Can't remove fridge.

[mart 475]

Hi,my fridge in my 1987 club joker has packed in. I have read all articles/watched videos on removal and tried to remove it today. All internal stuff removed ok,problem is the external exhaust. When I removed the plastic external vent cover there is a small plate attached with 3 screws which is also attached to the exhaust and the hole in my van is only big enough for the exhaust pipe. Anyone come across this before and what's the solution? I have tried to upload a photo but it says file too big and being thick as s## t I don't know how to upload it.

[BOXY]

Depending on the model of fridge the flue usually comes off at the fridge end.

[mart 475]

Thanks for your reply. I have,with the help of a friend solved the problem. The plate that was screwed to the van was inserted into the flue(male female type thing) and the flue was crimped into a hole in the plate about 30mm inside the flue. I managed to get a thin screwdriver inside and prize the crimp open and hey presto it came apart. I've now got the fridge upside down for a day to see if that works( the web claims it will) failing that I will again be stumped so no doubt I will post a " fridge won't work" question on Monday . If anyone would like to pre empty that question with any info please feel free. Thanks. Martin

[Porkscratching]

Hi Mart, I had no end of problems with my Westy fridge when I first got it. A refrigeration engineer told me that the quality of our imported autogas is inferior to that on the continent. It causes too much soot. He (Malcome Rock) changed the burner jet for a different size.
With practice I can now remove, service, and replace the fridge in less than an hour. When we're away the fridge runs 24/7, we self cater and the gas will last two to three weeks.

[mart 475]

Hi dd&m. I've owned this van for 7 years and can honestly say I've never run it on gas once apart from when I first got it,just to check it worked. It's only ever run on 230v via mains hook up. It worked fine last time it was used but has now packed in. When it packed up I tried to light it on gas but no joy.. Thanks very much for your reply.

[kevtherev]

If it didn't light I'm wondering why you trying the upside manoeuvre?
I'd be clearing out the burner jet.
Testing the safety thermocouple.
Making sure my regulator was working at the right pressure.

[pirate-pete]

OK then - may be two problems here but as Kev says leave it upside down overnight to make sure the refridgerant has not separated out.

Make sure thermostat knob clockwise all the way to max.

If it was working on 240V before but not now check the resistance of the element. Should be easy to see the terminals once the fridge is out. Check there is continuity across the terminals of the thermostat too. As long as you're not outside in pretty cold weather then it should pass current. Same with the switch just to rule that out.

As for the gas, when you select gas on the switch you should hear the igniter start clicking and you should see the neon flash. Is that happening? If so keep the button pressed while this is happening and you should hear the gas pop a couple of times before firing.

If not then in my experience something may be shorting out the igniter electrode. Post back results of above and then can look to see what to try next. Fresh in my head as I've just had to fix mine this weekend.

[mart 475]

Hi,thanks for replies. First to kev,I haven't got a clue what I'm doing and read a few things stating that if your fridge stops working,get it out and turn it upside down for 24 hours and this could solve the problem ,hence why it was upside down in my dining room. Next to Pete,cheers for the info mate. The 'upside down trick' ain't worked and as I said previously I ain't got a clue so in all honesty checking resistance and continuity is all over my head. Sorry to be so thick! I will seek help from a mate of mine this coming weekend ,who will deffo understand your reply,and let you know how things go . I appreciate the time you've both taken. Thanks. Martin

[kevtherev]

Caravan services will repair it.
Or the people who made it.
The upside down trick is for fridges not getting cold when working