Date:         Tue, 21 Sep 2004 09:18:38 -0400
Reply-To:     dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: fridge wont stay lit
Comments: To: Joy Hecht <jhecht@ALUM.MIT.EDU>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Except for rare occasions of nasty gusts or something, the fridge should be able to stay lighted while driving. Usual causes of it blowing out are dirt in the combustion chamber, the jet, or a leak somewhere in the intake or exhaust system. A frequent culprit is the gasket between the two parts of the combustion chamber.

Unless I am driving for long periods where I will be doing multiple fuel stops, I let my fridge run on the propane. The usage is extremely small so there are no real savings using the 12v while driving. The fridge also represents an ~8 amp load to the alternator. If running AC or the heater fans and headlights, the system is already stressed so the load of the fridge is not help full.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Joy Hecht <jhecht@ALUM.MIT.EDU>
Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 2:51 am
Subject: Re: fridge wont stay lit

> My fridge often goes out when I'm driving.  But then I realized
> that I could just switch to battery when driving, and it's fine
> and saves my propane.
>
> Do some fridges not run on battery, or are you staying on propane
> because it's just for short trips and you don't want to hassle
> with relighting the propane when you stop?
>
>
> Joy
>
> ****************************************************************
> Joy Hecht
> and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon
>
> For musings about life and the vanadventures:
> http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy
>
> ****************************************************************
>
> :::-----Original Message-----
> :::From: Vanagon Mailing List [vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
> :::Of Jim Felder
> :::Sent: Monday, September 20, 2004 7:22 PM
> :::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> :::Subject: Re: fridge wont stay lit
> :::
> :::>
> :::>
> :::> If the fridge is going out when you are driving, then you
> have an air
> :::> leak between the vent and the body of the van.  You can try
> :::> disassembling the vent and making sure that plate "C" is
> aligned with
> :::> tube "H"  Apply silicone sealant along gasket parts "F" and
> body and
> :::> D" and gasket.
>