Propane problem

RollsRoyce · 12-15-2016, 03:57 AM

Came home today after dark and the DW said she couldn't light the stove or oven. Asked me to change the tanks over even though we just filled both cylinders just a few days ago. I noticed the changeover switch was in the red so I changed to the other tank. Valve didn't change from to red to green no matter what I did. Too cold and too dark to do anymore tonight . Closed both tanks and will resume problem search tomorrow. Can all this be attributed to the change over valve failing? PLEEEAZE help.

ted 95 · 12-15-2016, 05:54 AM

what is the temperature where you are??
I just came down from Montreal to Florida The temp was 30 to 35 F on average and when i would start the furnace first then the genni, The gen set would stall as if it was being starved of propane. Also I noticed the tanks were getting frost on the outside. So I called me dealer and he explained that the gas being so cold it could not convert from liquid to gas and this was causing the starving / freezing. He actually suggested the following 1- change tanks often 2-wrap the tanks with a battery blanket (these are usually in a plastic cover /waterproof) or an old electric blanket. This will help the gas and valves from freezing.

**Dave&Ginny** · 12-15-2016, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ted 95

what is the temperature where you are??
I just came down from Montreal to Florida The temp was 30 to 35 F on average and when i would start the furnace first then the genni, The gen set would stall as if it was being starved of propane. Also I noticed the tanks were getting frost on the outside. So I called me dealer and he explained that the gas being so cold it could not convert from liquid to gas and this was causing the starving / freezing. He actually suggested the following 1- change tanks often 2-wrap the tanks with a battery blanket (these are usually in a plastic cover /waterproof) or an old electric blanket. This will help the gas and valves from freezing.

You're right but it usually has to get below zero for this to be a problem. For this reason I carry a electric heating pad that I can put on a tank with a strap if I have to.

As to Royce's problem, I doubt that it's that cold where he is. I would suggest opening up the gas burner to get the air out of the lines. Sometimes when taking both tanks off at the same time, this can cause a problem with air in the lines.

homeguy · 12-15-2016, 12:10 PM

Another option is to pull the tanks out of the holders and bang them straight down on the ground. The safety valve could be stuck.

**Dave&Ginny** · 12-15-2016, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homeguy

Another option is to pull the tanks out of the holders and bang them straight down on the ground. The safety valve could be stuck.

That's a good point! Along with that idea, try opening the valves slowly

**Blenhardt** · 12-15-2016, 01:55 PM

I also think a safety valve in the tank may have stuck. I had a tank go empty, I thought, but when I had it refilled it was only about half empty. It is a pain but think shaking the tank will help in most cases.

**Dave&Ginny** · 12-15-2016, 05:57 PM

I have found it harder to get the tanks completely empty in the winter, i guess because of the temp and the gas.

**hoosierguy** · 12-15-2016, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollsRoyce

Came home today after dark and the DW said she couldn't light the stove or oven. Asked me to change the tanks over even though we just filled both cylinders just a few days ago. I noticed the changeover switch was in the red so I changed to the other tank. Valve didn't change from to red to green no matter what I did. Too cold and too dark to do anymore tonight . Closed both tanks and will resume problem search tomorrow. Can all this be attributed to the change over valve failing? PLEEEAZE help.

Royce......I don't think your dealer knows what he is talking about........propane goes to the gaseous state at -44 degrees and above.

I suspect that you need to purge the air from your propane lines or that you may have opened the tank valves too quickly. If you open the valves too quickly, the tank internal safety valve may shut off the tank. If that happens, you will have to remove the tank from the compartment and give it a very sharp downward drop onto the concrete to reset the safety valve. Then re-install the tank and open the main valve slowly. Once that is done, turn on burners on the stove/range and ignite one burner at a time. With all three burners on, I next set the water heater to propane and let it ignite and burn for a minute, then finally turn on the furnace and let it run for a couple of minutes. I generally watch the stove/range burners to make sure they continue to burn okay while the other appliance are turned on. If so, you know all of the air is purged from the propane lines and that the tank valves are okay.

