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Post by idaho64shasta on Mar 13, 2020 6:39:51 GMT -8
Greetings, I've been able to get all my appliances working--except the 'fridge! Propane is flowing through the temp adjustment knob, to the copper block that has the red button. I've taken the copper block apart, cleaned it out, and if I hold the button down, gas flows through and the burner stays lit. However, the second I take my finger off the button the gas is cut off.
Does anyone know how to keep gas flowing through the copper block?
Thank you in advance!
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Post by vikx on Mar 13, 2020 10:25:05 GMT -8
Sounds like it needs a new thermocouple. Also, just because it "lights" doesn't mean it will get cold. Can you test with electric or is it only gas?
I'm going to move this to our appliance section...
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Post by idaho64shasta on Mar 13, 2020 14:34:20 GMT -8
It is a propane only refrigerator--the Morphy Richards Astral circa '64. True, it may not get cold, but, it'll be fun to try. I just queried the web for thermocouples and did not find any that looked the same. I am now curious to know if anyone has had luck converting the vintage thermocouple to a modern version?
Purchasing a new version that fits in this space is the next option!
Many thanks!
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yas
Active Member
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'63 Shasta Airflyte
Currently Offline
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Post by yas on Mar 13, 2020 15:14:54 GMT -8
Having just gone over my working Astral, perhaps I can be of help.
You press the red button and light the gas at the "zip tube" - the tube with many holes in it. The flame travels to the back of the fridge and lights the main burner. After the burner gets hot enough, a temperature activated valve at the base of the main burner opens! Then you release the red button and the zip tube goes out. That's correct behavior.
The hard part is determining if the main burner stayed lit. It's almost impossible to see. There is a mirror at the back that you can see from the front that's supposed to show you. It's almost impossible to see the main burner flame with that mirror, you have to be aligned just right. And if you've never seen it, it's even harder. It will be easier to see the first time if you do this when it's dark. Other ways to investigate are:
1) open the vent door on the outside of the trailer. Have your assistant stick their ear in there and listen for the click while you hold the red button
2) when you think it's lit (you've held the red button for 60+ seconds, or assistant has heard the click) touch the shield that's around the main burner and see if it's warm and if it remains warm.
3) there are 4 tiny screws that hold that shield in place - you have to remove the two on the left side and loosen the two on the bottom. Then you can finally see the burner and determine if it's burning or not. Be forewarned - you may have to pull the fridge out to put the screws back in.
Good luck! If I remember correctly, the fridge is too wide to get out through the camper door.
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