tpcm5000
Junior Member
Posts: 82
Likes: 45
Yellowstone 1966
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Post by tpcm5000 on Apr 21, 2020 16:18:48 GMT -8
Hi All, Using a DIY manometer and wondering what test results others have gotten from either a digital or DIY manometer. This references from edog1973 on how to build a manometer at home was really helpful: www.rverscorner.com/manometer.htmlmanomoter2 by Tom Myers, on Flickr manomoter1 by Tom Myers, on Flickr One tip to add to the article is to double check, if you are testing off you stove top, the burner orifice diameter. I needed 3/8", not the 1/2" referenced in the article. Pretty obvious now I needed to check my equipment, but I missed it at the time. A question I have for those that have done a DIY manometer or used digital, is whether any loss of pressure is acceptable during the test? So boiled down, connect the manometer, turn on the tank service valve, fill the system, then turn off the valve and watch for any change in pressure. One reference I see says the test should be only tree minutes, and indeed I did not see any loss of pressure within the first five minutes. However by minute 15, as some other articles suggest should be the length of the test, I lose about 3/4" of water column. By a half hours I lose 1 1/2" of water column, etc. If any loss of pressure over any test duration indicates a leak, two strange factors: one, there is absolutely no smell, I've been poking around like crazy; and two, when I purchased my yellowstone a few months back I assumed both propane tanks were closed, however, it turns out that one has been stuck in an open position and per the PO perhaps for 3 years now... still propane in the that tank and again, no smell inside or out. Any insights on other's tests and result much appreciated. PS two other articles I found helpful, if you are looking to give a DIY manometer a try: - www.rvdoctor.com/2002/01/what-pros-do-propane-system.html- www.hackneys.com/travel/docs/manometer.pdf
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Post by vikx on Apr 21, 2020 19:34:33 GMT -8
The rule of thumb is 15 minutes holding pressure. With the clear tubing and being home made, it may leak down faster. Haven't ever used a diy manometer.
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newin62
Active Member
Posts: 160
Likes: 140
1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by newin62 on Mar 15, 2024 16:07:10 GMT -8
I stumbled on to this older post and found it very helpful. I made a DIY manometer out of some old tubing I had and a scrap of plywood and tested my propane system today. I connected the tube to a burner nozzle on the stove top. With nothing running I have 12.5" of water column and with two stove burners and the furnace running it drops to 11.5". DIY Manometer by NEWIN62, on Flickr
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Post by vikx on Mar 15, 2024 16:31:59 GMT -8
VERY helpful!
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