I'm pretty sure the inside fins of the fridge are riveted to a bracket that is connected to the coolant tubes that cycle through the back of the fridge.

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From:         Vanagon <vanagon@REX1.COM>
Reply-To:     Vanagon <vanagon@REX1.COM>
Date:          Wed, 12 May 2004 14:06:27 -0700

>Can anyone confirm/deny question #2...
>
>#2. I can no longer get even a small degree of cold from the fridge fins.
>I read somewhere that the internal cooling fins are connected via a pressure
>connection and thermal paste.
>
>Is it true that I can remove the cooling fins inside the fridge by pulling
>them out ?
>I don't want to force anything.
>then apply a new coat of thermal paste and clean off the old gob ?
>
>
>P.S.
>Is there a modern (ie reliable) fridge option that fits in to the same space
>and vent as the current Dometic one in my 88 Vanagon ?
>I am getting close to throwing this one in to storage.
>
>Thanks
>Rex
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Fkc43@aol.com
>To: rex@rex1.com
>Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 5:41 AM
>Subject: Re: Vanagon Fridge
>
>
>In a message dated 10/05/2004 6:39:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time, rex@rex1.com
>writes:
>  Frank
>  I read you Faq on the Vanagon fridge with great interest.
>  I have a 1988 Vanagon Westfalia with only 66k original miles on her.
>
>  I haven't had any trouble other than the fridge.
>  I have replaced the thermocouple and spark cable.
>  I have cleaned the jet, chimney flue  and combustion box.
>  That cleared up the ignition issues completely.
>
>  I had an ice cold fridge that made nice ice cubes for camping in the
>dessert for a few days.
>
>  Only a few days and then,
>
>  1. The flame blows out very easily.
>  I read somewhere that if I have assembled the vent cover correctly, the
>only other solution is to saw the longer of the two vent hoses so that they
>are both equal length.
>  True/ False ?
>    False !  Do not alter the construction of the fridge.  If the flame is
>blowing out there is a leak in the pipes or connection to the wall of the
>van or the burner is dirty and not operating properly.  If the system is
>operating as it was designed and manufactured the flame will not blow out
>while driving.
>
>  2. I can no longer get even a small degree of cold from the fridge fins.
>  I read somewhere that the internal cooling fins are connected via a
>pressure connection and thermal paste.
>
>  Is it true that I can remove the cooling fins inside the fridge by pulling
>them out ?
>  I don't want to force anything.
>  then apply a new coat of thermal paste and clean off the old gob ?
>    This how I understand it but have never done it so am reluctant to
>verify this information.
>
>
>  Thanks
>  Rex
>
>  P.S.
>  I will probably like to purchase your VW steel stove plate. not for
>keeping the coffee pot from tipping but to make great toast.
>  How well a job can be done with it ?
>  A nice golden brown ?
>    Rex, You will get a nice toast with the VW logo burned into it.  Enjoy
>it with peanut butter or jam !
>
>Cheers,
>
>Frank Condelli
>Almonte, Ontario, Canada
>BusFusion a VW Camper camping event in Almonte, June 10 ~ 13, 2004
>'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
>Member: Vanagon List, LiMBO, IWCCC & CCVWC
>Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
>STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers
>Frank Condelli & Associates or http://frankcondelli.com
>

--
Mark Hilgeman
mark@campearth.com

--