Electrolux RM212 Fridge

[Boathook]

It's the gas, 12 and 240 volt one. Does any have an idea as to what refrigeration gas it might use? The manuals don't say and at present I don't want to take the unit out to see what the fixed labels may say.
Up until this summer it has worked well for the last 30 plus years and I assume that he gas may have leaked a bit. Once I know what the gas is/was, I can make enquiries about the replacement type of gas. The thought of spending over £600 on a replacement fridge does not appeal to me!

 

[pvb]

I don't think they use a refrigerant gas, I believe they use an ammonia-based liquid. If you Google, you'll find a lot of people suggest that they can be restored to life by turning them upside down for a minute or so, then turning back, and repeating a few times. Sounds strange, but it's maybe worth trying.

 

[TQA]

Check the chimney surrounding the gas burner for rust debris. I have had a couple of these fridges and both had problems with debris on the burner as they got older.

 

[Dougal]

it is indeed ammonia based liquid and having had ours spray it's contents directly in my face, be EXTREMELY careful. Yes, they're cheap compared to modern marine fridges, but by God they're dangerous. Spent 3 days in a French hospital!

 

[Dougal]

...and the upside down trick is recommended for 12-24 hrs. It often works, bbut ONLY if the problem is an air lock.

 

[pvb]

...and the upside down trick is recommended for 12-24 hrs. It often works, bbut ONLY if the problem is an air lock.

One post I read said 15 seconds is enough, just long enough for the liquid to run down inside.

 

[superheat6k]

Not only is the ammonia lethal, but so is the gas supply if the air supply compromised when it could produce CO, rather than CO2.

These were designed for caravans with an decent external low level vent. These multi power source absorption fridges work by using a heat source to drive the fluid flow to run the fridge, so a small gas flame, 12v or 240v heater. IMHO they are best avoided in boats. And anyway if you have had 30 years out of it I think its likely done its day.

Turning your boat upside down for 20 minutes seems a bit extreme, but might work well on the Golden Globe !

 

[Oldhairy]

As an add on. Years ago when I had one I fitted a kero burner, fairly popular at the time. Might still be available.

 

[vyv_cox]

One of mine in a motorhome failed to run on gas. The cause turned out to be a spider's web across the chimney.