Another one and it’s old

Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 09:25
ThreadID: 137800 Views:8082 Replies:4 FollowUps:11
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On my return trip from camping yesterday (Kangaroo Valley NSW) called into an old wares store and spotted an earliest model Engel fridge..... The shop owner advised that it didn’t work on 12 volt and based on my own research recently about Engel fridges not working on 12 volt, gathered to buy it with an assumption that it could be a faulty 12 volt lead.... Once home, tested it using a known to work lead taken from one of my cream models and was happy to see it operating.

For its age it’s in pretty good condition. I did however feel that the compressor was loose and rattling around a bit so I pulled off the side cover and found that there is a broken compressor to fudge body mount broken..... I hope to repair soon when I get a chance.....

Unfortunately, it’s missing the internal basket and to get a replacement I gather will be impossible.

I have tested the Thermostat and it’s cycling on all settings.

The shop owner had it marked as a 1962 model but have no idea if this is a genuine claim. If true, this little gem is 56 years old.......

All in all I am very happy with this little fridge and is another testament on the quality and longevity of Engel fridges....
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Reply By: Les - PK Ranger - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 10:11

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 10:11
Nice score, anticipate purchase price was good :)

Get a sheet metal fabricator to bend you up (and tack weld) a new zinc anneal mesh basket, probably cost would be ok.
AnswerID: 623793

Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 10:34

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 10:34
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Hi Cobber,

That really is an oldie. I don't remember ever seeing an Engel with the condenser on the outside back and the thermostat on the front. Though it will possibly use much more power than the current models.

The internal basket is not essential but is a convenience. I operate my Waeco with only a shallow upper basket (not original) which can be lifted out to gain access to lower layers. There is no reason why contents cannot be in contact with the evaporator although they may adhere if operating as a freezer. And of course, it is not good to have solid contents (cans, bottles) rubbing against the thin aluminium evaporator.

The 12v lead fault may be with the female contacts within the socket. With time such contacts tend to spread apart. They can sometimes be repaired by judicious probing the contacts with a scriber or small screwdriver.




Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Zippo - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:02

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:02
Allan, that's the same model (MRFT514) that I still have and use (although mine is one-owner and in better-looking shape - can't find my imgur pic store atm).

AFAIK it is the first one we got here in Oz. See my comment in the other current thread re consumption - on a 13.8V bench supply it pulls 6.2A on.
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:13

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:13
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....."one-owner"?? Blimey Zippo, didn't think you were that old! lol

And "6.2A on"? Bit severe compared to today's models isn't it? What does it pull "off"?
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Allan

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Follow Up By: Zippo - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:29

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:29
Allan, I was a young fry when I bought it (on good advice from a mate who was a L&H store manager).

6.2 on, shouldn't need to tell YOU it's 0.0 off ...
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:33

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:33
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Well I dunno, I've got a meter that reads -0.1 when off. (that's a lol Zip)
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Allan

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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:42

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 12:42
"What does it pull "off"?"
Funny, but then read your next reply.

I have seen some fridges draw 2 - 3 amps/hr avg, so expect the avg all comes down to ambient temps, insulation, how often fridge is accessed etc, that affect duty cycle.

Not sure I'd bother buying one if I ever came by one like this, the nostalgia part isn't of interest to me as such.
Maybe if my more modern fridge carks it in the desert somewhere I'd be wishing I had it !
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Follow Up By: Zippo - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 13:27

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 13:27
Les, I'd buy one in a heartbeat as long as it was priced as "old" rather than "collectable".
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Follow Up By: Gbc.. - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 14:34

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 14:34
Still better than a 90 waeco @ over 7a.
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Follow Up By: Member - DOZER - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019 at 08:19

Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019 at 08:19
My old engel looks new compared to that one. They were a 240 volt compressor with an internal invertor for 12 volt operation. Yours is the missing link from silent knight to Engel :)
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Reply By: Greg J1 - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 18:47

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 at 18:47
Hi Cobba.

Only ever seen one Engel fridge like this. It was on the back of an old 40 series cruiser parked at the BP at Winton about 5 years ago. The old fella driving it had bowed legs like he had never gotten off a horse. He told me he had owned it since new and it had never had a can of light beer in it !!

And you know what? I bet he didn’t give a crap how many amps it used. It just kept his tucker and beer cold.

Cheers Greg
AnswerID: 623811

Follow Up By: Zippo - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019 at 00:22

Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019 at 00:22
Her's a pic of mine.
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Follow Up By: Cobba123 - Tuesday, Feb 19, 2019 at 14:12

Tuesday, Feb 19, 2019 at 14:12
Thanks for the photo Zippo..... Love it ??
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Follow Up By: Zippo - Tuesday, Feb 19, 2019 at 14:19

Tuesday, Feb 19, 2019 at 14:19
Of course I love it !! Just like they said in the old Karl Malden Amex ad: "never leave home without it" (on any Oz journey worth doing).
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Reply By: Shaker - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019 at 08:13

Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019 at 08:13
I have purchased custom made baskets from a fridge repairer in Melbourne. If you are interested I can look up his contact details.
AnswerID: 623819

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