3 way fridge stays lit on gas but doesnt chill

[Caz]

But if it had lost it's gas then it wouldn't work on EHU, yet it does?

[Kedishen]

My RM 4200 3way has stopped working on LPG. It has been dodgy for a while and it can be difficult to get it lit after it has been turned off for a few hours.


- It can be hard to get it lit
- The flame is consistantly blue (once lit)
- Once lit, the fridge has a hard time reaching below 10c on max setting (even with additional extraction fans)
- The freezer compartment will just about make ice (albeit middle is still liquid)

I am currently living in my van, so when I take it out I want to do everything I can before having to put it back.

Heres my list of things to check.

+ Tomorrow before removing
- Hook up to 12v and leave for 6 hours to see if freezer compartment makes ice

+ After removing
- Clean up burner area
- Check insulation
- Clean up electrical connections
- Check for liquid leaks
- Invert fridge for 2-3 hours, then reinvert.
- Reposition fridge fans into more efficient area

+ Test before reinstalling

The fridge is now more than 20 years old, how do I check that it still has coolant?

Any visible signs or obvious things to look for?

Anything else I should do whilst fridge is removed?


If I find that the fridge does work on 12v/240v but continues to not work on LPG, what does this mean?

Many thanks.

[ake]

If it works on 12/240 then refrigerant is ok.

Probably just needs burner stripped and cleaned

[Kedishen]

Please let it be only this! Fingers crossed

[Kedishen]

I should also add that it lights (with difficulty) on LPG, but even when there appears to be a strong flame, it doesn't get cold.

Too early to make any informed decisions until after the 12v test (need sunlight!)

[Kedishen]

so:

fridge got cold on 12v. shame it draws more than 6amps. thats pretty much my limit of solar power.

removed fridge and dusted if off. all connections good and insulation well kept.

sparker works well. cleaned up burner box which was full of rust. used some fine sandpaper and blew out rust by mouth, followed by butane from a can to clear out,any moisture.

12v connections appear to be reversed according to markings on fridge but left them the same as never had issues.

reinstalled fridge, lit first time no problems with a nife strong easily visible flame. now waiting for cold beer fingers crossed.

[RustWidow]

so:

fridge got cold on 12v. shame it draws more than 6amps. thats pretty much my limit of solar power.

removed fridge and dusted if off. all connections good and insulation well kept.

sparker works well. cleaned up burner box which was full of rust. used some fine sandpaper and blew out rust by mouth, followed by butane from a can to clear out,any moisture.

12v connections appear to be reversed according to markings on fridge but left them the same as never had issues.

reinstalled fridge, lit first time no problems with a nife strong easily visible flame. now waiting for cold beer fingers crossed.

Excellent! You clever person you

[Kedishen]

lol yes.... shame the fridge isn't the slightest bit cold.

The freezer compartment has got to 10c but rest of fridge is at 25c.

O well. No meat or cold beer for me.

Will leave gas running for another 2 days see if it makes a difference. If not, I will chill it with 12v and see if it will stay cold on gas.

[alix76]

Needs regassing

[Kedishen]

Something for me to look into. Wonder how I ask for a fridge to be regassed in Portuguese

Me: Preciso meu frigorífico com mais refrigerante se faz favor. Pode ser?

Guy: É paaaaaaaaaa... que merde está este gajo pra dizer?!?!?!?

Other guy: Nao sei. Penso que ele quer beber au alguma coisa.

Me: Sim, uma coca cola se faz favor e eu tambem preciso a minha frigorífico ser frio.

[Kedishen]

Fridge is still barely cold, down to 17c now.. Will get it regassed.