Thetford N3000 Fridge Gas problem. (Burstner)

[VXman]

I thought I'd start a new thread on this as it's a while since I last discussed it and a few things have been learnt but no fix.

Problem - works fine on EHU and battery (when engine is running) but not on Gas. Flame is good. Gas is actually on continuously - never switches off. This has been an issue since July. (But maybe before but not noticed as I was on EHU a lot???) Van was brand new on March.

I had a Thetford specialist look at it in Spain and he replaced a couple of bits (Burner and Selonoid valve.) But no joy.

He contacted Thetford and they suggested the Spiral in the Chimney could be an issue. Some fridges were missing them due to production failures. However I understand this is retain heat (or direct it)- and it clearly works with the electric elements. It is impossible to access the Spiral to even look out with out taking the burner section to bits and I don't want to do this not being knowledgeable. Also don't want to risk invalidating the guarantee.)

My dealer hasn't a clue. He contacted a Thetford specialist in the UK but he is on holiday for a month or so but he did say - remove fuse for 5 mins. I tried this but removing all fuses (leisure battery, cab battery and D+ fuse) but no improvement -......or maybe???

I had the Gas for for 19 hours and the freezer seems to work. I cup of water I put in there has solidly froze. However the top part of the fridge (which is usually the coldest and can go to 0 degrees on electric in the summer) is only on 6 degrees. This is with an outside temp of 10 or 11. So not much good.

Getting hold of a Thetford technician in the UK is nigh on impossible but I will pursue through dealer and directly. (Wished I lived in Spain - the bloke there would sort it I am sure but I was only in his area for a few days)

So maybe anyone who hasn't seen this before might have some ideas? Or if you read my thread back in July but have new ideas to contribute.

Thanks in advance. Need to get this sorted before next season!

 

[SandraL]

Re the spiral.
I believe the electric elements are in a tube welded to the chimney, so heat is transferred directly to the chimney. The spiral plays no part in the transfer of heat.


On gas the flame at the burner provides heat that exits up the chimney. The spiral is heated by the hot gases rising up the flue. The sides of the spiral are in contact with the chimney so help to transfer heat to the chimney.

So , to my mind, the spiral is only there for when on gas.

 

[wiljoy]

I had the same issue on my new van (Carthago) Dealer hadn't a clue but while in Spain I called in at an approved repairer. He immediately pointed out that the flue was the wrong way round so the gas was cutting out before it could ignite properly. He turned it round and after 6 years I haven't had a problem. So much for our knowledgeable dealer staff and safety checks.

 

[NicM]

If it has done it from new surely you can demand a new fridge can’t you?

 

[VXman]

If it has done it from new surely you can demand a new fridge can’t you?

Thought I'd revisit this thread. Yes, been asking for a repair or a new fridge for 12 months now and today - as I write, a new fridge is being fitted!!!!

We discovered it wasn't working on gas at Silverstone F1 in June 2021. We go again next week, hopefully with a new working fridge. It is quite possible it never worked in gas from new in March 2021.

I will talk about the saga and my dealer in detail at a later date. Don't want to upset him while still under warranty.

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[VXman]

New fridge fitted!!! Only 12 months of waiting. Seems to be working.