Engel not cooling - any ideas?
Submitted: Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 13:06
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i'machocoholic
We have a relatively new 32 litre engel (only 15 months old). Have been travelling with it for 9 months as a freezer and turned it off earlier this week as not needed. Turned it back on yesterday and now it's not cooling at all, although we can hear the compressor. Whilst thinking it's a thermostat issue, has anyone else experienced something like this?
I guess it's luck of the draw but it's disappointing when it's not very old. Thankfully we have another 39 litre which is normally used as a fridge but I've just bought some meat to freeze!
Doesn't help when we're leaving for the Cape on Tuesday so a quick visit to a dealer first thing tomorrow morning is in order I think.
Reply By: oz doc - Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 13:19
Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 13:19
Last year our 60l combo engel stopped working for no apparent reason after being turned off for 1 days. I posted on here and several members suggested turning it upside down (when switched off) for a few hours. Other memebers explained why this used to work on old style fridges but would not work on my engel. Despite these comments, I did actually sit it on its lid for a few hours then back to normal position. Still didnt seem to get cold. Turned it off. Took it into the repair place next day- they couldn't fault it- worked perfectly for them, and for us ever since. Have no idea what the problem was or if turning it upside down did anything but hey- might be worth a try.cheers, doc.
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 15:26
Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 15:26
Second the remedy from OzDoc. I actually had the crown prince help me and while turned on, actually tipped the fridge almost on it's side for a minute. Did this at each end then turned the fridge off, unplugged it and sat it on it's lid overnight. Turned it right way up the next day and turned it on. Good as gold.
Hope it helps.
Cheers Mick
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735069
Reply By: Howick - Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 13:21
Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 13:21
Hi,
I had the same problem with my 60L, the comp would run but the unit would not cool. After dismantle it and putting it back together a few times we checked the inside and found a pin hole in where the gas flows thus allowing the gas to escape. I worked out it was a stubby that rubbed through and perforated it. I had to replace the internal as
well as the comp because they come as a single unit (apparently). I can't say this is your problem but it something to look at.
AnswerID:
461400
Reply By: Kimba10 - Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 13:40
Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 13:40
Not sure with the Engel, but our waeco did the same thing, turned out to be the thermister which was common in my model and year make, had it repaired under warranty, no issues since......................
AnswerID:
461401
Reply By: 76 series cruiser - Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 18:33
Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 18:33
could be a gas leak in the storage compartment as this would be the easiest place to damage.
check inside the storage compartment for any damage or rub marks (which can be caused by bottles or containers etc) . best way to
check for a leak is by putting soapy water on any suspect looking damage on the raised parts inside the fridge compartment (these raised tubes hold the gas) if there is a leak you will need to have it repaired and re gased.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Mal and Di- Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 22:56
Sunday, Jul 31, 2011 at 22:56
Will it work on 240 volts.
Mine began to "warm up" on 12v and I found the battery was stuffed.
Enough to turn the compressor but not enough to keep it cold.
Worked fine on 240v.
AnswerID:
461449
Reply By: i'machocoholic - Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 07:24
Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 07:24
Thanks for all your responses. Looked for any wear marks, but all looking good. Tried the tipping thing and left it on its lid overnight and have just put it right way up and switched on...and guess what? It's actually cooling! It's only been on a short time so unsure whether its as quick to cool as it was but we'll keep an eye on it.
Thanks so much for the tips, they were really appreciated.
AnswerID:
461457
Reply By: i'machocoholic - Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 15:45
Monday, Aug 01, 2011 at 15:45
I thought I'd post an update....
The fridge was cooling, but extremely slowly so we decided to take it to the repairer in
Cairns.
However, we have learnt a valuable lesson....
Don't EVER travel without proof of purchase for every single piece of equipment you've ever purchased for your trip. As we don't have the Visa statement required showing proof of purchase, Engel won't honour the warranty.
That's despite us completing the Engel warranty card at the time of purchase and sending it to them for their records. Apparently they don't do anything with them once received???!!! Found their customer service to be very average on the phone.
We've now contacted the bank to see if they can help getting transaction details from over a year ago, otherwise we're up for a new cooling system costing around $640! Oh, and to top it off, when the new cooling system is installed, that only has a 1 year warranty (compared to when you purchase a new fridge which has a 3 year warranty). Sounds all a bit sus to me.
AnswerID:
461507