. Any advice welcome please.

Regards

Steve

[pirate-pete]

1. I can see the light by looking down the flue outlet that on the cylinder thing (sorry don't know name of it) - when I turn the fridge up the flame gets a little bigger but nothing of substance seems to happen - should it just be a gentle flame when running or should I see something more substantial ?

Not sure as never looked down chimney. Can see flame on mine through little window in bottom left of food compartment. If you run it for a few hours does the ice tray get icy cold?

2. Despite there being a flame and the thermo couple end glowing red the igniter continues to fire. It only stops if I press one of the other buttons 12v or 240v

should stop firing - perhaps is not positioned right. Can you see where spark is jumping to?

]3. Switching between modes the gas flame does not go out at all. I have turn the gas off to get it to go out.

this is normal - the gas button just turns on the igniter ( which should start sparking again if the flame goes out )

[Oldiebut goodie]

Slight increase in flame is all that you will see.

Spark gap: (crucial as the resistance of the air/gas gap governs the igniter operating or not)


The gas should turn off with the knob - you shouldn't need to isolate it with the tap. Probably needs overhaul and re-lubrication. Grease get gets old and gums up the works after many years use. (Assuming that your fridge control has a 0 or off position)

[pirate-pete]

The gas should turn off with the knob - you shouldn't need to isolate it with the tap. Probably needs overhaul and re-lubrication. Grease get gets old and gums up the works after many years use. (Assuming that your fridge control has a 0 or off position)

Aye, lots of different fridges out there but this one sounded like mine as it has buttons rather than the common rocker switch to switch between modes. I have the Westy RM184 like in this



pic I found on Google. Switching between modes with this fridge does not turn off the gas so you need to remember to turn it off at the isolator or run the risk of overheating the refrigerant. The dial with this one is connected to both a gas and a 240V thermostat (both on same spindle) . Looking at the label on the dial you would think turning the dial to 0 would mean the 240V mode would be off but in this position you'd have minimum flame on gas. Got to admit though I have never tried the fridge on gas when set to the 3 o'clock position.

The 12V mode is not controlled by the thermostat dial at all.

[IndigoSteve]

That's all really helpful. I'll get the fridge out and check the gap. Thanks all

[marlinowner]

http://www.westfaliat3.info/RM184EGIand ... ration.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Instructions for RM184 fridge

[Oldiebut goodie]

What a pain having to root around in the bottom of a cupboard to turn the gas off each time. Fancy designing it like that!

[pirate-pete]

What a pain having to root around in the bottom of a cupboard to turn the gas off each time. Fancy designing it like that!

Tis OK when you get used to it as the valves are right at the front of the adjacent cupboard.

[Smcknighty]

Are the other valves for the grill?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pirate-pete]

Top one feeds the two gas rings and middle one for fridge. Need to be horizontal for on position.

Bottom yellow one is isolator for cooker and fridge and needs to be vertical for on.

There is another isolator valve on the underfloor LPG tank too but that one is outside the van.