Fridge packed up.

Just back from time down in Cornwall, brill weather, van ran OK but fridge packed up.
Couldn't understand why stuff wasn't getting cold, kept fiddling with gas knob, flame there & everything,
but then it occurred to me that it was actually warmer in there than outside so I switched it off,
threw away some stuff & shoved the rest in with the big gas cylinder which kept stuff surprisingly cool.

Now, I fitted this fridge 12 or 14 years ago, so I don't think that it actually owes me anything, but before
I throw it away, has anyone actually had any experience of the old,
"take it out & stand it upside down for a week" ploy.

This, apparently will cause all the refrigerant to shuffle about & start working again when I turn it the right way
round & refit it.

My questions to you, the community of great knowledge is this;

Has anyone actually tried it?
Did it work?
Is it just a myth?

Thanks in anticipation,

 

Go for it and report back.
What have you got to loose?

 

There was some talk at TE this weekend about rolling a van over to try and get the fridge working but we ran out of time so may have to wait till another one fails.

 

Yes it works i have done 4 and it has worked every time

 

all that jigging up and down and going of level puts bubbles in the refrigerant and it air locks,stopping it circulating properly ,once its settled or the air has moved its should be ok

 

Thank you fair people,
I will stand it on it's little head at the weekend so that it will be ready for Brighton.
Obviously I will post pictures & keep you all updated.

 

The fridge engineer that fixed mine said you turn it upside dwn for 24 hours then back the other way for 24 hours then fit it in and try it. If it is not getting cold on gas operation check the burner is not sooted up. And also check your van is not on fire under the fridge ;D

 

How do you check / access the burner?
It will need to be blindingly obvious for me to even attempt any kind of repair.
I've just checked my tool kit & found that it contains just gaffa tape, cable ties & super glue.
Will these be adequate?

 

Unbelievable, tried to get fridge out & the blinding cupboards have been built around the rigid gas pipes,
I'll have to saw the bl00dy pipes to get it out & then it will become a nightmare to refit.

I'd like to take this opportunity to recommend my cabinet builder!

 

If you unscrew the lower panel, it may be difficult, but you should be able to disconnect it - pretty sure the gas pipe is connected near the front...

 

Just turn the van upside down

 

Finally got the bar steward out.

Thanks Zed - 'If you unscrew the lower panel, it may be difficult, but you should be able to disconnect it - pretty sure the gas pipe is connected near the front'
- it was awkward more than difficult - two small screws & a 5/8 spaniard.

I've covered it with a tarpaulin & will put it all back together next week - watch this space.



Looks a quality item, there was enough dog hair underneath it to make a small cushion.
On a bit of an anal aside, I achieved 28.5 & 28.7mpg on my Cornwall trip.

 

Well, it works again.
A bit of a result.
I'm just checking for gas leaks now, I've shut all the doors & windows & shut the cat in there.



I'll fetch him in at bedtime if he's still alive.

 

Mines pretty crappy ,how long upside down?
Cheers

 

As per the posts, took it out Friday, bunged it inside the van upside down & forgot about it.
over the weekend & put it back in this morning.
Curiously, didn't make a sound when I upended it last week, but gurgled like a gut full of
curry when I tipped it back upright earlier.

Apparently I am led to believe that if ammonia is used as the coolant, it works every time.

 

Thanks will do that later

 

Whats the cats name?

 

Montgomery Clift & the other one is Cornelius Vermuyden.