Most fridges are the same to remove, don't worry about it not being a flexible gas connection though, worry if it is? Flexible hose was banned years ago and should when found be replaced with rigid copper, this is then installed in a 'u' shape across the top of the fridge to allow plenty of movement to get at the gas connection. In your case this will be how your fridge will have been installed in the first place.
To remove, first remove the top vent outside and pull the alloy flue extension clear of the top of the flue stack.
Inside and inside the fridge you will find four 2p sized plastic screw covers, two on each side. remove caps and unscrew the four screws, it's a good idea to magnetise your screwdriver on an old speaker magnet so you can get the screws right out, the point has a habit of making nasty scratches on any woodwork it passes!!
The fridge should now come forward about 6inch and enough to get at all the connections, theres a bit of a knack to supporting the weight of the fridge which makes pulling it out easier!. Once the gas connection is free, it's worth pulling it further to see if 12v and 240v connections are plugged to save you disconnecting the wiring the hard way. Once all is disconnected the fridge can be pulled clear.
Fitting the new element,
The element is inside the insulation around the flue and simply sits in a tube. To gain access you will first need to find the three tiny tabs which hold the lid of the insulation tube down, bend these up and out the way and then do likewise with the lid. Now the claw joint of the tube can be squeezed together and allow the tube to come apart, but only half way down to the elements.
There should be a tie wrap holding the element and the 12v one and you'll need to cut this first, now you can wiggle the old element out of it's tube, install the new element and put this lot back together first, don't forget to fit a new tie wrap. Now remove the old element and wiring while you follow it with the new. This way you cannot make a mistake with the route and you will end up with the old element still connected to the switch, thermostat and earth. Now you cannot make the mistake of wiring these connections incorrectly if you pull off one at a time and replace it with the new elements connection as you go.
Putting the fridge back is a straight reversal but of course the gas connection needs to be checked as does the electrical ones if you needed to disconnect at the switches, A good tip hear is to take a few photos first. Also by removing the bottom vent someone can help support the weight and guide the fridge back over the draught excluder should this be fitted!
Allow 45 minutes to do the whole job
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