How to remove external fridge vents?

rockylizard · Guru

How to remove external fridge vents?

daffyfrancis · Senior Member

Hi

I use both thumbs - one on the the top part of the slide & the other on the bottom part & seems reasonably easy to do. Perhaps a little WD40 or similar might help.

Also after loosing a vent I put stainless screws through the opposite side to the slides.

David

Radar · Guru

Hi John, with ours the vent has 2 screws to secure it in place but after taking the screws out you need to slide the vent along towards the Dometic label because it may have a flat spring or 2 there.

That little slide thingy is for letting the moisture run out from the frig.

I would go and test my theory but I am long way from a spare part shop. Just going by memory.

aussie_paul · Guru

rockylizard
snip/ It has taken me some time to ask this question as I feel somewhat foolish asking - I am led to believe it is simple and that I, too, am simple in not being able to do it.
Cheers - John

Me too John, I eventually got there, they have to move at least 7mm. I put some gob oil (spit) on them the first time I got them off. biggrin

Aussie Paul. smile

PeterD · Guru

Radar wrote:
Hi John, with ours the vent has 2 screws to secure it in place but after taking the screws out you need to slide the vent along towards the Dometic label because it may have a flat spring or 2 there.
That little slide thingy is for letting the moisture run out from the frig.

Radar, it appears you have purchased a second hand van. Those screws at either end of the of the vent have been added by a previous owner. They are not a standard fittings as supplied with the original equipment. The Locking Clip is what should be holding he vent in place.

A word of warning. The RH end is held in place by a thin key that fits in the slot in the end of the removable vent. Make sure that the key is in the slot when you replace when you replace the vent. It is possible to slide the RH end into the frame and push the LH end into place without the key engaged (the key simply distorts the vent.and allows the LH end to be pushed home. If that happens the RH end will work its way out from vibration and you will lose the vent (personal experience.) When you replace the vent insert the RH end in the frame first, as you push the LH end in bump the RH end with the palm of the hand to make sure the key is engaged.

Use a screw driver or other suitable tool to assist you to slide the clip if necessary. Do not worry too much about breaking them. If you do manage to destroy one they are available as replacement parts, you do not have to replace the whole vent - Replacement Locking Clip - Suit AS1625 Upper and Lower Vent

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Thanks ya'all

Bolstered by all your advice and confidence I ventured to the side of the van this arvo and put the advice into practice.

Yep ... two thumbs pushing the doo-hickey upward fairly hard finally exposed a small 'spring loaded pin thingy' which clicked out of its cubby hole. This 'spring loaded pin thingy' apparently keeps the whole kit and kaboodle in place.

With the doo-hickey now uppermost the vent came out quite easily.

And yep Peter, I noticed the little tab and keyway on the right hand side and carefully make sure it was aligned and in place before pushing the vent back in place.

The doo-hickey on the left side slide slid over the 'spring loaded pin thingy' and it all clicked nicely back on place - firm and safe when checked.

So now I am not as simple as I woz and will not be as reticent again when tackling an inspection behind the fridge.

again - TA you lot.

cheers - John

aussie_paul · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Thanks ya'all
Bolstered by all your advice and confidence I ventured to the side of the van this arvo and put the advice into practice.
Yep ... two thumbs pushing the doo-hickey upward fairly hard finally exposed a small 'spring loaded pin thingy' which clicked out of its cubby hole. This 'spring loaded pin thingy' apparently keeps the whole kit and kaboodle in place.
With the doo-hickey now uppermost the vent came out quite easily.
And yep Peter, I noticed the little tab and keyway on the right hand side and carefully make sure it was aligned and in place before pushing the vent back in place.
The doo-hickey on the left side slide slid over the 'spring loaded pin thingy' and it all clicked nicely back on place - firm and safe when checked.
So now I am not as simple as I woz and will not be as reticent again when tackling an inspection behind the fridge.
again - TA you lot.
cheers - John

Ha ha, lol biggrin

Aussie Paul. smile

Radar · Guru

And that confirms I own a second hand caravan with the 2 screws holding the vent in place.

outlaw40 · Guru

My brand new concept came with screws in it, the original slide clip was fine, when queried about it i was told its a belt and braces type of thing that some builders do as they have a potential to come off .

Dougwe · Chief one feather

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Thanks ya'all
Bolstered by all your advice and confidence I ventured to the side of the van this arvo and put the advice into practice.
Yep ... two thumbs pushing the doo-hickey upward fairly hard finally exposed a small 'spring loaded pin thingy' which clicked out of its cubby hole. This 'spring loaded pin thingy' apparently keeps the whole kit and kaboodle in place.
With the doo-hickey now uppermost the vent came out quite easily.
And yep Peter, I noticed the little tab and keyway on the right hand side and carefully make sure it was aligned and in place before pushing the vent back in place.
The doo-hickey on the left side slide slid over the 'spring loaded pin thingy' and it all clicked nicely back on place - firm and safe when checked.
So now I am not as simple as I woz and will not be as reticent again when tackling an inspection behind the fridge.
again - TA you lot.
cheers - John

Rocky, I know this is the Techies section of the forum HOWEVER Would you please keep the 'Technical' terms to a minimum, mate. I struggle with them now that I am an old Chief.

Thanks mate.

JBDUBBO · Veteran Member

It is very common for the fixed plastic inner pin to break off. I had to replace one with a screw head but seem many with two side screws. They come off better with two thumbs and some pressure on the vent face.

Cheers.