faulty fridge

Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 17:13
ThreadID: 30323 Views:2250 Replies:4 FollowUps:4
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I have just opened my in-laws caravan up - it has been in storage for 7 years - and the 3 way fridge is reeking of amonia. I know that this is what they pump for refridgerant so there is something amiss. Before I take it to the repairers is there somebody who can enlighten me as to the possible causes and remedies, as well as costs. I don't want to turn up at the workshop and appear too dumb??? I guess it is probably just perished seals or similar but some turkey told me it's a whole new fridge that is needed. thanks.
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Reply By: Pajman Pete (SA) - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 17:21

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 17:21
My dad had a chesscold 3 way that went the same way. The repairer's solution - replace the cooling section which cost only slightly less than a new fridge.

Ammonia dissolved in water is the active mixture so it seem you do have a leak. Looking at the dometic in our Jayco I can't see any seals so I would suspect a punctured condenser or corroded pipework may be the cause.

Pete
AnswerID: 152315

Follow Up By: dublediff - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 22:54

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 22:54
That's what I thought...rats! Thanks Pete.
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FollowupID: 406105

Reply By: Member No 1- Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 18:31

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 18:31
yep it defintely sounds like corroded pipework
its a hermetically sealed system, so no seals etc

take it to the dump...... and save the money you'll otherwise spend on a repairer telling you the same thing
AnswerID: 152327

Follow Up By: dublediff - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 22:56

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006 at 22:56
Use it or lose it!!!! I think I've lost it! Anybody got a good second hand caravan fridge for sale....Thanks numero uno.
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FollowupID: 406107

Reply By: obone - Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 14:51

Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 14:51
hI dd, just had the same problem with mine. I had a reconditioned cooling unit put in at a cost of $500 (with a 12 month back to base warranty) If you live in the Sydney area I can give you the name of the repairer. Be careful buying a second hand fridge, if it's more than about 12 years old you could be buying somebody elses problem
Regards
Obone
AnswerID: 152518

Follow Up By: dublediff - Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 15:11

Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 15:11
It must be the fantastic weather that we have in Melbourne that means I have to pay $880 for the same repair- doh! Getting a changeover unit fitted as I speak. I had a nightmare about buying a second hand unit last night too!! Thanks.
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FollowupID: 406253

Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 15:40

Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 15:40
I used to call the 3 way fridge in our camper "Jeanette" (after Mrs Howard); cos it was "next to useless".....hahahaha

Anyway, I opted to replace it with a 12/240 volt unit from Engel. Waeco also make a similar sort of unit. Just need to make sure you've got enough battery capacity if you're going to be away from civilisation for weeks at a time....I have 2 x 105a/h SuperCharge SLA batteries that do a great job.

The compressor fridge will set you back about $1,000- for an 80 litre size and is HEAPS better at keeping a constant temp without the need to be dead level like the 3 way units.

Cheers

Roachie
AnswerID: 152533

Follow Up By: dublediff - Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 14:51

Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 14:51
Thanks Roachie, I thought about that angle, but this fridge is 120 litres and built in to the cabinets, the cheapest option was the changover cooling unit. I have a 40 litre engle and that gets plenty of beer cooling duties....
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FollowupID: 406463

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