Westie Fridge Electrolux RM 184

Post by **Allan344** » 19 Jul 2008, 20:41

Sorry for asking bout this old topic but could not find a specfic answer to my query.

My 3 way fridge has never worked on gas since I bought it two years ago. I have put up with it as it worked on hook up, but now I seriously want to fix it or replace it with a new one.

The fridge like the van appears in excellent condition. I have removed the fridge from the van and sucked the flue for rust but there was nothing there. The igniter appears to be the problem. That is, it doesn't make a clicking noise when pressed as I would expect although as it has never worked I am only assuming that's the noise it should make. Currys partmaster have an igniter plug with cable listed for the RM184. Does anybody have an incline what the problem is and if it is the igniter does this seem like the right part for replacement from Currys.

Also the fridge seems to drain the battery when using 12v even when on the move. Used it once before and then the sink pump would not work. Is this usual too. Never used it again since but would like to.

Finally, if I have to replace the fridge for a new one. Bearing in mind dimensions any ideas on which model to go for and is it just a case of fitting a new flue or will the new fridge hook up to the existing flue. Thanks in anticipation of suggestions/advice.

Post by **lhd** » 19 Jul 2008, 21:57

Try Ashbridge domestic aplliances.
Yes it should click at the same time as the red light flashes.
So I would guess that its either a dodgy electrode or the box that produces the spark.
Have you checked the electrode and the wire?
I replaced mine due to damage for only about £7.00 from the above.
write down the model No if egi or other and the product code before ringing them.

Post by **toolsntat** » 19 Jul 2008, 23:37

Check for carbon build up bridging the gap in igniter/thermocouple area....

Post by **ALBEBLOWED** » 21 Jul 2008, 19:26

Disconect your ignighter cable from the spark generator (the one that runs to the thermocouple)plug the fridge back in and see if it clicks if it dose its your thurmocouple that needs a good clean (replacing)

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 21 Jul 2008, 20:14

Draining the battery> Are you referring to the leisure battery or starting battery? Fridge draws around 8A and the alternator should have no problem with this. If it's the leisure battery that is going flat then it sounds like it is not receiving a charge whilst driving and the fridge is connected to it. Do you have a split charge system? If yes, then check the relay and wiring. If not then you will have to fit one or change the 12V feed for the fridge to the starter battery. If everything checks out then it could be a faulty battery/alternator.

Post by **campervanman** » 21 Jul 2008, 21:43

Draining the leisure battery may mean that the fuse on the split chrge relay has gone.

Post by **Allan344** » 25 Jul 2008, 16:18

Thanks verybody especially LHD who put me in touch with Ashbridge. phoned them and ordered a 12v igniter for my fridge. Fitted it and the fridge now works on gas. I read somewhere on this forum that re fitting fridge was difficuly and needed pipes bent. I didnt find this at all. The refitment was the opposite of removal as you would expect. Cheers.Allan

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 25 Jul 2008, 17:33

Westy fridge doesn`t run from the leisure battery, it run`s off the main battery ONLY and then ONLY when the engine is running (unless the wiring has been played with) I would think that other makes of conversion will be wired in a similar fashion, the LB won`t run the fridge for long.

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 25 Jul 2008, 21:30

We had the same problem with the leisure battery getting drained, even though our fridge is powered from the main battery / alternator when it was switched to 12v whilst driving. A few times we parked-up only to discover there wasn't enough power in the leisure battery to start the propex, even though the battery had recently been charged out of the van, on a 240v charger.

It was the split charge relay that needed replacing.

Tony

Post by **Allan344** » 26 Jul 2008, 12:24

When I bought my Westy their was no leisure under the seat but the wires from manufacturer where there so I fitted one for ease of powering my propex recently installed. I connected the leisure battary wires (present in the LB housing) to the battery and connected it to the relay also present in the LB housing. The LB does charge after use. The instrument panel on the cooker/sink indicates usage of the propex heater and recharging of the battery but the one time I did use 12v fridge power the sink pump then wpuld not work even though the engine had been in use. Still bit confused after reading the posts, but thanks for the advice. Al

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 26 Jul 2008, 18:31

Sounds like the fridge 12V option is staying on when the ignition is off. Like others have said, fridge should be wired via a relay that is energised only when the ignition is on. When you park, just switch the fridge off and run on gas till you sort it.

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