Date:         Wed, 12 May 2004 14:06:27 -0700
Reply-To:     Vanagon <vanagon@REX1.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Vanagon <vanagon@REX1.COM>
Subject:      Vanagon Fridge Problems -again
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Can anyone confirm/deny question #2...

#2. I can no longer get even a small degree of cold from the fridge fins.
I read somewhere that the internal cooling fins are connected via a pressure
connection and thermal paste.

Is it true that I can remove the cooling fins inside the fridge by pulling
them out ?
I don't want to force anything.
then apply a new coat of thermal paste and clean off the old gob ?


P.S.
Is there a modern (ie reliable) fridge option that fits in to the same space
and vent as the current Dometic one in my 88 Vanagon ?
I am getting close to throwing this one in to storage.

Thanks
Rex


----- Original Message -----
From: Fkc43@aol.com
To: rex@rex1.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 5:41 AM
Subject: Re: Vanagon Fridge


In a message dated 10/05/2004 6:39:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time, rex@rex1.com
writes:
  Frank
  I read you Faq on the Vanagon fridge with great interest.
  I have a 1988 Vanagon Westfalia with only 66k original miles on her.

  I haven't had any trouble other than the fridge.
  I have replaced the thermocouple and spark cable.
  I have cleaned the jet, chimney flue  and combustion box.
  That cleared up the ignition issues completely.

  I had an ice cold fridge that made nice ice cubes for camping in the
dessert for a few days.

  Only a few days and then,

  1. The flame blows out very easily.
  I read somewhere that if I have assembled the vent cover correctly, the
only other solution is to saw the longer of the two vent hoses so that they
are both equal length.
  True/ False ?
    False !  Do not alter the construction of the fridge.  If the flame is
blowing out there is a leak in the pipes or connection to the wall of the
van or the burner is dirty and not operating properly.  If the system is
operating as it was designed and manufactured the flame will not blow out
while driving.

  2. I can no longer get even a small degree of cold from the fridge fins.
  I read somewhere that the internal cooling fins are connected via a
pressure connection and thermal paste.

  Is it true that I can remove the cooling fins inside the fridge by pulling
them out ?
  I don't want to force anything.
  then apply a new coat of thermal paste and clean off the old gob ?
    This how I understand it but have never done it so am reluctant to
verify this information.


  Thanks
  Rex

  P.S.
  I will probably like to purchase your VW steel stove plate. not for
keeping the coffee pot from tipping but to make great toast.
  How well a job can be done with it ?
  A nice golden brown ?
    Rex, You will get a nice toast with the VW logo burned into it.  Enjoy
it with peanut butter or jam !

Cheers,

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event in Almonte, June 10 ~ 13, 2004
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: Vanagon List, LiMBO, IWCCC & CCVWC
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers
Frank Condelli & Associates or http://frankcondelli.com