Four (well three actually) good points, punctuated with a pithy
observation.  I can definitely vouch for #4!

First time I had my Dometic serviced (in warranty & before I realized how
easy it was to do-it-yourself) the service tech commented that spider
webs/nests seemed to be the culprit.  He also observed that this was a
fairly common problem and said that spiders seemed to be attracted to the
propane odor.

This last fall - during the peak of our annual spider season - I noticed a
spider web around the vent area.  I fired up the fridge, only to have it
go out within a couple of minutes.  Restarted it 4 or 5 times before it
held.  I let it burn for 5-6 hours to (hopefully) clean things out.  After
it cooled down I dug out the Dometic 'frisbee' and slipped it on real nice
and tight.  I've used it on propane successfully several times since but
next spring it's coming out for another cleaning.

-Wes

> Date:          Sun, 6 Dec 1998 12:52:31 -0800
> From:          Davidson <wdavidson@JPS.NET>
> Subject:       Re: why flue covers?

> Tom,
> The purpose of the flue cover as I understand it is to:
> 1. Prevent water entry during washing the Van.
> 2. Prevent dust entry that can clog up the propane jet.
> 3. Prevent spider entry. The webs can inhibit proper air circulation for
> a proper burn mixture. 4. Something else to spend your money on. :) It's
> true that most people don't use them. But it's also true that most people
> seem to have problems with their fridge operating on propane at some time
> or other. Bill 90 Westy Syncro Lake Tahoe
>
> ----------
> > From: Tom VandenBerg <Vbergs@AOL.COM>
> > To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: why flue covers?
> > Date: Sunday, December 06, 1998 11:32 AM
> >
> > I have never had the plastic flue cover on either of my two Westys. I
> don't
> > really understand what they are supposed to accomplish. The flue system
> is
> > sealed, and no air should enter your van. I don't really see the need to
> put
> > an old margarine tin over your vent.
> >
> > Tom VandenBerg
> > '82 Westy
> > 79 Westy
>

Wes Neuenschwander
Seattle, WA
wesn@eskimo.com