How do I tell if my fridge is working on gas (1 Viewer)

[jo10000_6]

Hello - I haven't really needed to use my fridge on gas - Hymer B544 - but when I've tried I've been a little bit uneasy assuming it's all lit and working as there is no peep hole to see the flame.

I know the clicking noise stops but is there anything else I can hear or so to say it's all lit and working ?

Thanks
Jo

 

[chaser]

Has it got an exhaust outside , if so feel if it's coming out hot.

 

[Sheddy]

You can normally hear the burner running if you listen at the lower fridge vent.
Cheers
Ed

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[Figaro]

Heat from the top vent flue exhaust is how I tell. Also if it hadn't lit it would continue clicking.
My user manual says there is a peep hole at back of fridge to see flame, but it's just not there !

 

[eddie]

It gets cold!

Or to be more helpful the “clicking” is the piezo igniter, arcing, making a spark, which ignited the gas.

When the flame is present it stops sparking. If the flame extinguishes the sparking (clicking) starts again

 

[JackieP]

But of a random soution but I used to put my outside thermometer sensor in the freezer box and check the indoor one to look for a drop in temperature. Saves opening the door all the time.

I also drop the outside vent and listen for the sound of gas getting through but the environs has to be pretty quiet to hear it properly.

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[The Dotties]

My (Dometic) has a flashing red light visible above the door, instead of steady blue, if there is a problem with any of the three supply options.

 

[tonka]

Turn it on, wait and see if it gets cold
Sorted.

Or as above.

 

[Reallyretired]

Mine makes quite an audible roaring sound from the burner if you listen at the bottom vent. If you take the vent cover off you may be able to see the flame. If all else fails touch the burner cover and see if it's hot.

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[jo10000_6]

Thank you one and all for all the tips.

I will have a little look later. I'm fairly sure it works and the clicking does stop but a spy hole have been preferred.

 

[two]

As I recall the spy-holes (at the back of the inside of the fridge) were to confirm that the pilot light was alight, and were not always convenient to use.
The gas will not light if the fridge is already cold. If in doubt, leave the door open before feeling for warmth in the flue (good luck with that if yours has a roof vent).
Alternatively, start from scratch and check that the freezer will produce ice cubes whilst on gas.

 

[Bdeners]

As jackieP says, get yourself one of these on eBay, great for monitoring you fridge temperature without having to open the door.

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[jo10000_6]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. Really appreciate it.

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

Put 20 beers in the fridge when you think it's on gas drink one every 1/4 hour and if they seem colder great it's working if not when you get to 20 you won't care.

All the other answers are to technical.

 

[Nirvanauk]

I keep a thermometer in my fridge.

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[Gaston aires]

You can hear the burner through the bottom outside fridge vent, right side usually.
Phil

 

[jo10000_6]

Thanks for all the replies - much appreciated.
Jo

 

[jo10000_6]

resurrecting a thread …..I haven't had cause to try and chase this down due to being on EHU most of the time - the tip for the thermometer worked great for this because it allowed me to make sure fridge wasn't getting to cold and freezing my cucumbers ! So thanks for this.

I've played a few time with the fridge on gas - primarily spent an hour or so today - trying different things.

I've taken the top vent off - with this off I can see the inside of where the outside vent is on the back of the motorhome (The bottom vent doesn't show much).

I've now got to the stage where I can press for gas - ignite and hear a little "woof" - now whilst I hear the little "woof" I'm fairly sure its not lit. You just don't hear anything.

Before I call in an expert as I'm sure a fridge service is overdue - I was wondering if you can think off anything else I can try.

Thanks
Jo

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[jo10000_6]

Forgot to say …. I can also smell gas.

 

[tonyidle]

If the clicking stops the flame is present. The igniter cannot stop unless the burner is in operation - it isn't timed and has no other means of turning off.

 

[two]

What model fridge do you have?

