1989 Jayco 2way fridge problem
Submitted: Friday, May 29, 2009 at 15:48
ThreadID:
69303
Views:
3951
Replies:
5
FollowUps:
8
This Thread has been Archived
Hairs & Fysh (NSW)
Hi Guys,
Just bought ourselves a 1989 Jayco Swan. It's in pretty good condition, considering it's been around
the block twice. The previous owner has given it a full chassis and raised it a good 6". 16" steel wheels with two spares, twin deep cycle batteries and fuse box, and wiring for an inverter, 140Lt Stainless Steel
water tank, 12V water pump and a big 1500mm x 620mm x 800mm tool box on the back. It has a 2 way fridge/freezer, which freezes on gas, but will only get to down to about 10 degrees in the fridge section. The electric side of things doesn't seem to work. he never ran it on 240v at all.
Why would the ice box get cold enough to freeze, but the fridge part not get cold?
We really looking forward to using it soon. :)
Reply By: oldtrack123 - Friday, May 29, 2009 at 17:35
Friday, May 29, 2009 at 17:35
Hi
Being able to freeze in the freezer But only cool in the fridge section can be an indication it has lost gas.
IF there is ANY odour of ammonia inside or around the rear then you have this problem& expensive to fix. A green deposit inside the freezer or on the fridge evaporator would further indicate this as the problem.
A few other points 1st.
#1 Is he fridge leval In all directions & I don't mean the van ? .A saucer of water placed on the freezer will allow you to get it reasonably level.
Operating out of level can do permanent long term damage which of course would not be aware of.
#2 have you checked the gas flame to ensure it is correct size & shape , jet not clogged , burner displaced etc. ?
#3 is the rear
well ventilated?
#4 is the thermostat ok ?A rough
check is to turn it to max & see if the flame encreases in size, leave it run there over night & then turn it right back ,but not OFF the flame should decrease in size.
AnswerID:
367434
Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Friday, May 29, 2009 at 17:39
Friday, May 29, 2009 at 17:39
Hi
The 240v side is totally diifferant area but 1st
check is simply is the heater section heating up at all on 240v. IF not 240 is not something I will give advice on as the risk of you doing the wrong thing is too high.
FollowupID:
635102
Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Friday, May 29, 2009 at 20:14
Friday, May 29, 2009 at 20:14
Hi
IF you are so inclined & no over suggestions shows/ solve the problem. One further suggestion . Sometimes they can get a gas blockage ,usually but not always ,due to not being level when operating.This can often be corrected by removing the fridge & turning upside down & letting it stand that way say for 24hrs . It may be worth repeating shaking while turning a few times before you give up .
Servicing these [ as suggested in another post ] means the service centre may, if their honest do this first, but more likely tell you the whole gas/refrigerant unit needs with either a recon unit or a new unit, quite exy.
One WARNING if you disconnect the gas always ensure when you reconnect that there are no leaks, use soapy water to
check all disturbed connections
WE don't want a gas bomb going off.
FollowupID:
635120
Reply By: Hairs & Fysh (NSW) - Friday, May 29, 2009 at 21:13
Friday, May 29, 2009 at 21:13
Thanks for the replies guys,
oldtrack123, there is no smell of ammonia inside or out. there is a sight level on the front of the van and another on the alloy strip near the door. It's in the middle of the lines, on both. Not to say that they are right, i will double
check this tomorrow with my work level I use for kitchens. I will also try the saucer with water in it, :)
Your point about the correct flame size and shape, maybe a concern. I've notice through the sight glass it seems very dull.
I will investigate this further.
It has very good ventilation,
I will also
check the thermostat, using your method.
Cheers for mentioning about using soapy water after tightening fittings. I've always use this method to find leaks at fittings or breaks in hoses.
One thing I didn't mention and had forgot about, was that between the regulator and the the bottle there is a 'Gas Fuse' and the glass gauge has what looks like water droplets in it. Is this a normal thing?
Cheers for every bodies thoughts.
AnswerID:
367495