Regassing an old fridge?

[RMS]

Hi all,

I've got the original fridge in my 1966 Carawagon project - gas only, not 12V.

Just tried it today, but as I half expected, although the flame works, the absorption coils don't get hot/cold like they should

I would expect it's lost its gas after so many years - has anyone ever tried to get one re-gassed?

I am expecting that I won't find anywhere as I'm not sure they are allowed to use the same refrigerant as they used to 40 years ago, but here's hoping

Cheers,
Robin.

[Jabbawocky]

Hi Robin

Do you think there is a forum out there for Fridge enthusiasts?

Mick

[wienun]

Im not really sure, as im not in the "fridge business".

Ive heard, that you can refresh your absorber fridge by simply turning it upside down for quite a long time (24h), NON RUNNING OF COURSE !

The stuff (as far as i know, its not a gas but some liquid) inside is vaporizing and recondensing in a circuit. During use (or not use in this case) there are creating cruds inside the circuit. When you turn the fridge upside down, these residues should go in solution again.

Ive heard of at least two fridges, that were "reanimated" like this. Just give it a try, may help. If not, no harm done, either.

Cheers

Stefan/wienun

[MrLeadfoot]

Hi Robin

Do you think there is a forum out there for Fridge enthusiasts?

Mick

More like a fetish site

[Jabbawocky]

More like a fetish site

No. a quick search and I found a forum with folk in the know. http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/show ... hp?t=56300

Mick

[RMS]

Yes, thanks, did some research last night and the fridge is now upside down!

It seems that the ammonia in the pipes can crystallize over time, and turning it upside down mixes the liquid up again.

It gurgled when I tipped it, so at least there appears to be some refrigerant in there.

Here's hoping

[BigEars]

Did you take it out first or have you turned the Landie upside down?

[RMS]

No, I took the fridge out then turned the Landie upside down

Actually, I've cycled it twice now, firing it up for 30 minutes after each 24 hour 'upside down' session, it's still not cooling

Although it does make a gurgling sound when I tip the fridge upside down, it's only for about 5 seconds.
On reading other reports, if it gurgles for less than 10 seconds, it's probably duff

Looks like I'm on the lookout for another fridge, but what are the chances of finding one which fits in the cabinet perfectly

[wienun]

Ive read now, that after the first 24 hours upside down, it should be waited another 24 hours upright before attempting to start/fire up.

Not my knowledge, just googled.

Cheers

Stefan/wienun

[jkhackney]

Is the gas flow on the regulator correct for the fridge? If the flame is too small it won't heat enough. (check the g/hr as well as pressure). this was my problem on my three-way fridge and switching regulators fixed it.
-jeremy