Absorption Fridge heater element

[JBreefer]

I have a small Chinese made 3 way absorption fridge with a failed 240v heater element.
The rated power is 85W but I can only find a 125W replacement heater unit.
It is thermostat controlled.
Question is, will running the 125W overheat things and damage the unit?
Thanks for your help.

[spimps]

Wouldn't recommend it,as it is almost a 50% increase in heat input!
There were some old electrolux ones at 85watt but doubt they are still around (30 yeas ish).
Perhaps an electrical boffin can reduce the one you have by putting it through some sort of regulator/dimmer switch to reduce the wattage so it would be OK to use.
BG

[mikeref]

I have a small Chinese made 3 way absorption fridge with a failed 240v heater element.
The rated power is 85W but I can only find a 125W replacement heater unit.
It is thermostat controlled.
Question is, will running the 125W overheat things and damage the unit?
Thanks for your help.

Yes, 125 watt will be major trouble. Check out electrical wholesalers for new one, and most 3 way fridges have thermostat.. Mike.

[JBreefer]

Thanks for your responses Guys. I'll keep working on getting a lower rating heater.
I only have a basic understanding of the chemistry of these units, can you explain what happens when too much heat is input?

[JBreefer]

That idea from spimps to use a dimmer control looks promising. I've been looking at the dimmer units and seems they can easily handle the load. Maybe a good solution. Thanks for the idea, anybody else ever done this?