Yes, you should check behind that insulation, especially in the damp PNW climate!
You may be able to get a quick look at things by removing one or more of the utility
plates from the outside and using a small mirror to check things out. At the very
least, you can expect rust around the utility openings - they are only quickly brushed
with black paint after cutting out at the factory.
Unless you have a good warm dry place to pull the fridge, I'd wait until warmer
weather, as any rust work needed will be most effective if you can dry things out
thoroughly.

On 6 Feb 2005 at 17:53, Matt Barclay <mbarclay@OPENFBO.COM> wrote:

> Hey Roger,
>
> Thanks for the advice.  I haven't yet filled the tank, but when I do, I'll
> blow out the lines.
>
> I already took the frig out to clean the fins and combustion chamber:
> http://gallery.openfbo.com/frig
>
> I didn't see any rust, but I didn't pull back the insulation.  Did you
> have to do that to find rust?  Sheesh, the way things are going I should
> probably pull the frig again and check.
>
> Matt
>
> On Sun, 6 Feb 2005, Roger Sisler wrote:
>
> > From: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Replacing the LP tank - part 1
> > Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2005 19:03:19 -0500
> >
> > Hey man, Im bored today and I got a comment for you.Hope it helps.After
> > you connect the copper to the new tank, turn on the gas(your tank is
> > filled isnt it?)This will blow out any crud (that has taken up residence
> > where it dosent belong ),inside the tubes and new valve.Then hook up to
> > the stove and frig.If you dont, you may get a blockage in that tinnnnnnney
> > orifice that is in the frig burner.If that happens, it's time to pull the
> > frig,and if that happens, you may faint from all the rust you find behind the
> > frig.Sorry,this same senario just cost me $3000 in body work and a new paint
> > job.The dreaded westy seam rust ya know.It got me gooood. Roger Sisler
> >
>

--
Shawn Wright
I.T. Manager
Shawnigan Lake School