Date:         Sun, 20 May 2001 23:06:30 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net>
Subject:      Re: Fridge blows fuses....help
Comments: To: Cotsford@aol.com
In-Reply-To:  <6d.143b7cf4.2839ac68@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 07:25 PM 5/20/2001, Steve Cotsford wrote:
>It seems that the fuse only blows when the fridge functions and gets hot on
>propane.

So it's a short in the fan circuit.

>What does this motor do?

Cools the condensor when it gets too hot -- will happen on any warm day no
matter the power source for the fridge, maybe more with propane.

>    My guess is that it is locked up and pulls too
>much current.

It's a teeny little fan that draws 60 milliamps -- wouldn't blow an 8-amp
fuse if you lock it up.  I think maybe a wire fell off? or winding is shorted?

>    What causes it to switch on?

Thermo-switch on the upper fins -- you can see it looking from above
between about the third and fourth fin from the rear.  On at 125F, off at 110F

>If the fridge is running on propane, why do I need it?
>Im tempted just to disconnect it but if I do , will the fridge still run on
>12 vdc or 115 vac?

It will run, but you need the fan for proper operation.  You can replace it
with the Fridge-mate fan -- around $25 from RV dealers -- see my website
for a drawing of how to modify the bracket from the original fan to fit the
other one.  You need to use the original thermo-switch though, the
Fridge-mate one is set much lower and would run all the time.  Your
original fan motor is probably worn out or about to be, I'd suggest to
replace it even if it's not causing your problem right now.

Sorry to be so brief, I'm in a hurry...

david


David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"