b1ackcr0w Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Hi all, I'm a newbie to this forum. I've been caravanning for four years now, still on my first van (a 1994 Abbey GTS215). I'm having a problem with the Fridge. Basically, it's not working on Gas. I'll try and list some facts to help. 1. It stopped working last but one outing. 2. The most recent change to gas was that I changed from Butane to Propane (Calor Lightweight or lite cylinders). 3. The Fridge pilot lights. The lighting procedure goes as normal, and the pilot is on, but the fridge doesn't cool. 4. All the other gas appliances work (Heater, hob, oven, water heater). 5. It works fine on electric. Tried it between last 2 outings on 240v. Everything cooled down really quickly. 6. When I say it doesn't work, the cooling elements don't cool at all. Any ideas? I'm thinking of switching back to butane to see if that's the problem (i changed the pigtail, could I be using the wrong regulator?). Thanks in advance for all help. Alistair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metz Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Hi Alistair, If the fridge is working on 240v, then the cooling unit is working, although the gas burner is lighting it dosn't mean it's burning correctly, i would suggest you get an engineer to give the fridge a service,that should sort out your problem. Skegness 'The Sunnier Side of Britain' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spawn of the devil Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Agree with that, probably needs soot cleaned out the chimney. Regards David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arc Systems Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 While agreeing you should have it serviced, the likely cause is a partly blocked jet. This could explain it working on butane but not now on propane, perhaps the slightly higher pressure of the propane has dislodged a partial of dirt only for it to get stuck in the jet. A quick check is to watch the flame carefully in the dark, you should be able to see it change size slightly as you turn the gas tap through low-med-high, if the flame does not change then it's the jet. Arc Systems are specialist Carver caravan product repairers, committed to providing a comprehensive service as well as spare parts for these popular heaters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b1ackcr0w Posted August 21, 2008 Author Share Posted August 21, 2008 While agreeing you should have it serviced, the likely cause is a partly blocked jet. This could explain it working on butane but not now on propane, perhaps the slightly higher pressure of the propane has dislodged a partial of dirt only for it to get stuck in the jet. A quick check is to watch the flame carefully in the dark, you should be able to see it change size slightly as you turn the gas tap through low-med-high, if the flame does not change then it's the jet. How difficult is a blocked jet to repair? (want to take the van out for the weekend so wondering if a self job tonight is worth a try?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spawn of the devil Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 How difficult is a blocked jet to repair? (want to take the van out for the weekend so wondering if a self job tonight is worth a try?) You need to take the fridge out, and that involves breaking a gas joint. Your call. Regards David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b1ackcr0w Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 You need to take the fridge out, and that involves breaking a gas joint. Your call. Regards David I know when I'm beaten. I'll get a pro in. Thanks for the replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest madrat Posted August 23, 2008 Share Posted August 23, 2008 I know when I'm beaten. I'll get a pro in. Thanks for the replies. You can sometimes get to the gas burner through the bottom vent (re seal vent after) I recommend every one has a copy of the Haynes caravan manual. I have found it the most important and enlightening publication in all my years of caravaning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Roving Rangies Posted August 23, 2008 Share Posted August 23, 2008 It was also known that after many years of use, the coolant seems to disappear. don't ask me where, as i have no idea. But it was always recomened to try to get it working again, to take the fridge out and turn it upside down for a day or two and then put back in. Somehow the fridge would work again!! Whether it would work on yours???? who knows??? also, you would have to break the gas seal!! I did get one of my fridges re-charged with gas. ..it cost at the time about £10, so expect to pay around £50 in todays prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arc Systems Posted August 23, 2008 Share Posted August 23, 2008 I know that breaking a gas joint is technical (slightly) but still totally beyond some peoples capabilities, you might say akin to driving and using a mobile phone? Still, unlike using phones, breaking and remaking a gas joint is not against any law yet, provided that is you do it competently, a privilege not afforded to competent mobile phone users or should that be competent drivers Whatever, with fridges it's a combination of small faults that generally stop them working correctly, finding them all is where any real skill come in. The real problem then is if you don't know what is correct, then it's impossible to discover what isn't even if it's staring you in the face Arc Systems are specialist Carver caravan product repairers, committed to providing a comprehensive service as well as spare parts for these popular heaters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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