Propane Changeover Valve

[rob_fla]

Something has gone wrong with our Propane Changeover Valve, it shows Red in the window all the time and it appears to be leaking Propane, have Propane smell and the line going to the bottle is cold, and the tank has a cold line like it is using Propane.

I though I remember seeing a post on here about a problem with the Propane Changeover valve, but I can not find it.

I am not familiar with the Brand of Changeover Valve Redwood is using, any ideas what is going on?

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by rob_fla

Something has gone wrong with our Propane Changeover Valve, it shows Red in the window all the time and it appears to be leaking Propane, have Propane smell and the line going to the bottle is cold, and the tank has a cold line like it is using Propane.

I though I remember seeing a post on here about a problem with the Propane Changeover valve, but I can not find it.

I am not familiar with the Brand of Changeover Valve Redwood is using, any ideas what is going on?

Rob,

I have had to replace both pigtails and the red regulator on the curb side of our RW due to leaks developing. I now carry a cross over regulator and an extra pigtail just in case of future issues. For what it is worth, the spare that I carry is a:

Cavagna (52-A-890-0006B) Auto Changeover Regulator Kit

and I purchased it on Amazon at:

Amazon.com: Cavagna (52-A-890-0006B) Auto Changeover Regulator Kit: Automotive

I don' have info on the changeover regulator that RW uses although there are similar units available from Camping World.

[atom ant]

I'm not positive they are still US made, but I always preferred the Marshall Brass version and still have a spare.

Amazon.com: Automatic Changeover Regulator By Marshall Excelsior - MEGR-253: Automotive

[spindrift]

Is there any particular characteristic that makes one better than the other, or is it strictly reputation?

[Elliott & Vicky]

Resurrecting this thread with a problem. My propane changeover valve has a black lever(?) that stays permanently vertical. No propane seems to be getting into the unit from the one full tank. When I shut off the tank and unscrewed the line from it, a burst of propane came out. Does anyone have any idea what is up?

[atom ant]

The lever should flip back and forth. Are you saying it is stuck pointing up?

[Elliott & Vicky]

That's the position it is in. I can move it back and forth manually, but I have an empty and a full tank so I assume it should be pointed one way or the other.

[Elliott & Vicky]

The white cover for the valve prevents it from moving so I have taken it off.

[markw]

It should point to which ever tank you want to draw from. When that tank empties, it should automatically switch to the other tank. HOWEVER, the lever will not change until you move it. Turn it to the new side and you can remove the first tank and get it filled.

Mark

[rob_fla]

Originally Posted by spindrift

Is there any particular characteristic that makes one better than the other, or is it strictly reputation?

Not sure is one is better than the other, I have had Marshall Brass brand Change Over Regulators on a number of previous 5ers and TTs, never had a problem, so I went with a brand I knew had been around for years and worked well for us.

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by Elliott & Vicky

That's the position it is in. I can move it back and forth manually, but I have an empty and a full tank so I assume it should be pointed one way or the other.

Not sure I understand exactly what your problem is. The black lever only operates manually and really keeps you on track as to which tank you are drawing from. If both tanks are turned on, and the one you are drawing from, empties, the valve should automatically start drawing from the remaining full tank. You would then turn the black lever toward that full tank and disconnect and refill the empty tank. This may sound funny, but if you ever experience a tank that will not allow the propane to flow I have disconnected the tank, lift it up in the air and then force the tank down on its bottom on a soft surface such as the grass/ground. I have freed up many tanks with that procedure. Is it safe? I would not do it on a hard surface such as concrete. Maybe someone else can give guidance on that. I was taught that dislodge procedure as a workkamper. Campers would come and complain that they just had their tank filled but it wasn't working. 9 times out of 10, the procedure would work.

[homeguy]

Originally Posted by Rick and Mindy

Not sure I understand exactly what your problem is. The black lever only operates manually and really keeps you on track as to which tank you are drawing from. If both tanks are turned on, and the one you are drawing from, empties, the valve should automatically start drawing from the remaining full tank. You would then turn the black lever toward that full tank and disconnect and refill the empty tank. This may sound funny, but if you ever experience a tank that will not allow the propane to flow I have disconnected the tank, lift it up in the air and then force the tank down on its bottom on a soft surface such as the grass/ground. I have freed up many tanks with that procedure. Is it safe? I would not do it on a hard surface such as concrete. Maybe someone else can give guidance on that. I was taught that dislodge procedure as a workkamper. Campers would come and complain that they just had their tank filled but it wasn't working. 9 times out of 10, the procedure would work.

I made that embarrassing call once myself. called a tech out because we couldn't get propane out of a freshly filled tank. He took the line off, slammed it on the gravel a couple of times and, viola, Propane!