Need parts sources for Schlieren Refrigerator

GulfCoastFighter0 · July 26, 2009, 10:21 AM

Sent: 7/3/2008

Anyone know of any parts sources for Schlieren Refrigerators? Are these Swiss appliances as good at their watches?

GulfCoastFighter0 · July 26, 2009, 10:24 AM

Sent: 7/20/2008

I removed the fridge and turned it upside down overnight. I read that the 110V cord is only for the heating element and the fridge still needs a 12V source to operate. This doesnâ€™t sound right, but what does everyone else think? I need to know what to check to find the problem. There are no signs of leaks, no smell etc. I plan to hotwire the heating elements to check them but then what?

GulfCoastFighter0 · July 26, 2009, 10:25 AM

Sent: 7/20/2008

Just to clarify, my unit is the original 1980, 3 way model. I've been getting lots of PM's about computer boards and modern fridges. And while I'm here, an update! When I turned the fridge back right side up today, I heard the fluids going back down to the tank and I hope that's a good sign. I found that the switch (110V/12V/LP) seems to be stuck, and found a broken wire on the 120V heating element. How do I know which replacement element to buy? It states on the rear panel that it's a two phase switch, and has 3 wires but that all the info.

GulfCoastFighter0 · July 26, 2009, 10:26 AM

Sent: 7/29/2008

Iâ€™ve been searching for replacement heating elements for my Sibir refrigerator. I found one locally for $25 but when I went to pick it up, it was in the wrong package. The package was right on, but the element was WAY off. A quick look in the parts book and I was quoted $90 for the one I actually needed. I thought Iâ€™d better check around. Most places I called / e-mailed told me that they would only deal with Dometic or Norcold and that they would be glad to replace my entire unit. I bet they would! The few places that could order it wanted from $115 to $190! Finally I contacted an e-bay store http://stores.ebay.com/postsrv1960 who researched what I needed and although he could only supply the 12V element, he sold it to me for just under $38! Please visit his store and if nothing else, drop him a line and tell him lwbfl sent you.

ibdilbert01 · July 26, 2009, 10:27 AM

Sent: 7/29/2008

That seller is from Post RV fairly close to where I grew up. My parents bought their first new RV from there, a 1977 23ft Honey. They are the "Sands RV" of Columbus Ohio. Very good people and willing to help in anyway possible.

bluebird · July 26, 2009, 10:28 AM

Sent: 7/31/2008

If I remember right my Siber had a double position switch. Try pushing the switch that is in, and see if it comes back out. Mine was a 80 also, with manual push button switch. I could only have one pushed in at a time. I only used mine on 12vdc one time just to see if it would work. It also had a push button type sparker to light the gas. I have seen the heating elements on ebay, but haven't looked for a long time. My Siber had to be closer to level than the one I have now, to work good.

Chuck

ontheroadagain · July 26, 2009, 10:29 AM

Sent: 7/31/2008

did you check this site it has some good info and parts http://www.gasrefrigeration.net/

GulfCoastFighter0 · July 26, 2009, 10:30 AM

Sent: 7/31/2008

Yes, and very good information indeed. They couldn't help me with parts though.

GulfCoastFighter0 · July 26, 2009, 10:31 AM

Sent: 7/31/2008

Yep, same switches! They all seem stuck and wont move at all. I'm working on it though!

GulfCoastFighter0 · July 26, 2009, 10:32 AM

Sent: 8/2/2008

I received my 12V element today and hot-wired it directly to a battery. The fridge made bubbling sounds within just a few minutes. The problem is that the battery isnâ€™t going to run it for very long, and even on a trickle charger it canâ€™t keep up overnight. Iâ€™m assuming the converter in the camper can keep it up all night if I keep it plugged in to shore power. Anyone disagree?

Clyde9 · July 26, 2009, 10:41 AM

Hay Lloyd,

Did this issue ever get resolved? Did you ever replace or free-up the switches? Did the 12vdc element work?

Jack

GulfCoastFighter0 · July 26, 2009, 03:43 PM

Yep, I purchased the 12V element from the e-bay store in the previous post, and hooked it to a converter. It cooled for one night, then the ammonia smell took over the shed. I ordered a dorm fridge, stuck it in the hole and will rely on the generator / shore power to keep the fridge cold! Here is a photo of dorm fridge installed before I put up the trim.