Date:         Mon, 30 Mar 1998 08:45:26 -0800
Reply-To:     Kenn Draymon <Kenn_Draymon@BCTEL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Kenn Draymon <Kenn_Draymon@BCTEL.COM>
Organization: BC TEL
Subject:      Dometic Fridge Overhaul
Comments: To: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

On our recent a 10 day camping trip, our Dometic was
tempermental.  Very hard to light on propane, easily
extinguished, and unimpressive cooling.  After reading about
upgrades/fixes, I decided it was now or never.

This is an 1985 GL Westy; I'm sure the PO had never touched the
fridge.

Removal was straightforward, after finding the four tiny sheet
metal screws pinning the fridge to the cabinetry.  I disassembled
and cleaned the combustion chamber, which was filthy, and the
"breather" tube protruding under the fridge; it was completely
clogged with scaly dirt.  I lubricated the fan motor, and
remounted its thermostat with heatsink compound.

I epoxied a small fan to the cooling fins inside the fridge, and
mounted a pushbutton switch for in on the control panel.  I also
added a switch and wiring for a light, which I know we'll use for
those 3AM bottle feedings (we have a toddler and nearly a sister
for her).  I'll add the light inside the fridge when I find a
suitable unit.  I lubricated the little air pump, which now pumps
a much healthier shot of air to the combustion chamber.  I tested
the peizoelectric sparker; it gave a 1cm. spark, every time.  I
neatened the wiring with zap straps, and cut 20 cm. from the 120
volt power cord, which was gathered in a few messy loops, anyway.

After installing (and re-installing; remember to re-connect the
gas line to the combustion chamber) the fridge, it fired up right
away.  I notice that the green LED indicator is much brighter
than previously.  The fan works great, and is barely audible with
the fridge door closed.

I'd encourage anyone with a lackadaisical fridge to consider this
little overhaul/upgrade.  It required no special tools or skills,
and it rewards you with a better than new fridge, and more
confidence in dealing with your camper better and far cheaper
than any dealer could.

I've omitted many of the sub-steps for brevity.  I'd be pleased
to answer any listmember's queries about specifics.

As to the fridge, it's currently undergoing a three-day "run-in"
to see whether it can really keep the beer cold.   Initial
results are extremely encouraging.