Thetford fridge freezer temperature problems

[Phill D]

We have a thetford n3150 fridge freezer and the past 2 weeks while away have noticed a problem with the freezer temperature.

If I set the fridge so it holds a steady 5'c ( using a proper thermometer inside) the freezer only gets down to around - 5'c.

If I put max cooling on the fridge to pull the freezer down then we get stuff freezing / iceing up in the fridge but the freezer still only pulls down to around - 10'c.
It appears not to matter if its on gas or mains.
I have fans fitted so if the ambient gets too high they kick in and increase the air flow.
And, it has not been cold enough to need the covers.

Any ideas from you guys.

 

[Lenny HB]

Try taking the fins off and cleaning up and applying new thermal paste.

 

[Phill D]

Try taking the fins off and cleaning up and applying new thermal paste.

That sounds logical,
the fins in the fridge I assume as there are none in the freezer.
Thanks, will give that a shot on the weekend, we get home tomorrow

 

[TheBig1]

check the probe clipped to the fins is not damaged or dislodged before you strip it down for new thermal paste

 

[Lenny HB]

That sounds logical,
the fins in the fridge I assume as there are none in the freezer.
Thanks, will give that a shot on the weekend, we get home tomorrow

Should be fins in the freezer as well

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[Phill D]

Should be fins in the freezer as well

Just looked, none.

 

[Phill D]

Rummaging in the freezer compartment now it seems that there is a "false floor" is best way I can describe it. Although it is fixed down.
That seems to be the source of cooling.
But,
I could be wrong

 

[XxAnthxX]

Should be fins in the freezer as well

They’re not exposed…. I think there’s a cover over them

 

[Phill D]

They’re not exposed…. I think there’s a cover over them
View attachment 536478

Could be under what I Have referred to as a false floor in the compartment

 

[XxAnthxX]

I seam to remember four little round white plastic things in the corners holding it down……I’ve never removed it tho.

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[Phill D]

I seam to remember four little round white plastic things in the corners holding it down……I’ve never removed it tho.

There appears to be several of the little things.

I will look for possible replacements before I risk removing them and finding out what is under it

 

[XxAnthxX]

I will look for possible replacements before I risk removing them and finding out what is under it

That sounds like a plan…..my bet would be they‘ll be quite brittle.

 

[Phill D]

That sounds like a plan…..my bet would be they‘ll be quite brittle.

I most definitely agree with that

 

[Phill D]

Just a follow up for info for anyone who has a similar experience....

been at home now for 24 hrs. put fridge on EHU and emptied it completely. put thermometer in place in the freezer and in the fridge.

just checked the temperatures and the freezer is at -21'c and the fridge is at 4'c; both perfect.

i believe i have discovered the problem / culprit!!!

we had put 2 largish items in the freezer, part way through our trip that were at chilled temperature and not already frozen. from the thetford manual it clearly states that items should be pre frozen as it is not designed to freeze down products and the result would be to reduce the effectiveness of the freezer and a possible knock on effect on the fridge.

so that was another lesson learned..