Solution to a problem with a 12/240V fridge
Submitted: Thursday, Sep 04, 2008 at 21:30
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vwq47
I have a Trakka conversion in my 1982 VW Transporter.
About 10 years ago the 12V side of the (original) fridge just stopped working. 240V operation was normal. I pulled the fridge apart and in the end, an Engel agent in
Brisbane sold me a new oscillator unit (as they were apparently known to be a weak spot). That solved the problem. (I suspect this is a weak spot in several models of Engel fridges. These fridges are often "OEM" and don't show the Engel name anywhere. They were made by Sawafuji.)
Earlier this year the same thing happened again to my fridge. This time I wasn't even going to contemplate paying $100+ for an exchange unit, even if it was available.
After a lot of chasing around, I was able to fix the existing oscillator for around $5.
If anyone has this issue, or knows of others with a similar fridge (in a VW or other), I'd gladly pass on the relevant information via email.
Dave
Reply By: Sacred Cow - Friday, Sep 05, 2008 at 08:15
Friday, Sep 05, 2008 at 08:15
Most people who had a setup like this would have consigned it to
the tip a long time ago.
Regards
SC
AnswerID:
323911
Reply By: oldtrack123 - Friday, Sep 05, 2008 at 10:40
Friday, Sep 05, 2008 at 10:40
Hi Dave
These units are a bit sensitive to over voltage , is it possible you are getting voltage spikes due to poor connections ,dirty bat terminals if running fridge while alternator charging could be a possibility.
AnswerID:
323933
Follow Up By: vwq47 - Friday, Sep 05, 2008 at 15:03
Friday, Sep 05, 2008 at 15:03
Thanks for the suggestion oldtrack123. The last time the unit 'blew' the engine wasn't running. I can't recall conditions of the first problem, but it IS worth being aware of. Terminals are all pretty good, I think, but worth a check.
Thanks.
Dave
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