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Topic: LP Generator questions (Read 896 times) previous topic - next topic

LP Generator questions

Quote from: Old phart phred –
Lp has a solenoid valve for everything but the genset, that is controlled by the sniffer.
Getting ready to work on generator(will only run in start). Just read,again, the info in the big red book. It does not mention the sniffer. Should the generator run without turning the sniffer on, in my '92? I have always turned the sniffer on...

Jim
'92 Grand Villa 36' w/8.3Cummins mechanical
ORED
Build#4062

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #1 –
Jim,

Look at your propane tank.

Where does the line come off going to the generator:

A separate/liquid tap vs the vapor tap for the house?

If off the vapor tap, does it "T" off before or after the control solenoid?

There are several ways it could be plumbed-- both OE and by subsequent owners.  I know our 1993 U240 is not OE!
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: LP Generator questions

Reply #2 –
Thanks, Brett. I was sitting here thinking of looking - but did not know what to look for. Will look later today. I have no idea what the liquid and vapor valves were trying to tell me.
Where is the LP converted to gas, at the regulator?

Jim
'92 Grand Villa 36' w/8.3Cummins mechanical
ORED
Build#4062

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #3 –
Hey Brett, if he has a vapor propane generator wouldn't there also be another regulator in the lower right corner on the generator frame? There is on our "89
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #4 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
There are several ways it could be plumbed-- both OE and by subsequent owners.  I know our 1993 U240 is not OE!

I did notice your/my coach was converted to "vapor" in '03. Never thought anything about it until I put a aux propane bottle in and the gen would not run off the bottle! I don't know if this one ever had a control soleniod, but I got used to the ball valves, and all works fine!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #5 –
I just realized I hijacked Paullys thread. Don't know what to do other than start this one-as I have more to add. Can moderator clean this up for me -- and I apologize to Paully.

My young-uns told me my gen would only run in start. I turned on the vapor valve, did not turn on the sniffer(if that is what I thought was the CO monitor at the floor at the bottom of the galley counter) and ran the gen for 30 min or more.  Brett and some others chimed in to try to teach me some things and I went out to look over the propane compartment. The vapor valve goes to a large blue colored regulator and on to a rectangular  regulator with a knob control on it and then connects to a rubber line that disappears thru the compartment wall. This smaller regulator has a solenoid valve at its output that I guess is controlled by said sniffer?

The liquid valve has nothing connected to it - is this the fill valve?
I just found the fill valve - right above the lable that says "FILL" -DUH!
As long as everything works, why do I have to learn all about it?!

Jim
'92 Grand Villa 36' w/8.3Cummins mechanical
ORED
Build#4062

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #6 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
Hey Brett, if he has a vapor propane generator wouldn't there also be another regulator in the lower right corner on the generator frame? There is on our "89

Probably.  Some Onan propane generators have their regulator inside the unit, some external to it. I know the 1993 model had the internal regulator. Not sure when Foretravel made the change.
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: LP Generator questions

Reply #7 –
Quote from: mike leary –
I did notice your/my coach was converted to "vapor" in '03. Never thought anything about it until I put a aux propane bottle in and the gen would not run off the bottle! I don't know if this one ever had a control soleniod, but I got used to the ball valves, and all works fine!  ^.^d


If the aux propane bottle supplied HIGH PRESSURE vapor, no idea why it did not work.  No, it would NOT work if the bottle has a regulator on it, as pressure to run appliances is not sufficient to run a generator.

The other issue one would face trying to use a small bottle is that the rate of flow (many times the rate of all other on-board propane appliances combined)  would substantially lower the temperature and you could get freezing.
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: LP Generator questions

Reply #8 –
In my life, I only learn about stuff that doesn't work.  Go figure.  :))
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #9 –
I must not be alone in this. I've also learned that the best way to learn something is to have to teach others "how stuff works"...This is really the first time I have looked into my gas bay to see what goes on!

Jim
'92 Grand Villa 36' w/8.3Cummins mechanical
ORED
Build#4062

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Jim Sizemore –
I just realized I hijacked Paullys thread. Don't know what to do other than start this one-as I have more to add. Can moderator clean this up for me -- and I apologize to Paully.

Split out the posts from the other topic and merged them here  :)
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #11 –
And Jim, the best way for those you teach is to make them do it hands-on. Just talk or textbook lessons don't stick in the mind as well.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #12 –
I'm also having problems with my Onan 6500 Marquis generator; high pressure propane powered. The regulator for my gen is inside the gen housing. I replace the generator solenoid fuel valve and the motherboard a couple of years ago; gen ran fine for some time. Recently, it will start fine and run 15-20 minutes and then shut off. I rebuilt the regulator; new diaphragm and a good cleaning; changed the oil in the gen. All to no avail. I have not narrowed the problem to a specific source; but, I suspect it could again be the solenoid valve or motherboard. Suggestions?

roger
1993 U225 36'
Build #4295
1979 Int'l Scout II
2005 BMW R1200RT

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Jim Sizemore –
Is splitting out a moderator only operation?
Jim,

I am not sure what you (or others) mean by "splitting out," but here is an example of what I mean, and how to do it.

Six days ago, a new member started a new thread in the Foretravel Discussions Forum. He titled the thread "New Owners" and told us about a Foretravel they had just recently bought. There were several replies and followon messages. In reply #12, he mentioned a specific question concerning the controls on the cockpit seats.

I also had questions on that subject, so I quoted the pertinent part of his message and started a new thread, "Pilot and Copilot Seat Controls." I also changed the Forum to "Foretravel Tech Talk." (I see now, I should have removed the "Re: " from the subject line.) Unfortunately, I have only had one reply so far, but I cannot help that; unless I can find some way to give the topic more visibility.  >:D

Here is how:

Instead of using the "Quote" button, press on the "More" button, and then click "New Topic." Trim the quoted part to only repeat the germane part of the message. Change the topic name and the Foretravel forum title, if apropos. Write the remainder of your message and click "Post." Here is the new message thread:

Pilot and Copilot Seat Controls

There may be an easier way, but this is what I recall from one of Michelle's attempts to get us to change to a new thread instead of hijacking an existing thread. One of the reasons I did this was to make it easier to find in future searches.

Hope this helps,

Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: LP Generator questions

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Jim Sizemore –
Is splitting out a moderator only operation?

Splitting out is, but as TulsaTrent mentions, you can quote something from one post and start a new one with that.  Just follow his excellent instructions
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320