Smoky fridge vent

[CPeachey]

2005 Tribute. 3way fridge.

I noticed black soot around the fridge vent outside the van. This appeared sometime last week and may co-inside with the Camping Gaz 907 cylinder running out and me changing to the Calor Gas (red) cylinder.

Do I have a problem?, or is this because I mixed gases or simply ran out of gas?

A month ago the Calor ran out and I connected the Gaz907 which ran out (in France) and was replaced and re-connected. I did not notice any soot then.

Chris

 

[JENIAN]

When was your last habitation service?

[CPeachey]

Van was serviced last autumn.

The smoke seems to be a 1 off occurrence.

 

Chris

[Rayjsj]

Smokey fridge vent means gas is not burning cleanly, it could be the gas,as you described OR it could be the burner, which is more serious. I would clean off the soot, then try with the new calor.

If it comes back you need a gas service or if you feel competent service it yourself. Ray

[pepe63xnotuse]

Ray..can I just ask...what would be involved in a routine "gas service"..? :$

Is it just a case of blowing through any jets and generally hoovering any dust build-up?

(..I ask because,similar to the OP,since changing gas bottles,we've started to get a small amount of "soot" forming on the pan support arms on the stove).

 

Thanks

 

Edit: Just realised that I've left myself open to all manner of "..if you need to ask that..you shouldn't be doing it!.." replies... *-)

[Rayjsj]

John Wickershams the 'Motorcaravan manual' is pretty good with information on gas servicing, unlike 'House based' gas systems you are not actually breaking the law by doing it yourself, same with Electrics. But, doing a gas 'pressure test' requires some equipment. AND if you don't feel happy doing it, Don't. John Wickersham takes a balanced view, as do I.

Being a DIY er all my life, I resent so called 'professionals' (some who do VERY shoddy work, as experienced in my own property) Dictating what i can and cannot do. Specialist equipment can be obtained quite cheaply from Screwfix, and last a lifetime (of motohome servicing). Have a Go ! but get your work checked at first. There are plenty of good books on the Subject, get them from the Library. Ray ;-)

[Keithl]

Chris,

 

You will quite often find people saying they get sooty deposits just as a cylinder is about to run out. This is usually put down to heavier parts of the gas settling in the cylinder and being burnt off last. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will be along to correct me.

 

You may also experience a strong smell of gas just as the cylinder is about to run out for a similar reason.

A couple of weeks ago my 13kg Propane ran out and for the last 2 or 3 minutes there was a very strong smell of gas almost like you have a very bad leak. BTW the 'smell' in gas is added as the gas has no natural smell.

 

Keith.

[CPeachey]

Thanks for the useful replies. The book sound interesting, I'll get it from the library.

Chris

[pepe63xnotuse]

Thanks for that info' Ray...I'll certainly look at getting a copy of that book...

 

..I've already fitted my own bbq point.(..and very neat and tidy it is too,if I say so myself. ;-) )but I was just curious as to was included in a gas "service"..

 

This "soot" has only started occurring since changing to a new cylinder..although of cause,that could be just be a coincidence...

 

Thanks again..

 

Edit:I'm just checking..Is this the one?

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1844250474?ie=UTF8&tag=notregisterey-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1844250474

[Rayjsj]

Yes, thats the one, mine is a slightly older edition I think. Ray

[pepe63xnotuse]

Thank you! ;-)

[Peter Highe]

Hi

 

I hope you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in the van. If not you are in danger of being killed by your gas appliances. You should have the fridge professionally serviced immediately.

 

P&L