swirlygirls
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Post by swirlygirls on Oct 2, 2015 4:56:31 GMT -8
Dottie just had her maiden voyage. The good news is I hooked her up, drove her and backed her up (several times) with great success.
So here's the the not so good news and they all seem to be gas related. (You just knew there had to be some, right?) First I couldn't get the propane light to work even though it had been lit before. Then, I couldn't get the WAVE heater to light in spite of diligently reading the instructions. The starter light came on but that was it. Also the burners on the stove didn't seem to have a high flow but the stove has always seemed kind of wimpy. Then I had a fellow camper come by who asked me if I had a gas leak. Not a question you want to hear. He could smell gas outside and so could I. Prior to the outing, all connections had been checked carefully.
This makes me very nervous and I really know nothing about gas. I thought I'd go out and check all connections again to look for leaks but that's the extent of my knowledge. Should I take it to an RV repair place and have them look at everything?
Thanks for your help.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Oct 2, 2015 6:09:38 GMT -8
Definitely don't light anything else until you find the leak (I know you don't have to be told that, just what's going through my mind). First thing I would check is the propane tank connection. Disconnect and reconnect and check for leaks. And the connection where it goes into the trailer. If you are smelling it outside the camper, there's good chance that the leak is outside. Use a spray bottle with water dishwashing soap and spray your connections and look for bubbles. If you don't find the source, take it to a professional.
As far as having a wimpy flame, you may have dirt in your line that needs to been blown out.
And until you can check for leaks or if you can't find the leak, disconnect the propane at the tank and leave it disconnected. If you traveled with your tank connected, there's a chance that the vibrations loosened your connections or other connections.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Oct 2, 2015 6:16:38 GMT -8
Outside is better, if that's any comfort. I would check the fittings that are exposed first. It may be as simple as some thread sealer and tightening it up. Check the regulator for a leak. Follow the line and check for any crimps of cracks. They sell a device to detect gas leaks that I think is a must-have. example: www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/safe-t-alert-mini-flush-mount-series-lp-gas-alarm/70015If you're not completely comfortable even after finding and fixing the leak, have it checked by an RV service center. One last thing, we turn the gas off after meals and before bed. Overkill, maybe. Better safe than sorry.
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Post by bigbill on Oct 2, 2015 7:10:12 GMT -8
You may have a bad regulator it could cause all of the problems you mention if the diaphragm is split. If so buy a new one. If that is the leak it should show bubbles at the vent hole when you do a soap test.
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swirlygirls
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Post by swirlygirls on Oct 2, 2015 13:09:55 GMT -8
Thanks everyone. I'm going to keep that sucker turned off for a bit and just breathe. When I feel brave, I'll go back to it and I'll let you all know.
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Oct 2, 2015 18:25:25 GMT -8
You may have a bad regulator it could cause all of the problems you mention if the diaphragm is split. If so buy a new one. If that is the leak it should show bubbles at the vent hole when you do a soap test. Second. This is where I would start looking and especially if you are using an old original. 75 bucks replaces the regulator and the pigtails. A fairly small investment into peace of mind. Do not stop there though, be diligent about checking and re-checking the connections. Any split in a rubber line or a leaky joint can bleed off pressure and leave the pilots unable to light and the stove to act strangely.
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swirlygirls
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Post by swirlygirls on Oct 3, 2015 4:43:57 GMT -8
Thank you Ten. The regulator and pigtail is new. I've decided to have an expert at the RV place look that all over. There are many things I'm comfortable doing or trying but this makes me nervous and after looking again I don't see any bubbles. So I'm placing this mystery in the hands of an expert.
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Oct 3, 2015 7:08:11 GMT -8
I thought probably you had done that (regulator) already, but it seemed like the place to start. This is one of them cases where an expert is a necessity, IMO...
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soup
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Post by soup on Oct 3, 2015 10:38:55 GMT -8
Since I worked at one... When it comes to gas and fire (KABOOM) Go to a professional RV center. Your life and others isn't worth saving a couple of dollars. I can't in good conscience recommend gas leaks as a DIY.
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Post by bigbill on Oct 3, 2015 10:48:42 GMT -8
Hey soup where you been.
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soup
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Post by soup on Oct 3, 2015 11:08:55 GMT -8
In HEck working a job I despise. After yesterday I'm not sure I'm going back on Monday so the driveway is looking pretty good again. Even if cold soup is around the corner!
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Post by rogerthedodger on Oct 3, 2015 14:12:26 GMT -8
When I first saw the title of this thread, I thought maybe you should take beans off the menu. Haha
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Post by bigbill on Oct 3, 2015 17:04:39 GMT -8
In HEck working a job I despise. After yesterday I'm not sure I'm going back on Monday so the driveway is looking pretty good again. Even if cold soup is around the corner! You still at the truck company or is my memory failing me. Keep thinking that I am going to call and stop by for a visit but the months come and go and I haven't made it down your way. Did you ever finish the bosses trailer or has she gave up on you? How are the dogs doing?
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swirlygirls
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Post by swirlygirls on Oct 21, 2015 8:24:48 GMT -8
Here's a follow-up on Dottie's gas issues. And let me tell you I'm so glad I went to an RV expert with a license to repair gas systems. Dottie had not one but multiple leaks, mostly outside. This is interesting because we did do the soapy bubble test on all the fittings but many of them had leaks. In fact, my newly filled tank was almost completely empty. These leaks must have happened while driving because we really, really did test them and there was no LP smell or bubbles prior to moving her. However, I learned we had used the wrong tape to seat fittings by the regulator. We also had not done a large enough flare on fittings we'd changed. And, sadly, he determined there was a small leak in the line going to the gas light and there's no way to fix it at this point so the line was cut and capped low for safety. No propane light for me. But also no kaboom for me. I have one more question for you folks. He suggested I get a regulator cover to provide insulation in cold weather. I bought the regulator at Camping World but they don't have covers. I also can't find a cover online that specifies it'll fit my regulator but I'm assuming all single stage regulators are pretty standard size, yes? Anyone use them and find them helpful? If so, where did you get them? Thanks again for your wisdom.
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Post by vikx on Oct 21, 2015 21:17:15 GMT -8
Any type cover will work. Just some insulation wrapped around the regulator and maybe a vinyl pouch... Also depends on how cold it really gets. Most are OK in the low 20s and above. That's the temps we have here and I've not had a problem.
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