Westfalia fridge

[Firkie]

Hi,
My fridge wasn't working, so I took it out and give it a good clean left it up turned for a day. I've cleaned the fire box, jets etc and tested it in my garage,it's now working. I've got my fridge in position but not secured, my question is when it's on gas the igniter clicks until its lit,which is right but there is a whining noise and its coming from the igniter control box. If I remove the earth from the igniter the noise stops so this confirms where the noise is coming from. I just don't think it is correct, it's obviously still drawing power??? Also when I change mode (battery) the burner is still alight. Is it just burning gas in the pipe?
I just want to make sure we are safe. I may just use battery on the way and hook up if there is one.

Thank you for any advice

[ninja.turtle007]

I'm not too sure about the noise. Shouldn't be making a noise unless it is clicking.

To turn to fridge from gas to 12v, turn the gas off until the igniter starts to click then select 12v othwise it will stay alight. You can then turn the gas back on.

[pirate-pete]

Its normal for the gas to stay lit once you switch to another source. You need to turn gas off at the valve under the sink. Make sure you turn it off before switching to electric .

If the ignitor is whining when the gas is on it sounds like it is on its way out. While gas is selected the ignitor is powered as it also used to detect the flame so it can reignite if the flame goes out. Think it sounds safe to me just annoying.

You could as you've noticed switch from gas to 12V when the engine is off and then the noise should stop. As engine off then the 12V element will not be energised. However if flame blows out it won't automatically relight. Still safe as thermocouple will cut off gas flow.

[California Dreamin]

I can confirm that you have to turn off the gas and see the flame go out (through the inspection hole) change over to electric then turn the main gas switch back on again.

The auto igniter does sound faulty, however a couple of things to do before replacing it.....
Make sure the fuse (the white one on the drivers B post) is clean and the brass contacts tensioned.
Pull out the fridge and lube the mechanical switch gear as a 'sticking mechanism' can also cause problems.

Steve had some igniters at Gasure.....not cheap.

Martin

[Firkie]

Thank you so much for your advice I feel a lot more confident now. The noise is very similar to a camera flash recharging after taking a picture , If that makes any sense? I suppose the main thing is its stopping sparking once the flame is lit.

Steve

[Firkie]

I forgot to mention, the little cooling fan has passed away . Does anyone know where I can get a replacement? I was wondering if maplins may have something?

[California Dreamin]

Time for the 'Quiet' fan mod......using the same wiring but powering a large 120mm fan which is both quieter and more powerful.

See:





You may need to make some sort of bracket and just make sure fibre glass insulation is kept out the way (there is fair bit of clearance behind the fridge to fit a larger fan).
Usually these fans have three wires (The yellow is for RPM monitoring when fitted in a PC) just don't use it.

See:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arctic-Coolin ... 20cf69acae" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gelid-Silent- ... 3f241509c8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[Firkie]

Hey , that's a good idea!! Is there a way of checking the fan rotates the right direction before securing in position?
Thank you for that

[California Dreamin]

Well you could by-pass the thermo switch which is screwed to one of the top cooling fins....this will bring the fan on (defo works on mains, not sure about 12 volt/Gas as I've only ever heard it cut in with electric hookup connected).

As long as the red/black wires are connected red positive/ black negative, the fan will blow towards it's mounting brackets (UPWARDS)....as in the pics.

Martin

[Firkie]

Thank you Martin , I appreciate your help

[Firkie]

Fan arrived today one of the ones you linked me to. The wires are very thin , do I connect straight to these ? At work at the min but hope to make the bracket tomorrow and get it fitted.
Cheers Martin I appreciate the help you are giving me

Steve

[California Dreamin]

The wires are thin but then the fan only draws a couple of watts of power. You could tape the wires up to protect them (insulating tape).
Yes just connect directly to the same wires (although I can't remember the fridge colours I assume they follow some sort of code)
You just need to use the red & black wires off the fan (cut off the yellow) red being positive.

Martin

[Firkie]

Cheers Martin,a job for tomorrow ill let you know

[Firkie]

Fridge back in and working!!!
Thank you for the help