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Topic: Propane hose? (Read 533 times) previous topic - next topic

Propane hose?

I have propane leak somewhere and can not find it. I smell gas when I open the compartment door. The tank is shut off to the coach and I checked every single fitting with gas leak bubble stuff.

The only component I am not familiar with is this large black hose at the top of the tank that appears to discharge to atmosphere. I can't get down close enough to the end of the hose to see if the leak is coming out of there. What is that hose for?

Re: Propane hose?

Reply #1 –
That hose connects to the high pressure safety relief valve.

If the tank pressure reached an unsafe level - like for instance if it was in a fire, the safety valve is designed to open and vent the excess gas pressure to atmosphere.

It is possible that valve could be leaking.  You need a "propane sniffer" to check the open end of the hose for gas.  Any local (to you) propane dealer should have one, and would do the check for you.

OR, perhaps tie a small balloon on the end of the rubber hose - see if it inflates?

OR, stick the end of the rubber hose in a glass jar of water - see if bubbles come out of the tube.

Get creative - make it a Science Experiment!



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: Propane hose?

Reply #2 –
Try soap bubbles to locate the leak.

Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Propane hose?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Try soap bubbles to locate the leak.
Yes, that would work if they first remove the black rubber tube from the tank fitting.  Then use soap solution to check the open end of the fitting for leakage.

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: Propane hose?

Reply #4 –
By the way, that fresh air vent opening in the floor below your tank is a perfect place for rodents to gain entry to your coach storage bays.  After we were invaded by desert dwelling rats, I used some expanded metal mesh to close off the opening.  See the 3rd and 4th photos in the post linked below:

Those Pesky Mice. Or is it Mouse?


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: Propane hose?

Reply #5 –
Our 1993 did have hardware cloth across that opening.

If yours doesn't, absolutely add it.

Also, verify that there is no separation between fiberglass and box beam that would allow water intrusion.  Caulk/fix if there is.

I also added a water deflector that became standard on later model coaches.  You HAVE to leave air circulation so propane (heavier than air) that may leak can exit through the floor opening.

I just took 3 pieces of scrap 1" aluminum box beams and made a "U" across front and both sides of the opening.  Left back open.

Then scrap piece of fiberglass to cover the "U".  Anything will work for this-- sheet of aluminum, etc. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Propane hose?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Try soap bubbles to locate the leak.



I've tried that on every fitting. No bubbles. Unhooked the big hose and no gas coming out. I did notice the electric device (solenoid gas valve?) Is very warm to the touch. That doesn't seem right. Any insight on that?

Re: Propane hose?

Reply #7 –
The regulator has a small vent with a little screen. When I got a slight whiff, I could not find it but with a little bubble solution, I discovered a very small leak at the vent on the regulator. OEM was s single stage but for a buck more, I went with a two stage. See my old post with the support bracket shown. About $20-25 for the regulator if needed.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Propane hose?

Reply #8 –
The regulator is after the shutoff valve from the tank to the coach supply system. I am getting odor with the tank closed. I guess it's possible that the valve is bad and leaking allowing something else to leak.

Edit: I did find that the electronic device is leaking. What is that thing? Never seen something like that coming off a tank. It looks like a gas valve. Is it some kind of safety shutoff thing?

So then I have two issues. One the shutoff is leaking. Two the electronic thingy is bad.

Re: Propane hose?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: nbluesky –
What is that thing? Never seen something like that coming off a tank. It looks like a gas valve. Is it some kind of safety shutoff?
See the discussion about the propane safety solenoid valve in a concurrent thread:

1988 Grand Villa Propane System


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: Propane hose?

Reply #10 –
Yup I'm just going to get rid of it.