To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT My new garage in Wales

Workspaces sized between 265 and 485 squarefeet.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
Arlo caught a baby bunny this morning, then carried it around the whole walk before swallowing it when i tried to get him in the van to come home.
Water level is still dropping in the reservoir. A few bushes and trees still stop you from walking all the way along one bank though.
2026-07-06 10.04.14.JPG
 
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
Had a quick look online to see if there was a manual for the fridge anywhere. Its a Dometic RM4213S according to the manufacturers plate. I managed to find a PDF version of it. It states to clean the flue and burner jet remove the lower grill on the side of the van. Ours doesn't have one, only an upper vent/flue. The base the fridge sits on is at a level with the door hinge just above the arch. Theres very little access through the top vent.
2026-02-28 15.15.02-1.JPG
This is the only access (just a gas drop out vent) next the fibreglass wheelarch at the front of the fridge. No access to the lower back of the fridge at all. :rolleyes:
2026-07-06 16.21.16.JPG
 
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
I noticed the on/off gas switch is quite tight to turn. The instructions say to turn the switch to the flame logo (90 degree left turn) and press it in to 'open the flame failure device' and to then keep it pressed for 10-15 secs after the flame lights to 'active the flame failure device'. The knob doesn't appear to be able to be pushed it in at all (or its already stuck in).
Screenshot_6-7-2026_192537_www.youtube.com.jpeg
I removed the knob off the gas valve after a lot of struggling and found the valve was indeed stuck in the pushed in position. I've wire brushed it and sprayed with penetrating oil and it now pushes in and releases easily and also turns nicely too.
Not had a chance to try it yet though. Reading online it appears that if the valve gets stuck in it activates the flame failure device which cuts the gas. Its not cut it completely though as there was still a tiny blue flame (like the size of a pilot light) not the usual 30mm or so wall of flame.
Gonna hoover out all the cobwebs from above and around the fins on the back and give the flue and its baffle a clean and see what happens.
 
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
Used the bug to go shopping today as it was way too hot to take the dogs with me as they'd melt while sat in the caravelle. ๐Ÿฅต
2026-07-08 13.03.58.JPG
Cheap new gear knob arrived. Slightly bigger than the old one so feels a bit better to hold.
2026-07-08 12.41.15.JPG
My parcel of parts from the vwheritage wishlist competition arrived today. Fitted the rear over riders. The fog/reverse lamp could really do with moving across about 20mm though it doesn't really make much difference.
2026-07-08 15.48.10.JPG
 
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
Tried the fridge in our autosleeper again yesterday evening when the sun had gone round and the van was in the shade and from the 4c (39f) it was when running on electric it rose to 12c (53.6f) on gas.:(
Looks like i might as well take it out and properly clean the burner and everything else on the back of the fridge.
Gonna fit a pair of 12v fans on the back while its out to help it expel the hot air.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
Its been 29c (84f) today. Even the breeze was warm. :(
Took the dogs out just after 7am and it was already nearly 18c. Tomorrow its due to be 20c at 7am then up to 24c at 8am. At least theres a bit of shade in the woods next to the reservoir.

Pulled the fridge out far enough to disconnect the wiring and gas pipe this afternoon.
2026-07-10 14.51.59.JPG
Hooved loads more cobwebs and dust out of the cabinet.
2026-07-10 14.56.17.JPG
Once the protective box/shield thing was removed from under the flue i could get to the burner.
2026-07-10 15.04.17.JPG
After undoing the gas pipe this muck fell out of the pipe. Possibly why it was struggling on gas as the burner jet has a tiny hole which would have easily been partially blocked by this.
2026-07-10 15.44.29.JPG
The actual burner wasn't too bad so i've soaked it in carb cleaner and wire brushed the outside.
2026-07-10 15.43.19.JPG
Fingers crossed it'll work properly once i reinstall it. I'm going to replace all the wiring terminals as a few are rather green.
 
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
It was already creeping above 22c (71.5f) just after 8am when i coming back from walking the dogs this morning. I don't appreciate the heat at all. It can go do one now. Wouldn't be as bad if UK houses had AC. A fan just doesn't cut it when its 25c+ inside.
Had a decent walk round the reservoir, mostly still in the shade early morning which was nice.
2026-07-11 07.18.23.JPG
2026-07-11 07.18.28.JPG
2026-07-11 07.41.04.JPG
2026-07-11 07.45.16.JPG
 
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
Have you considered a whole house fan that mounts in an upstairs window? And you crack windows on the ground floor. Moves quite a bit of air.

I have used one for years.

The problem is the house has been extended 3 or 4 times over the years so its like a rabbit warren inside. All the windows are either side hinged or top hinged too and each one is only 18" wide which makes it difficult adding a fan or even a vent for a stand alone room AC unit.
2023-01-23 14.34.36.JPG
 
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
Fitted some new heater sliders to the caravelle after running round with broken ones for years. Shame the fan doesn't work. Would have been nice to have blown air in this weather.
I've got a replacement but don't fancy removing the dash and dropping the steering column to get to it while its in the high 20s outside.
2026-07-12 09.02.15.JPG
Holly enjoying a cool mat and the breeze off the fan.
2026-07-11 20.11.58.JPG
 
OP
Z

Zebedeewesty

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
4,150
Location
Wales, UK
Made a couple of brackets for the 12v fans that are going on the back of the fridge vents. Tested them out and they push a decent amount of air and are pretty quiet too.
The fridge wiring is a proper mess. Why use 10ft and coil it up and shove it down the back of the fridge when the run is under 4ft? :rolleyes:

2026-07-12 16.39.50.JPG
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom