bird nest filling refrigerator exaust

[wrengray]

Just bought our first Airstream a 1970 31' land yacht international, very pleased, everything seems to be working with minimal attention. Then I started on the refrigerator. Over the past twenty years a bird or generations of birds have filled the exaust, packed full. before I start removing rivits I hope someone has a better way or the right way. Thanks!

happy airstream owner anyway.

[SafeHarbor]

Hi, Wrengrey,

You might want to get another opinion from an owner closer to your vintage, but both my 75 and 79 have screens under the vent. You can push them out, blow them out, or, I suppose, spray them out with water at a very low angle and not for long. (The part inside projects up above the lower edge of the cover.)

Here we find that squirrels seem to like them in the winter.

Lamar

[lewster]

Originally Posted by wrengray

Just bought our first Airstream a 1970 31' land yacht international, very pleased, everything seems to be working with minimal attention. Then I started on the refrigerator. Over the past twenty years a bird or generations of birds have filled the exaust, packed full. before I start removing rivits I hope someone has a better way or the right way. Thanks!

happy airstream owner anyway.

If your fridge flue is blocked AT ALL.....you will have lots of problems getting the unit to cool properly. The best way to get the nest out is to remove the unit from the cabinet, then lay it face down on a piece of plywood and a couple of blankets. Carefully remove the wire attached to the top of the flue and extract the baffle (a twisted piece of sheet metal) from the flue. If this won't come out, work the blockage until it comes out easily. This piece is very important!

Then use a long rod to poke the rest of the blockage up the flue from the burner section (it's a good idea to remove the burner at this point) at then vacuum and blow it out 'till it's clean. Re-assemble, re-install, and be sure to install a SCREEN under the roof vent covering!!!

[wrengray]

must get a screen, but there is no screen I could find. Yes I will take the frig out and that will give me access to the impressive nest.

Thank you for your help, wrengray

[Tom Nugler]

Originally Posted by wrengray

must get a screen, but there is no screen I could find. Yes I will take the frig out and that will give me access to the impressive nest.

Your 70 is probable prettty close to my 67. A trip to the hardware store will get you the 1/4" galvanized hardware cloth screen for the lower vent opening.(Keeps out the critters.) And, the aluminum fine mesh screen for the upper vent. (Keeps out the insects.)
Thanks for reminding me that I need new screen for the range hood vent. Mud Dauber wasps plugged everything up last year.
Tom.

[wrengray]

refrigerator will come out, but how?

I took out a few screws in front. Went around back and found no other screws. Carpet was replaced before we bought it. cant get the thing to wiggle. considered hydrolic jack from behind (O K that was a joke, I think)?

wrengray

what will the nabors say, oh

[wrengray]

the fridge is out and the nest is gone and the fridge is back in need to test it but that will have to wait.
Thanks to all


the water system is next. YEA!