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[monzer]

Tell me about it, I froze me spring onions the other day!

I was a bit wary trying my fridge on gas for an extended period on this trip I am on now but the thing is they do work really well on gas. They usually light after just a few clicks so if your igniter goes off that would be enough for me to presume it's working and relax.

When I ran out of gas the other day the igniter would click and flash again telling me it was having problems keeping lit so that's how I knew I had ran dry.

I do have a peep hole at the bottom of my fridge though but I am a bit worried as it seems to be more yellow than bright blue. Anyone know if this is a problem?

 

[jo10000_6]

Hi - its a Electrolux RM275 - with no peep hole. I'm following the instructions of the book. If it is lit its very quiet - as I've mentioned I have the top vent off for my ear to have a listen better.

 

[Figaro]

Check for heat at the top vent, it should feel noticeably warm, especially in this weather if it's lit.
As said it will also continue clicking if not lit.
PS mine is silent on gas

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[tonyidle]

Tell me about it, I froze me spring onions the other day!

I was a bit wary trying my fridge on gas for an extended period on this trip I am on now but the thing is they do work really well on gas. They usually light after just a few clicks so if your igniter goes off that would be enough for me to presume it's working and relax.

When I ran out of gas the other day the igniter would click and flash again telling me it was having problems keeping lit so that's how I knew I had ran dry.

I do have a peep hole at the bottom of my fridge though but I am a bit worried as it seems to be more yellow than bright blue. Anyone know if this is a problem?

Yes it's burning poorly and producing soot and CO. Either replace the jet assembly or have it serviced. The flame should be blue.

 

[two]

So you have separate dials to control the temperature for 'leccy and for gas?
Have you turned the gas one to max?
You should feel heat from the flames coming out of flue (outside) when it's working on gas.
Seems like either the flue needs cleaning or the burner jet.
Does the ignition 'clicking' sound come back after the "woosh"?
If it does, it suggests that the flame is not big enough to keep the flame failure device open. It will try to relight a few times before giving up.

 

[jo10000_6]

HiYa,

I don't have separate controls - I've always took it that the temp control for the elec. was just for that - its positioned that side of the fridge so everything that side is off - although I had been trying it when it was on no.5 but no difference.

The ignition sound does not come back on after the woosh. My controls are in the picture.

I will have another play tomorrow - I know my neighbours think there's something wrong with me - I'm in and out of that motorhome so many times ! Sometimes I just sit there and think what a great space it is. Sometimes I just sit there drink coffee and think what a great space it is. Busy busy.

I will probably have to get someone in but that's easier said than done sometimes. I have the get up and go, inclination and enthusiasm ! I just don't have the skills !

Thanks for the replies.

Jo

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[Figaro]

So there's no heat in the top vent outside ?
I'd guess it needs a good service at least.
This probably involves removing the fridge so disconnected gas 12 volt and 240 volt.
You may need to look for someone to do it for you if you don't have the skills.

 

[jockaneezer]

If the gas function is operating ok, you should hear the igniter give a short burst of clicks, followed by a bit of a "wumpf" noise as the gas ignites, the clicking will stop and you should hear a faint "roar" from the burner. The burner will continue to "roar" until the fridge reaches the desired temperature, the time taken for this depends on a few things, the temperature you have selected, how much "stuff" is in your fridge, the condition of the burner/chimney/jet combo and the ambient temperature.
I had a problem with my fridge this summer on gas, as it wouldn't cool. I took the lower vent off and could see the flame and, although it was a blue flame, it was smaller than usual and not roaring, plus it was running constantly. I stripped out the burner, blew through the jet and reassembled everything and it worked fine after that.

 

[two]

Hi Jo
It's a long time since I had a fridge like yours, and memory games are not one of my strong points, but I think the 'thermostat' on the left is a mere 'placebo' when you're using gas. The one on the right is to control the amount of chilling when on gas and that needs to be nearer max (big flame?).
All the best...