Engle problem HELP

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 23:36

ThreadID: 73676 Views:3688 Replies:3 FollowUps:1

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Portable Fridges

The debate over which fridge is the best on the market is one of the most contested discussions in the camping recreation. In this article we look at the range of features and the major issues to

pop2jocem

I inherited a 29lt Engle from my father in law when he passed away many years ago. It gave him faultless service for the time he owned it and it has given us no problems until now. We have used it as both fridge and freezer on trips including the Canning and Gibb River road. On our last trip I noticed it not working several times when we stopped for a break. Eventually I found that by wriggling the 12v plug it would start up. OK thats easy I'll check the power cord or fridge connection socket when I get home. Connected the cord to a fully charged battery in the shed, plugged it in turned the rotary switch on top on and no go. Pulled the cord out, checked which connections have continuity to 12v, yep all good, must be socket in the fridge. Removed covers, took socket out, all looks good, must be a "dry" joint. Re soldered all connections, nope same problem. This is where things got me confused.
Rotary switch off, plug in power turn switch on, no go
Push/pull/wriggle plug fridge starts.
With fridge running pull/push/wriggle plug fridge keeps running.
With fridge running merrily pull plug out completely, fridge stops (no surprise there)
With fridge running merrily turn switch off fridge stops, turn switch on still stopped
With switch on pull plug out, push plug in fridge starts and keeps running no matter how much wriggling etc of plug.

Confused???? I am. Anybody got any suggestions other than burn it and buy a new one. The fridge by the way is about 30 years old so no great loss if resurrection is not possible. It just annoys me to ditch it as when its running it works great, better than the later 39lt thats about 10 years old.
Also does anyone know what the 2 extra vertical pins and receptacles do? There are 2 white with red stripe wires going back into the fridge but no obvious wires in the power cord for them to connect to when plugged in.
By now you are probably thinking English is not my first language (or second or third) but this is doing my head in with the symptoms not seeming to make much sense.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light into what has become a dark and gloomy void

Cheers Pop

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Reply By: Member - Ed. C. (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 00:40

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 00:40

It was pretty common I believe, for the early series leads to develop a fault in the plug (at the 'fridge end)...

Mine did it, and I know of a few others also..

A new lead was the simple fix, and I've had no further problems since replacing the lead several years ago :)
You may be able to borrow a known good lead, and see if it makes a difference..

Also, from your description, it would seem that perhaps the rotary switch may not be making full contact all of the time (?)

I'd suggest giving the switch contacts a good spray with CRC Switch Cleaner/Lubricant (or similar), let it dry, and see if this makes any difference..

How does it go on 240v ?

Good luck with it...

:)

Confucius say.....
"He who lie underneath automobile with tool in hand,
....Not necessarily mechanic!!"

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AnswerID: 390818

Follow Up By: pop2jocem - Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 00:51

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 00:51

Tried the 12v lead from the 39lt, same deal, glad you mentioned the 240v alternative. I got so tied up with trying to get it to work on 12v as this is what it normally gets used for that I completely neglected to try that. Thanks for that Ed, I'll give it a shot when I get a chance.

Cheers Pop

FollowupID: 658643

Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 08:47

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 08:47

Got to keep it going.
My old 29 litre is inherited from my father, and would be about the same age.
Has out lasted a boat and now in it's 2nd car.

Have also replaced the lead once.

Found the black dial on the top split underneath and although I thought I was turning it, the stem was going no where. Glued the crack in the dial.

Yes, try the 240v to check the control system.

I did ring the local Engel guy a couple of years ago to put it in for it's first service since it was over 25 years old. He asked if it was working OK, yes I said, "well then just take the cover off and blow out the dust and check the mounts, that is all we do", he said.

Good luck.

AnswerID: 390838

Reply By: OREJAP - Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 15:30

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 15:30

Had similar problem. Traced it to the earth wire embedded in plug at fridge end. Cut & pulled earth wire away from other two wires soldered it to a joiner & fridge works perfectly. I was too stingy to buy a new lead. Engel is only 20 years old & has fallen off a ute hit by a truck & still going strong.

AnswerID: 390877