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1988 Grand Villa Propane System

We are trying to understand how this unit is plumbed.  Currently we do not have propane flow to the refrigerator, or stove.  Also, the propane powered generator sounds like it may be starving for fuel.  At this time we do not know if propane flow is available at the furnace or water heater.  Based on my research here, the solenoid valve may not be opening.  It is my understanding the solenoid requires 12 volts to open.

When looking at the propane plumbing inside the tank bay, I see what appears to be two regulators.  One regulator is rectangular shaped, while the other is larger and round. Both of these regulators are feed from a common line plumbed directly from the manual tank shutoff valve.

The rectangular regulator outlet is connected directly to the solenoid.  Downstream of the solenoid is a tee with one line apparently going to the refrigerator, the other connects to a flex hose and is routed over the top of the tank.  We are not able to see where it goes from there.

The larger round regulator outlet is connected to a second flex hose, which is also routed over the top of the tank.  Again, we are not able to see where it goes from there.

Does anyone know what supplies the 12 volts, and where this device is located?

Does anyone know why there are two regulators supplying what appear to be two independent propane circuits?

This motor home belonged to my father for many years.  Unfortunately we do not have the depth of knowledge he had.  We appreciate any information you are willing to share. 
 

Re: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #1 –
The control for the solenoid valve is the gas detector inside the coach, that's near the floor below the furnace control in the kitchen.
Of the two gas lines and regulators one goes directly to the generator and the other through the solenoid valve
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #2 –
The "safety solenoid valve" is often the cause of aggravating gas flow interruptions.  What some of us have done is disable the valve by removing the sliding iron rod which is the internal part that actually shuts off the gas flow.  OR, you could just remove the entire solenoid valve.  See the threads below for more info:

U280 LP Gas question

LP circuits help please .



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: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #3 –
The solenoid clicks when turned on  by the sniffer  thats located at the bottom of the sink cabinet .  Flick the switch to reset and listen for the click  at the tank. It should show a light  and make some  chirping noise upon reset. 
            No click , no gas.  Sometimes wiggling the wires on the solenoid will click it open . Still no click , check for 12v at the solenoid when the sniffer is reset .
 No 12 v, back up to the sniffer and check for power.

Re: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #4 –
Thank you Olde English, Chuck & Jeannie, and Protech Racing.  Your input solved the problem. I did finally locate the propane detector panel. It was located as described, but in a small area of the sink cabinet facing the rear of the coach which I initially overlooked.  Upon moving the small detector slide switch on-off a couple of times, the sensor started beeping as described.  After a few seconds I heard the solenoid click and confirmed propane flow at the stove and refrigerator.  This had no effect on the propane-powered generator, which still stumbles as if it is starving for fuel.  It is clear now that the generator propane supply is not downstream of the solenoid, but likely feed by the larger round regulator as suggested on this forum.  Again, thank you for sharing your expertise. 

Re: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #5 –
That 1988 propane "sniffer" has expired its use. Today's sensors actually have an expiration date and sound warning built in so you replace it before failure of function.
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: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #6 –
I have a fix for a reluctant sniffer, a can of computer compressed air, just give the intake a quick short blast from the can. Works every time.
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #7 –
I am not sure which generator you have. I think that it might also have a regulator by the generator. Some use low pressure which is what I think you have if it has the regulator by the generator also check if it has a small fitting at the bottom may have a hose or maybe not. Make sure that it is not plugged. Could have a mud dauber in it.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #8 –
ANSWERS IN SOLID LETTER CAPS.

Quote from: Mooneyman –
The rectangular regulator outlet is connected directly to the solenoid.  Downstream of the solenoid is a tee with one line apparently going to the refrigerator, the other connects to a flex hose and is routed over the top of the tank.  We are not able to see where it goes from there.  WITH TWO REGULATORS, I SUSPECT YOU HAVE A PROPANE POWERED GENERATOR.  IF SO, ONE REGULATOR (WITH ELECTRIC SOLENOID SHUT-OFF) IS FOR THE HOUSE SYSTEMS (FURNACES, STOVE/OVEN, WATER HEATER) AND THE OTHER FOR THE GENERATOR.

The larger round regulator outlet is connected to a second flex hose, which is also routed over the top of the tank.  Again, we are not able to see where it goes from there. SUSPECT THE ONE THAT GOES OVER THE TANK GOES TO THE GENERATOR.

Does anyone know what supplies the 12 volts, and where this device is located? MOST OF THE PROPANE DETECTOR SOLENOIDS DO NOT, REPEAT NOT RUN ON 12 VDC BUT A LOWER VOLTAGE.  12 VDC COULD BURN OUT THE SOLENOID.

BE AWARE THAT NEWER COACHES DO NOT HAVE THE ELECTRIC SHUT-OFF VALVE.  BUT IF YOU ARE GOING TO KEEP IT (AS RECOMMENDED) REPLACE THE SENSOR AND VERIFY THAT THE ORIGINAL SOLENOID WILL WORK WITH IT.

Does anyone know why there are two regulators supplying what appear to be two independent propane circuits?
 


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: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #9 –
When I went to replace one of my regulators on the 50 gallon propane tank the dealer/counter staff recommended that I go to a single regulator. That was three years ago and still not a single problem.
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: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #10 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
When I went to replace one of my regulators on the 50 gallon propane tank the dealer/counter staff recommended that I go to a single regulator. That was three years ago and still not a single problem.

To make sure I understand:

You have a propane generator.  Both it and the house systems are fed off the low pressure side  (11"WC) of the single regulator?
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: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #11 –
Yup. Works great. ^.^d
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: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #12 –
Norm,

I am surprised in your cold climate that the regulator doesn't freeze up with that high demand-- say generator and furnaces running at the same time.
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: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #13 –
Well, we have never run BOTH furnaces and the loud, noisy generator at the same time.
Also, we either have the coach in storage up here during the winter, so nothing is running.
And if we are "down south" for the winter we don't need both furnaces running and we are usually hooked up to electricity.
So, if everything isn't running at the same time (and that is extremely, extremely unlikely) we have never had a problem with freezing up.
I seem to remember the service manager mentioning the fact that it would have to be an extreme condition that would mandate everything demanding propane at the same time. Haven't had one yet.
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: 1988 Grand Villa Propane System

Reply #14 –
My solenoid had 12v  to it when triggered .