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Topic: This was Weird: Popped Propane Gauge (Read 593 times) previous topic - next topic

This was Weird: Popped Propane Gauge

Last night, I started the motorhome because it hadn't run in a couple of weeks and I wanted to fill the air system and run the engine.  No dashboard gauges, but I could hear the tick-tock of a self resetting fuse behind the panel on the passenger side.  I found the offending fuse by clipping the negative of my VOM to the ground on the ignition solenoid and then probed for a connection that didn't have 12v.  Found it!  On my diagram, it was 5 WHT.  Looking at 5 WHT, it goes to A LOT of places, but I got lucky and found the gauge from the propane tank had come unglued and was just hanging loose.  I guess the glue just gave out after 23 years.

The gauge appears to be magnetic -- there's no path for propane to the gauge, so no catastrophic loss of propane two weeks after I got agreed value insurance!

A little super-glue magic and I have a propane gauge and the short caused by the dangling gauge is gone.  Dashboard gauges restored!

Rick and Donna
1997 U320 4000 WTBI Build 5152 "Molesley"

Re: This was Weird: Popped Propane Gauge

Reply #1 –
Rick, Good detective work with the right tool. Seems we have to do these things ourselves, no one else could get it fixed that easily.

Re: This was Weird: Popped Propane Gauge

Reply #2 –
Rick,

That gage is a DIY replacement job.  Unless they have changed the way the gage is mounted you should be able to loosen the 2 smaller Philips head screws and remove them,  the gage should fall out in your hand.  If not lift it out with an instrument screwdriver.  Underneath there will be a brass button that is held in place with the 4 big screws. DO NOT FITTLE WITH THE 4 OUTER SCREWS. as this holds the propane in the tank.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: This was Weird: Popped Propane Gauge

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
That gage is a DIY replacement job. 
That is a really nice thing to learn!  I don't think ours has ever worked right.  I assumed the tank would need to be emptied to replace it.

I'll put getting a new one on my list.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: This was Weird: Popped Propane Gauge

Reply #4 –
They make a few versions. Fist make sure you order the ones that have wings to go under the 2 little screws. They also make an electronic remote version and one that is electronic ready.  The last one I bought of the electronic version was about $75  and it seems like the other one is about $30. I like the Manchester brand but shop around for the best deal.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
 

Re: This was Weird: Popped Propane Gauge

Reply #6 –
Quote from: John Morales –
With a quick search I found this gauge.
That looks like a correct replacement to me!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"