3 way fridge problems lighting

Bob, Thanks where do I look for the cut off valve. Is it located from outside the van under the plastic vent. thanks johno

Johno,

Cut-off valve should be adjacent to the burner/flame, as the small metallic tab sits just above the flame, and the heat transmitted into the valve keeps it open, while the flame's going. Flame goes out, valve shuts, you don't get gassed, or blown up.

If you can access the back of fridge from outside, you could remove the burner assembly, and give it a clean. Before you do this, try the following: Using a gas stove lighter, or Bic lighter, apply a flame to the tab, and if it's going open, there should be an audible click, as it opens. It's not safe, but I've pulled valve to bits, and wired the valve open with small length of fly wire, until a replacement could be sourced.

If you can't get into the back of fridge, you'd have to remove it, and I know you don't want to do that!!!

Bob.

Thanks Bob I will have a look tommorrow. Have a Waeco that has kept us out of trouble while we get the fridge going johno

thanks Bob. We are in Kalgoolie.the local demetic repairer can't do the job because he is not a qualified gas fitter ???? I have had a quick look from the back of fridge.there is a thin wire thing (tab?) adjacent what i think is the cut off valve. Will try with flame and wait for click...............or Bang! thanks johno

Looks like Murphy is alive and well in Kal, Johno!

These "things" always stop/break on a friday, so you usually have to wait over the weekend to get a repair done. Maybe there's a licensed plumber/gas fitter that can do the job, IF you can get the part?

That small wire you mention may be the wire for the piezo starter, Johno. One thing I didn't mention y'day, was if you hold the button in, while using the Piezo lighter, the flame should light, and stay lit, as long as you hold that button in. Just remember that it often takes some seconds for the gas to come through the pipe, if the fridge hasn't been going for a while.

You in a situation where you can use the fridge on 240v, while you wait for a fix? Might help the Waeco a bit.
I'm going back to work early tomorrow, for over a week, so won't be able to help you after today. Hope you get it all sorted early this week.

Bob.

Johno,

Looks like my info might be a bit dated, as the thermocouple(to keep the valve open), is not as I described it. The one in photo is similar to ones I've replaced on Rheem Gas hot water systems.

The "pointy" end sits in the flame, is heated, and this works the valve somehow. They spend a lot of time in the flame, but do wear out after a while. Probably like a bloke with a fiery missus!!!

For future info, Johno, check out caravansplus.com.au That's where I got the photo of the thermocouple from, and there's other photos of burner assemblies, for different models of Dometic. I reckon you could change the t'couple, because you aren't actually interfering with the gas set-up.

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Hope these photos help,

Bob.

thanks bob for all your advice. Pulled the valve to pieces and cleaned it.The gas is coming through but won,t stay alight.Looks like i might have to get an expert johno

No worries, Johno.

If the Dometic bloke can't help you, or it'll take a fair whle to get a replacement thermocouple, then you could try a place that sells Rheem gas hot water systems. Somewhere like Retravision, Betta Electrical or any electrical store usually sells those items.

As long as new thermocouple was same length as your old one, it should work. As for being an expert, you'll be pretty close by the time it's going again.

Leave a follow-up, to let us know how you get on. I'll pick it up when i get back home,

Good luck, cya,
Bob.

Thanks Bob, Been to 3 or 4 places,asked around and no one seems to be able to help. Ran into one refridge joint and the young girl said she could make a mint for all the enquries about 3 wayfridges needing repairs,she advised no one in Kal does them!! So will have to wait till we get back to Ballarat johno

Bob, You won't believe it!! I am back in Vic Ballarat and just had a Gas Fitter repair our household Gas Heater in the Lounge and he also took a look at the Caravan Fridge. There was a wire that had shaken loose from the little pointed thing that provides the spark. IF the loose wire was visable by ME I could have fixed it in a second!! Jayco quoted $ 50 just to take a look! JOHNO

Pity you had to get all the way back home to get it fixed, Johno.

Have seen that wire come out on gas hot water sytems, and we just used one of those gas fire lighting thingys instead. They get the thermocoupling hot enough to turn on. We've also used a piece of felt, or something similar that's not too flammable, cut about 20mm square, and attached to length of fencing wire about 5-600mm long. Dip this in metho, and use it light the fridge.

Hope that rest of your holiday was good, even without the fridge. Johno, you'll be "full bottle" now on any fridge problems, thanks for getting back to us,

Regards,
Bob.

thanks Bob, If you take a look at the photos you sent me, the top one,its the longer wire that somehow disconnected itself. johno

Flame seems normal, but thanks anyway johno