Hi folks I need help witrh my Dometic 4271 Fridge, not working on 240V, works like a dream on LPG.
Many thanks to these forums I am certain(ish) the heating element is to blame, I have power getting to the fridge as the green mains lamp works. I am a confident DIY'er and and can source and rewire a new element, however, how do Get to the damn thing ? !!.
My van is a 2005 lunar Lexon EB, I have removed the two vents and can see the large tin flue, it appears to be a crimp sealed tube, is it possible to replace the element through these vents ? If so how do I open, or remove the tube ?.
I really dont want to tackle removing the fridge to do the job simply because of having to disconnect/reconnect the gas piping, suicide may be a great hobby but I don't fancy it as a living !.
I am not bothered about using LPG while on site however the van sits ouside my house and is used with alarming regularity as my escape/chillout space, so the cost of chilling my beer with LPG on a daily basis will dive me to drink !!!.
At the very top of the "large tin flue" you will find 3 tabs equally spaced around the rim, Bend these tabs up and the lid will come off. Squeeze the remaining "tin flue" around the joint and this will separate giving you acess to the 12v and 240 element tubes. You will have to partially remove the fridge to gain acess to the electrical connections behind the selector knobs. But it is accepable to cut and join the old/new element wires as long as they are suitably waterproofed/insulated connections.
------------- Mobile Caravan Service and Repair West midlands 01922 442170 07540 893379
Thanks for that speedy reply,and from a Pro, when you say "partially remove fridge" does this mean having to disconnect the gas or will there be sufficient flex in the copper LPG pipe to gain access to this top panel.
There will be enough flex in the gas pipe, you will need to pull the fridge out around 6-8 inches. If you do move the fridge, you should have the gas pressure tested when the job is finished. You can find a local mobile engineer here www.mcea.co.uk
------------- Mobile Caravan Service and Repair West midlands 01922 442170 07540 893379
Thanks for the advice I will have a look thismorning if the rain holds off and see if I can unclip the flue in situ, if not, then out with the fridge.
In view of the need to have the LPG pressure checked if I move the fridge on 6 inches, I may as well go the whole hog and yank the unit out completely !, saves having to fiddle with wires. I can then refit the whole unit and get it pressure checked before I connect the gas.
Any idea of rough cost for getting this check done.
Hi Mark, managed to open the flue (and my thumb at same time !) I got the element out, propped it out of way and connected the 240, element stays cold, checked voltage at element, 240volt fine, disconnected supply and cut off element, put multimeter accross element and found its gone open circuit.
Just to confirm before I purchase new element , is this my problem solved ?
Many thanks Dave
PS if so thats a few beers I owe you (hopefuly cold ! ! ! )
Dave, sorry for the late reply, seem we posted at the same time. 99.9% element failed. Good luck with the repair. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting the gas soundness tested afterwards. Be safe, after all you and your family will be sleeping in the van.
Regards
Mark
------------- Mobile Caravan Service and Repair West midlands 01922 442170 07540 893379
a million thanks for your help, come round and grab yourself an ice cold beer !.
I ended up completeing the whole repair through the vents. Cut the new element wires down, soldered to old, heat shrink wrapped, taped secured, SORTED !.
No tinkering with gas. Well chuffed, thanks again.
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Topic: Dometic 4271 240v Fridge element
