Date:         Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:48:17 -0700
Reply-To:     alfred bagdan <abagdan@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         alfred bagdan <abagdan@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: fridge problems
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=response

So we are back to the fridge problems.
Here is a repost of a post I did a long time ago, it may be of help for some


I drive with my fridge on all the time.  It is safe as the
gas shuts off when the flame goes out (same as the furnace
in your house).

I had this problem once and thanks to this list I fixed it.
To keep the flame from blowing out, seal off around the
outside air intake for the fridge so the air can only get in
through the off center hole, and no air gets blown in from
the sides through the cracks of the gasket.

You should take the outside vent cover off to see what I
mean. It looks like sealing doesn't do anything, but it sure
does.  Just smear some sealant on the gasket and anyplace
you think air would go in.  The air has to go in from the
off-center hole only, and not extra air from around the
gaskets.  Carefully put the vent cover back together.  I
used clear ATP sealant so any extra stuff is not visible.

Also listen if your fan is running in the back of the
fridge.  You'll hear it if it runs.  My fan bracket was bent
and the blade was jammed against the pipe. Drove like that
for 14 years, the fridge only cooling so so.  I did not know
the fan even existed.  Took the fridge out (there is a
really good post in the archives on that) and lo and behold
the fan was stuck.  I also opened the fire box and there
must have been a half a cup of residue in it.  I also
removed the orifice and soaked it in alcohol to clean the
hole.  Do not put needles or wires through the hole to clear
it as that will damage it. I carefully put everything back
together put the fridge back in the hole (careful that you
don't shear off the spark wire as it is at the edge), sealed
off around the vent outside and fired the fridge up.  It
works great now.  I went for a 2 week trip and never shut
the fridge off once.  It was even making ice in the tray.
There is also a good article on starting the fridge in the
archives in case that is problematic.

I don't think you can increase cooling on DC as you already
are supposed to run it on maximum.

Anyway, hope my rambling helps

Alfred
85 Vanagon (Westy)