Chescold fridge not working well

Submitted: Thursday, Dec 25, 2008 at 19:43
ThreadID: 64562 Views:5361 Replies:4 FollowUps:0
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Hi

I recently bought an old Chescold fridge/freezer.
After I took it home I tested it myself and it took about 36 hours to freeze a 2L bottle of water.
Anyway, after this I turned it upside down and cleaned it up a bit (to get any sand/leaves out from the back and clean gas jet) and then tested it on gas.... Now it's taking ages to get cold and won't freeze.
Has anyone had a similar experience and can suggest what could be wrong?
The gas is burning well, so it's definitely not that. it's just that the fridge isn't cooling too well - could scale on the flu prevent the solution from being heated??? Apart from that I'm thinking it could be a air lock or blockage, but it doesn't seem to have helped by turning it upside down for extended periods or by shaking it up.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
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Reply By: Member - Hairs & Fysh (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 25, 2008 at 20:09

Thursday, Dec 25, 2008 at 20:09
Hi young_codger,
Sound like what happen to mine. brought it a garage sale and it worked well for two uses. Then it slow got warmer, wouldn't freeze at all.
Tried cleaning the jet, took it out and cleaned it with kero, turps and all manner of things, all to no avail. tried turning it upside down, didn't work.
In the end I took it to a caravan repair bloke, Paul Windmill in Grafton.
I was in no rush to have it back, 6 weeks later he rings me to say it's fixed. A new thermostat and jet and it works like a new one. All up the fridge owes me about $600 now, including the original purchase price. I'm happy with that.
I found it a lot easier than going around the twist chasing shadows.

AnswerID: 341366

Reply By: Kev - Member - Wynnum - Friday, Dec 26, 2008 at 10:10

Friday, Dec 26, 2008 at 10:10
Young_codger,

I have a Chestcold 40 litre 3 way fridge. To have it running correctly I have to have it completely level measured by spirit level.
It works well on 240v and gas but only just holds the cold on 12v.
I'd say that this is the problem with yours because if mines not level it flounders. Chestcold are not like modern Engels and the like in that they can't operate on an angle.

Kev
AnswerID: 341391

Reply By: oldtrack123 - Friday, Dec 26, 2008 at 10:40

Friday, Dec 26, 2008 at 10:40
Hi Young Codger
The problem with 2nd hand 3ways is you don't know how they have been treated.
Running out of level can do permanent damage with crystals forming in the system which can block the system. Sometimes the upside down & shake it all about cures the problem, unfortunately it can make it worse.This may be your case.
I can only suggest you repeat the treatment also leave it upside down over night then try again.
If it has a thermostat turn it to max & ensure that the boiler section does get very hot & remains hot
I assume it does not work correctly on 240 v ??, which indicates are refrigerant system problem.
Unfortunately even if you get it working again & the problem is due to crystals / using out of level THE PROBLEM WILL PROBABLY REOCCUR & ,BY MURPHY'S LAW, @ THE WRONG TIME.
If clogging is the problem,the only long term solution iis a new/re coned fridge system
AnswerID: 341392

Reply By: gjcumming - Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 at 21:28

Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 at 21:28
I've had the 40 litre Explorer for 12 years. It faulters most when there is insufficient cooling air flow about the condencer. Are you running the fridge/freezer inside your vehicle? Take it out & position it with its back to any breeze. Wait an hour or two.
Regards: Grant
AnswerID: 341540

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