Problem with Propex

[markhale10]

Hi,
We bought our T25 Autosleeper earlier in the year and have had a great summer of adventures in it.
When we bought it there was a Propex heating system in which didn't work. I had other work to do on the van so left it however now that winter is upon us I would love to get it working.

The issue seems to be electrical as there was a blown fuse. I replaced this but nothing on the thermostat lit up. With thermostat housing off I pressed against it gently (on the dial) and the light came on. Then the fuse popped!!

I guess the thermostat may be at fault as power is clearly getting to it.

I cannot seem to source one. Anyone had similar problems?

Thanks for any help or advice you can offer.

[BOXY]

Have you tried the Propex without the thermostat to check to see if it still works first? My Propex doesn't have a thermostat just an on-off switch. If you do a search for "Propex" on here there will be a few posts that talk about fitting an ordinary thermostat from B&Q etc.

[ghost123uk]

Yes, wire it up direct, it's just a live and an earth. Make sure you have a fuse, say 5 amp in the wire you use to connect it up directly with. It is fairly common for the motor inside to seize up due to lack of use. In fact Propex say it is a good idea to fire it up every few weeks even in the summer (sic) to prevent this happening. If it does not spin up, and / or blows the fuse, then it is likely it is seized up

If it is seized they are a bit of a swine to get apart as all the mating surfaces are not just screwed but stuck together with some sort of silicon sealer. If you do get it apart the bearing on the motor shaft is an odd design and on mine I was unsuccessful at freeing it off. In the end I sent it to Propex to have a new motor fitted along with a full service. The new motor is an upgraded design that is quieter and uses less battery power.

Propex are in my experience very good to deal with. They got my unit back to me in less than a week and the cost was "reasonable" at around £85 if memory serves correct.

[markhale10]

That sounds a good idea. I will try to wire direct via the in-line fuse and test the Propex unit. If it blows I will maybe have a look at it first as you suggest. It would certainly be worth around £85 to get the unit working again as it was factory fitted by Autohomes as an upgrade when the van was new. I believe it did not work with the previous owner and he did not pursue the issue.
If the unit does work I will check out replacing the thermostat with a domestic one.
Thanks for the responses, I will keep you updated.

[Dad]

Do you know anyone with an airline? It worked for me, shove it up the inlet pipe under the van. It is in the wiki.

[markhale10]

I assume you mean to blow or blast out any crud that may have gathered. Would this prevent motor from turning?

[markhale10]

Also, sorry for my ignorance being a newbie but what is the wiki?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Top of the page.
Airline trick is because the bearings can stick due to lack of use.

[ghost123uk]

Also, sorry for my ignorance being a newbie but what is the wiki?

Wiki main page = https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and specifically re Propex = https://club8090.co.uk/wiki?ti ... opex&go=Go" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[markhale10]

Excellent information, thanks for all replies. Looks like it could be a worthwhile project to get it up and running again.
Thanks again

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1358357161.701083.jpg

[Plasticman]

how much quieter with the new motor
mm

[ghost123uk]

how much quieter with the new motor
mm

Is that a question ? - If so I would say "not a great deal quieter" - in fact I would have to have both versions side by side to see if I could hear a difference. I reckon most of the noise is from the fan, not the actual motor. I could not comment on the claimed reduced current either because my old motor was likely pulling more than it was designed to due to the shot bearings. The new one pulls 2 amps.

[Plasticman]

yes it was, i suppose its the perceived noise, anything that has a fan and blows air will make a noise ...but as you point out it will run smoother and be a better heater for it,
mm

[markhale10]

Update.
Well, I decided to investigate the Propex issue today. The power was getting to Propex okay so fault pointing to motor.
I stripped the unit down and got to the motor. There are two rotational fans on the motor shaft. The outmost one is held on by a 3mm Allen screw. Only reachable by poking an Allen key through the fine blades. A small torch will aid location. After loosening, the fan will pull off.
The rotor was stiff to turn by hand so I guessed this is why it would not turn. I attached the chuck of my cordless drill to the rotor and let it spin for a few minutes in both directions. I then tried the power again and hey presto it turned. It was slow for about 1 minute, then it screamed loudly for about 1 minute, then it really kicked in. Full speed and no noise (other than as expected).
I gave the whole unit a good clean out as was very dusty and cleaned the gas nozzle.
I put all back together, reinstalled in cupboard and fired it up. What a difference even in about 10mins, lovely warm air blowing in.
I do need to seal the exit hole now properly under the van and/or fit short aluminium hose for fumes. It looks like there has been a hose previously but has gone that white powdery way with corrosion.
Thanks for all the comments above and to the Wiki. Hopefully some of my info above will help others too.

[ghost123uk]

Was yours sealed with silicon?
If yes, did you have to get it all off and put fresh on like I did ?

Shame you are so far away as I have some of that exhaust hose (new).
I could box it up (that's the tricky bit = finding a suitable box !) and post it I suppose ?
Let me know.