Waeco Fridges

Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 14:55

ThreadID: 32032 Views:2696 Replies:6 FollowUps:7

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grayson

I have an old Waeco 110ltr fridge that was brilliant till recently and wondered if anyone has had similar experience and if so any advice to offer.

The fridge failed to run cold about 10-12 months ago so I took it to a reputable fridge repair specialist in Kewdale, Perth. The checked the unit and regassed it at a cost of around $75.00, and I test ran it a week layter and all was OK. The fridge was stored in my shed till a month ago as I have been away working and when I dargged it out for a trip away it now runs but gets cans just cold enough to be palatable and certainly won't freeze anything at all. The fan is running fine, it was warm weather but fridge out of sun and door appears to be sealing OK. The power supply was 240v via the std Waeco 12v step down box. I loaded the fridge with a 6 pack first, then I put a 1 litre bottle of water in, turned the thermostat to full and ran the fridge for 24 hrs. The water was just cold enough to drink. I bought the fridge new around 2001/2002. It has had a very rough life but untill this caper it took everything in its stride.

Rob G

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Reply By: Gossy - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 15:03

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 15:03

I'm not fridge expert(!) but the Waeco's have quite a good name so hopefully you could talk to Waeco about getting another one (easier said than done). My only other thought is to get the air hose at the servo and give the compressor a good clean out. I sprayed mine after getting back from the Simpson. The fridge never left the car (windows always closed because we have aircon) and the back was only open at night. I couldn't believe the amount of dust which was blown out. Possibly it's not getting enough clean air to the compressor?

AnswerID: 162226

Reply By: Darian (SA) - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 15:57

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 15:57

Might it be either of 1. Dodgy thermostat 2. Slow leak in the gas curcuit ?

AnswerID: 162243

Reply By: flappa - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 16:03

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 16:03

Did they check why it needed to be regased ?

Seems unusual to need regassing in such a short time ?

AnswerID: 162244

Follow Up By: grayson - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 16:12

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 16:12

When they replied that it needed re-gassing, I asked where it had leaked from and they replied that they had not found any leaks. When I picked the unit up, I asked again and after discussion, I was told that it was possibly due to my handling of the unit (had it on roof rack and in ute tray on some very poorly corrugated tracks prior to the problems) but that although they had tested for leaks they could find none now. The guy suggested a spring base or atleast some cushioning for the unit when it was being transported, which makes sense.

FollowupID: 416938

Follow Up By: ACDC - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 18:27

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 18:27

There's your problem Waeco's don't like rough roads it's a common complaint .

FollowupID: 416971

Follow Up By: grayson - Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 at 11:30

Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 at 11:30

Might have something there as the problem only occurred after a trip in which I packed the fridge on the back of a leaf sprung ute on a trip covering some rough territory. Prior to this it was always in the back of a coil sprung wagon.

FollowupID: 417155

Follow Up By: ACDC - Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 at 18:48

Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 at 18:48

I'm not bagging Waeco fridges but have seen many fail from rough roads a foam base for it to sit on would be a good investment!

FollowupID: 417246

Reply By: Howard T - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 16:37

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 16:37

Hi Rob

Just to confirm Waecos service. I have a 4/5 yo CF 50 that has given me a hard time from when I first purchased it. Stopped running recently again and out of warranty. Took it to their agents in town and was told $350. Wrote to Waeco and told them to jam their fridge. Got a nice letter for a Michael Ellis advising they will pay for the repairs.
Might be worth giving them a go.

Howard

AnswerID: 162251

Follow Up By: grayson - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 16:51

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 16:51

Thanks Howard,

I might try that depending on the nature of repair required. I have actually been real happy with mine untill this and am hoping its just a leak that can be rectified. My main aim is to see if there is something that is a common thread so I can go armed with this info to my repair man. Although the repairer is reputable, I am a little concerned that they never fixed the problem in the first place and won't again. Anyway failing that I reckon I will try your idea.

Cheers

Rob G

FollowupID: 416949

Follow Up By: derraux - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 17:26

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 17:26

I was under the understanding that it is illegal to re gas any refridgeration unit if it has a leak without fixing it, I am not saying that it never happens but one would have to question the repairers competancy if it did
derraux

FollowupID: 416958

Reply By: Member No 1- Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 17:55

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 17:55

its still leaking...go back and tell them to give your 75 bucks back.

AnswerID: 162272

Follow Up By: grayson - Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 at 11:28

Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 at 11:28

Yes, so it seems. I will try this approach, just reckon they'll try and get out of it as it has been so long and they would have to take my words for it that it has hardly been used.

Thanks to all for the advice.

FollowupID: 417154