Fridge - Question (be gentle said the newbie..)

[shorehambeach]

Hello All,

Had a T25 (1984 Westcountry Conversion - petrol) for a short time now, luckily its tip top and someone's spent an awful lot of money on this in the past.

Has a bog standard Electrolux 3 way fridge with an isolater by the dash.

I can get the fridge to work on 240v on a hook up and when running along on the journey...

however.....

It doesn't seem to want to play ball when stationery (without a 240 hook up)

I thought it would work off the leisure battery

Also - the gas won't start.....

I am switching the switch at the bottom of the fridge and turning the ignite button but no no avail.

Any clues...i have check all the wiring (which is pretty new) and the gas seems to be fine....

Thanks !

[1664]

It will only work on 12v when the engine is running as it takes too much power and would flatten a battery in next to no time. A relay kicks in once the engine is running and drops out if it stops.

Gas wise, (as long as all valves and regulator are turned on) the ignitor electrodes and jet may need cleaning as carbon builds up over the years. The gas button has to be turned AND pressed in for the gas to flow. Once lit, it neeeds to be held in until the thermocouple warms up - just a few seconds.

[kevtherev]

Hello All,

It doesn't seem to want to play ball when stationery (without a 240 hook up)

I thought it would work off the leisure battery

Also - the gas won't start.....

the fridge does not work from the battery, it works from the alternator.
which model fridge is it ?

Generaly you have to press in the control and hold it in while you ingnite it, when it's lit holding it in for a further 5 seconds.

[kevtherev]

bugger fast finger bren

[Mocki]

the fridge is connected to the main battery ( if its done correctly , although your comment on isolator on dash make me wonder) and is powered by the main battery only when the engine is running and the battery is charging, (red ig light on dash out)

is the fuse ok?
is the relay ok?
is the switch ok?

[shorehambeach]

1664 Kev & Mocki

Thanks for the speedy replies.....

Its an Electrolux 3 way - no model number - has the know to turn and the red push/ignite switch at the bottom.

So I am wrong to think that this would run off the leisure battery - so it will only run when the van is going or on a 240 hook up - So then its working as normal....

however

The van had the full 'works' at Jacks VW in London some 3 years ago. All new 240v stuff and all the 12volt stuff sorted.
It has a full working leisure battery and a switch on the dash (newly fitted a few years ago) called...FRIDGE

Now, from what you said this must be to isolate the fridge from the power coming in from the alternator when you have it running on gas...would that sound right or has this all the bells and whistles that allows it to run off the leisure battery.

Moving onto the gas - I turn the knob, hold it it, press down the red switch which then flashes .........but nothing happens (gas is on and pipes checked)

Back to you !

[kevtherev]

Moving onto the gas - I turn the knob, hold it it, press down the red switch which then flashes .........but nothing happens (gas is on and pipes checked)

Back to you !

Sounds like you have an RM212 auto spark, if you do these have to have 12V power to work on gas for the ignition

set the three way rocker to the central position
turn the knob to 3 then push in.
you should hear a faint ticking noise.
if you can't .. it's either
* not got power to it.
* the sparker unit is shagged
* the spark gap has become to big
* there is debris stopping the spark

Wnen the ticking stops it's lit so keep the knob pressed in for another few seconds.

[dugwiththevwbug]

hi shoreham beach
as above really

12v system works from vans alternator whilst running usually connected though dual battery. will run spare battery flat in 20 mins due to large energy consumption. was designed to chill fridge whilst running.

240v designed to run of site electric hook up or( home hook up (to pre chill before leaving))

gas to run when 240 not available whilst stationary should not be used whilst running allthough some do

re gas running problems things like rust flakes, cobwebs and other debris can cover the ignitor point thus not allowing spark or blocking jet. Best thing to do is remove fridge and clean the burner box or get someone competant to do so for you. But you must be care full when replacing the flue so that no leakage of gasses enters the van VERY DANGEROUS and make sure any disturbed gas connections are gas tight dribble fairy liqiud over them and check for bubbles

if you need any help give me a call details on signiture page
regards doug

[shorehambeach]

Doug Kev

Thanks very much this really makes things clear !

No doubt i'll be back (probably with my hair on fire!)

[fairwynds]

Hi shorehambeach,
if its any help...
I have similar fridge and
A) its currently out of my van for service so all the electrickery and gas bits n bobs can easily been viewed and
B) i have the original manual for it
C) i work at Shoreham Airport so if you need to have a look or want me to copy manual, just shout...
welcome to the club btw,
FW

[shorehambeach]

Ha ha small world !

If I get stuck expect a call.

Thanks.

[Realize]

Hi

I recently had the same thing with my van, worked fine except for gas or so I thought.
There is a small hole in the bottom corner which is actually a window into the gas flame area, I thought mine was not working until a mate laid on the floor and could see a blue flame flickering, you have to look straight into hole not from above at an angle.

Cheers Jay

[Plasticman]

which is why I carry a small mirror in the van sos I dont have to grovvel on my hands and knees to check it
mike

[DanO]

I kitesurf at Shoreham so probably see you around the area - Westy high top. Can't help with any real techy stuff but could check the basics like valves etc are open and explain basic workings, hopefully down there on Friday eve.