Panel van fridge removal? Forums

Anonymous

Dear all,
Sorry - another question from me (I do try to answer questions when I can and I did search the archives!)

We have an Autosleeper Rambler (panel van conversion) and while away last weekend I removed the panel in a cupboard bottom which gives access to the domestic water pump and noticed a rust patch on the inner face of the wheel arch - water has been getting in somewhere (I think either around the black side window blanking piece which replaces the window, or the fridge flue - it's not the pump leaking because I drained the domestic water system in November and haven't used it since - the carpet next to the wheel arch was wet to the touch). So I need to remove the cupboard unit contaning the fridge and sink unit and find out where the problem is.

I figured, first job is to remove the fridge - it's just screwed in from each side of the cupboard it lives in and has a large coil in the gas pipe feeding the valve on top of the fridge which will allow me to withdraw it far enough to get to the union. However, the flue stops it being pulled forwards and I can't for the life of me see how I can disconnect it - has anyone any idea how I can diconnect the flue and pull the fridge forwards? - It's an electrolux 3 way fridge and the flue is in the side wall of the van.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

best
Matt

PamNPete

hI Matt weth

Dont really know!

But have you tried taking the outside vent grill off?

Dont know as I said but will watch to see if you get ant response - for future info

Good luck with the search

how do you intend to tackle the rust?

doubledecker

Hi Mattweth,I have a T4 Vw with a 3 way fridge fitted,the flue rises up at the back on a sight angle(its called a lazy elbow I think)but this resticts you from pulling out the fridge as was said before you need to take off the top vent,this may be sealed on so could be difficult,but once off should be easy,Gerry.

Anonymous

[quote:cb281574b4="doubledecker"]Hi Mattweth,I have a T4 Vw with a 3 way fridge fitted,the flue rises up at the back on a sight angle(its called a lazy elbow I think)but this resticts you from pulling out the fridge as was said before you need to take off the top vent,this may be sealed on so could be difficult,but once off should be easy,Gerry.[/quote:cb281574b4]

Thanks for the replies guys - Sorry if I'm being thick here, but is the top vent the flue fitting on the outside of the van? - By peering through the grille above the fridge, I can see where the flue dissapears through the van wall - it appears to have a big fillet of sealant around it so I guess a bit of brute force is needed! - I haven't removed the flue cover on the outside yet (probably better to wait for daylight!
many thanks
Matt

doubledecker

Hi Mat,Sorry some older vans have a seperate flue terminal as mine does but to get the flue off I have to remove the top vent and the flue terminal,I can get the flue off with just the flue terminal off but need to get my hand in the top vent to put it back on as the fridge is slid back in position,I hope this makes sense,to recap I unscrew the fridge remove the flue terminal now withdraw the fridge,to replace it remove the top vent push the fridge into position replace the lazy elbow,flue terminal,then top vent,for a diagram go to Dometic website,or Obriens camping,cheers Gerry.

Anonymous

Finally got the fridge out (and the sink unit into which it was fitted - what a job!).

Due to the arrangement of the flue, I had to free it from the outside of the van and withdraw it inwards (so I'll have to reseal it when I refit the fridge).

However, I almost wish I hadn't removed it! (see the 'Autosleeper Rambler woes' thread in this section

Thanks again for the advice
Matt