Anyone know about old caravan fridges?

[taurus]

We have an early 90's Eriba Puck with an Electrolux 3-way fridge. We usually run it on mains when hooked up. Over the past few years it has struggled to get as cold as it used to and is now not really working at all.

Is this likely to be due to a loss of gas in the cooling system? If so could it be repaired by a fridge specialist?

New 3 way fridges are a bonkers price.

[Rich]

They have ammonia in the coolant circuit which crystallises an blocks the system. They don't work anything like household fridges. Apparently by removing it and turning it upside down for a day, then right way up for a day, ect for a few weeks can get a bit more life out of them. Helps dislodge the crystal deposits.

[taurus]

Thanks. It's a bit of a faff getting it out but I shall try that.

[VW]

Did that with mine and now its fantastic.
on gas its cold within a couple of hours.

[taurus]

Thanks guys. I've had it out today and turned it over, it seems to be working better. Also found the lower air intake flyscreen was very clogged so cleaned that out as well.

Fingers crossed, a new one is nearly £600!

[VW]

Its generally recomended to leave it upside down for 24 hours then right way up for 24 hours again before turning it back on.
If your in no rush, do it a couple of times.

Antthing will help though, as mentioned, its dislodging the crystals and re mixing the gasses (or liquids, whatever they are).

[taurus]

I did some searches on caravan forums, opinions how long to leave it upside down for vary but some folks who seemed to work in maintenance centres say 30 minutes and then turn it over again, then repeat a few times. Since we're about to go away I didn't have time to leave it for too long.

So this morning it's reading 4 degrees which is a lot better than the 18 degrees it was at yesterday. I'll see how it goes and maybe take it out again for a longer period when we get back.

Since we never use gas for the fridge I think if it needs replacing I'll just look for a small domestic fridge. There's one in Currys for £70 which is almost a perfect fit.

[Ryannn]

May 28, 2017 8:23:23 GMT taurus said:

.

Since we never use gas for the fridge I think if it needs replacing I'll just look for a small domestic fridge. There's one in Currys for £70 which is almost a perfect fit.

That's what my parents did in their old caravan. Slotted a mains fridge in and just filled it up whenever they got where they were headed.

[Rich]

May 28, 2017 8:23:23 GMT taurus said:

I did some searches on caravan forums, opinions how long to leave it upside down for vary but some folks who seemed to work in maintenance centres say 30 minutes and then turn it over again, then repeat a few times. Since we're about to go away I didn't have time to leave it for too long.

So this morning it's reading 4 degrees which is a lot better than the 18 degrees it was at yesterday. I'll see how it goes and maybe take it out again for a longer period when we get back.

Since we never use gas for the fridge I think if it needs replacing I'll just look for a small domestic fridge. There's one in Currys for £70 which is almost a perfect fit.

If you fit a domestic fridge just remember to let it sit a while before powering it up. The 'wait to power up after moving' thing isn't a myth, ask Colonelk..

[taurus]

Well it worked. The whole damn fridge is at -1 this morning. I've got ice on my cornflakes.

[tristanh]

I repair stuff like that for a living.
If your fridge starts struggling, a small fan at the back, like a PC cooling fan will help