Fridge gas pipe blocked

[Ian_5074271]

Hi all, I have been trying to get my daughter’s fridge working on gas. It is an old swift, 1998 Aloutte. I have been disconnecting the couplings and blowing the gas pipes through. At the joint we’re the gas pipe enters the control valve (the one that you press in on the front of the fridge to allow gas through) I found the pipe blocked with a plug of what seems like cotton wool. This seems to be blocking the flow of gas, but before I remove it, does anyone know if this supposed to be there?
Regards Cavalier

 

[IanB1485]

thats a filter , several fridges have them usually close to the gas valve. it will allow sufficient gas through unless its darkened with oil residue

 

[Ian_5074271]

thanks for the reply, maybe I should leave it in place, I wonder what is stopping the the gas reaching the fridge burner

 

[birdman101]

If you can easily take it out see if pipe then can blow through clear. If so then as Ian suggests it is blocked with oil residue from the gas.

 

[Ian_5074271]

I don’t suppose it would be ok to take the filter out and see if the gas will light

 

[Gafferbill]

Why do you think the supply pipe is blocked?

Most likely it is the gas jet in the refrigerator burner.
The jet is a very small diameter hole in a circular piece of thin plate metal.
They are prone to blockages especially in old refrigerators that have a history of not being used on gas.
I have cleaned a jet using a very thin strand of copper wire obtained from a multi core electric cable.
It is possible to get at the burner via and external vent but I removed the refrigerator from it's housing for better access.
New jets are available.

 

[IanB1485]

As GafferBill said the one of the causes is a blocked jet never use a steel wire to clean otherwise you will open it up a little and that will cause further problems with the gas flame and consequently the efficiency of the flame ( more CO produced, flame not staying on the burner). If you have an ultrasonic bath use that , soft copper is OK if you're gentle . Please note that if the jet is a separate item it is very very fragile and easily lost. Also please ensure you fully test the pipework after reassembly for leaks. Often when refitting the compression fittings they leak , carefully clean the mating surfaces before assembly . Soapy water is passable but remember to fully clean it off afterwards as it can be corrosive.Once the fridge is back in place you must also ensure it is FULLY room sealed , no gaps allowed around the front frame which could allow combustion products into the habitation area andthe heat deflector above the fridge at the back is in place.Replace any damaged foam sealing pieces.

 

[birdman101]

About 15 years ago friends would not light and I found the burner full of spider cobwebs

 

[Ian_5074271]

Thanks for all the replies. I thought the pipe work might be blocked as the pipe supplying the hob was blocked, after blowing through with an air pump it works fine. The gas in the caravan has not been used for at least 10 years. Regarding the cotton wooL filter that is in the pipe feeding the regular, I can’t see anywhere that sells these, if it is contaminated could I just make another cotton wool filter?
Having said all that the caravan is being serviced on the 1st April, so I think I will ring the engineer tomorrow and ask him if he can repair/service the fridge.
I have removed the 4 screws that hold the fridge into the frame but I can’t seem to pull it forward out of the cabinet. Something in the bottom right hand corner seems to be holding it back, any ideas?

 

[birdman101]

Usually just two screws each side at front ,gas pipe and wiring connectors to undo.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I am concerned at the size of the list of things you have worked on, and then you say your not sure about what your doing. That is an alarm bell to , and I have to strongly recommend you stop tampering, and do not use the gas system until it has been completely checked out by a qualified LPG fitter, who has all the necessary knowledge, skills and equipment to complete the task and to ensure the entire installation and appliances are fit for purpose and most importantly proven to be operating correctly and safely.

 

[IanB1485]

Yes Prof it's starting to sound like he is casting around in the dark and he should wait for the service.
Messing with gas can be disastrous. Campervan suffered LPG explosion , driver in hospital

 

[ProfJohnL]

Yes Prof it's starting to sound like he is casting around in the dark and he should wait for the service.
Messing with gas can be disastrous. Campervan suffered LPG explosion , driver in hospital

In my time I have had to submit reports to inquiries on similar incidents, where the owner had indeed interfered with the gas installations. Fortunately no fatalities, but some serious injuries, including Carbon Monoxide poisoning.