Hope this helps.

Jim & Mary · 12-15-2016, 08:03 PM

On the other hand, I recently had the same problem, changeover valve showing red with both tanks full or nearly so, I tested the tanks by hooking up connector and regulator from my portable burner. When they worked fine, I replaced the changeover assembly that Atom Ant described in an earlier post. Problem solved.

travelin' texans · 12-15-2016, 10:21 PM

I totally agree with Guy. I would suggest though to bump in the dirt rather concrete cause if you dent it or damage it in any way they won't fill it.

RollsRoyce · 12-16-2016, 01:08 AM

Well, Took out both tanks. The first one was on the bedroom side slide out and was still full but not working and would not transfer switch to other side tank. When taking out the door side tank. Surprisingly, found it to be empty. We just filled it 17 days ago and we only use it for cooking. When I installed them after filling both I leak tested both and found no leaks. Re-installed door tank and left tank valve closed (empty anyway). Dropped upside down tank on other side and changed selector back to that tank. Reconnected tank , turned selector switch back to this tank and it cleared up. Turned on burners one at a time until they lit up and left on for about 15 minutes. Didn't clear any lines for hot water heater or furnace because we have never used either one. Don't understand where leak might be as the empty tank was closed all the time. No leaks detected in tank areas ( bubble tested). ??????

RollsRoyce · 12-16-2016, 01:21 AM

There is no way we used a 40 pound tank in 17 days only using for cooking and usually only one cooked meal a day and not every day. Are some of you guys coming over at night and siphoning off my tanks?

Shane Wood · 12-16-2016, 02:25 AM

I would check and see if you have a leak from the tank to the stove, heater, hot water heater. Our 40lb bottle will last 4 mths just using the stove. You have to have a leak somewhere or perhaps when filled they didn't tighten the bleeder valve properly

atom ant · 12-16-2016, 03:46 PM

Royce, sniff around and check that red regulator on the door side. Those fail and leak a lot.

spindrift · 12-16-2016, 04:00 PM

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-10324-L.../dp/B000EDUTMC

**hoosierguy** · 12-16-2016, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollsRoyce

There is no way we used a 40 pound tank in 17 days only using for cooking and usually only one cooked meal a day and not every day. Are some of you guys coming over at night and siphoning off my tanks?

In 5 years, I have had to replace 3 pigtails and 1 red regulator because of leaks. It seems that the quality of these parts is very poor. I have generally found the leaks by either sniffing with my nose or actually hearing a hissing sound in the tank compartment. One leak was so bad that it allowed propane to find its way into the coach and caused the propane detector to alarm. That is the one that I could actually hear the hissing sound when I opened the compartment door.

sinder · 12-17-2016, 06:11 AM

I also had the Red regulator leaking and had to replace it. My propane alarm would go off on calm nights. I soap tested my regulator and found the leak.

xtasee · 12-17-2016, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homeguy

Another option is to pull the tanks out of the holders and bang them straight down on the ground. The safety valve could be stuck.

I have had several times where the safety valve on propane tanks restrict the flow and cause problems. Someone told me you could open the main valve before you connect the hose and solve that problem.

Since doing it that way I have never had the problem. Sure, you get a little hiss of propane while you tighten the hose but, no big deal.

r time soon · 12-17-2016, 05:19 PM

We had a propane leak that we could smell but not find. Used lots of soapy water on everything and couldn't find it. Every fitting including to and from the generator. We brought our unit into the Service building for a few minor repairs after the last Rally, Randy and his crew replaced the line from one side to the other, both pig tails and the Red regulator. Problem solved. Hasn't given us any problems after that.

Chris
2012 36RL

Campers · 12-18-2016, 06:05 PM

I had the 30psi regulator leak and set of the alarm, check and see if there is a leak there. Seems to be a problem with that one.

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