[Vitrifrgo Refrigerator]

Hi Shane

Yes it did reach a proper temp and yes turning the thermostat did not did nothing. If the copper pipe is frosting up just where the coupling is about 30cm up from the compressor then your unit will most likely be over gassed. To release some gas you will see a short piece of copper pipe coming out of the compressor with a cap on it, all you do is remove the cap and there is a valve there which is the same as a car tyre valve,push the valve in and count to ten and this should fix the problem. Importantdo this before you switch the fridge on.

Thanks very much Alan.

About normal cool temp.... actually, after turning off the fridge on Friday & turning it back on last night, today it is struggling to get down to normal. Currently 9.9 degrees. grrr.

Thermostat... I fitted a new one yesterday. Like your experience, the thermostat can't used to turn off compressor.

The Kedron guys rather carelessly installed the Dometic fridge vents too far to the right. When I remove the bottom vent, I get a lovely clean view of the back of fridge cabinet (RHS as you look at it from outside). All of the compressor/motor/wiring is to the left of the opening and impossible to get my hand in there. more grrr. Using a torch & mirror, I can just see the valve you mention. Looks like I'll have to unscrew the whole fridge and slide it forward.

Jeez this is bloody frustrating. And I suspect there will be more dollars to spend on it yet.

Anybody know a good fridgey in Perth??

[Vitrifrgo Refrigerator]

Hi Geoff,

I had a problem with the Vitrifrigo fridge on my boat but it was the opposite to yours in that my fridge would run continuously. I found a company in Liverpool (Sydney)who deal in fridges for boats, caravans, campers etc, and the guy was very helpful and diagnosed the problem as being over gassed. He explained how I could release some gas which should fix it, so I did and it now works perfectly.So maybe you could call him and have a chat about your problem.

The company is MOOREBANK MARINE REFRIGERATION P/L ,his name is Bruce Lee 0438 184 129 or 9602 9571

Cheers Alan

Thanks for this post Alan.

I have the same problem... the fridge runs continuously. I have recently had it repaired by a refrigeration mechanic where he replaced the evaporator and obviously had to re-gas it (the job cost me $600!) but now he has my money I cannot get him to return my calls (all calls go to voicemail) or my emails.

Before I ring your contact, even though your fridge ran continuously, did it reach a proper cool temperature (or did it just freeze up)? Also, did you find the turning the thermostat did nothing to stop the fridge running?

Shane

[Landcruiser 200 Series]

John & Brian - thanks for your informative posts. :thumbsup:

John - which weighbridge do you use in WA?

[Central Road]

Hi Brian & Barb

Three of us have just completed a return trip Perth - Ayres Rock - Perth last month... on Kawasaki's :shades: . We did the Gunbarrel heading east and the entire Great Central Road coming home. The GCR was in quite good condition, being excellent in some parts with grading happening west of Tjukarilya and east of Docker River. From previous trips I've done on the GCR (Prado + camper trailer), the road does detiorate somewhat (ie corrugations) with the increased tourist traffic over the winter period. That said, it still shouldn't present a problem for your Phoenix.

As J & J said, camping is not officially permitted along most of the GCR though it seems to be tolerated and from my own observations most people do seem to discretely camp along the way. If you plan to have a Q.L.D. (quiet little drink) in the evening, make sure you are very, very discrete. Quite rightly, the communities are absolutely against alcohol in their lands. May I suggest empties are probably best disposed of at Yulara and not at fuel servo's on the GCR.

I agree that Warburton has a good camp ground behind the fuel servo.

Good luck with the trip.

Shane W.

(First post! I'll do an intro next post)