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Topic: LP TANK ISSUE (Read 636 times) previous topic - next topic

LP TANK ISSUE

I have an usual issue with our propane tank. We have had no problems with our gas range since we got the coach. We removed the Dometic refrigerator this past summer, and it is now electric. That leaves just the range. It worked fine these past 6 months while in Mexico....with one small issue. We started the trip with 3/4 tank of propane. Used it every day for cooking. Both the Sensa Tank RV 100 AND the meter on the tank never moved from the 3/4 full mark. Yesterday, the stove wouldn't light. i tried to light it with a match, put my nose to it....no luck. My wife said" maybe we're out of gas'. OK. Tapped on the tank....sounded empty.
THERE WAS A SMELL OF PROPANE NEAR THE TANK.
Then, as if by magic, the Sensa Tank and the meter read 1/2 full. This morning, they BOTH read 1/4 full.
We could get the tank filled tomorrow at a Love s station BUT I am a little concerned.
I really don't suspect a leak. It worked fine all winter. Just don't want to blow us up to kingdom come.
Is there a way to have the tank inspected before filling it, or should we just fill it up.
Thanks for any help with this.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #1 –

If you haven't time changed your regulator it probably is time. Although the tanks does not require inspection it can be easily handles by any proper propane service dealer. Call around till you find one that will perform the inspection. Basically they open the bung on the end of the tank and peek in to see if there is any corrosion along the bottom on the tank inside. They may are may not require that it is removed. It is not a hydrostatic test, just visual. Regardless replace the regulator. There is two types of the two stage regulators. Sideways or vertical. They have a different vent location . Same shop may have a new remote gauge sender too

Amazon.com: Camco 59313 Vertical Two Stage Propane Regulator , Gray : Patio,...

Amazon.com: Camco 59323 Horizontal Two Stage Propane Regulator : Patio, Lawn...

Scott

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Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #2 –

In addition to what Scott mentions, I'd look into getting a gas leak detector like this Klein Tools ET120 Gas Leak Detector, Combustible Gas Leak Tester with...
I got this Klein unit a couple years ago when I was terminating/swapping fittings on my TT, but I carry this for an extra safety measure.

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Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #3 –
Maybe you have a bad gauge so do what Scott says and get it checked out and they will trouble shoot
the gauge to.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #4 –
Being a 320 I'm guessing it's got the aqua hot so the stove would truly be the only user of propane ?   
 We just topped off our tank yesterday after 3mo of use and it took 24.5 gallon but we do use it for water heat and cooking. ( little Buddy for heat) it sips propane.
    But... our tank is probably bigger ( 40 ).  Unrelated but I also turned up the pressure on the regulator to 9lbs if memory serves cause the DW was complaining the stove wasn't that hot and the fridge was acting weird.  All works good now  and my outside barbecue was topping out at 500 degrees but now cranks up to 700 +. Great for steaks.        I was very nervous about changing the pressure but thanks to the internet and YouTube I pulled the trigger and did it.  Also there's a new regulator in the bay now , for when/if the reg acts up.

 Oh and we replaced the tank gage last summer.  Quite spendy and took forever to get.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #5 –
Quote from: GleamB –

THERE WAS A SMELL OF PROPANE NEAR THE TANK.

I really don't suspect a leak. It worked fine all winter. Just don't want to blow us up to kingdom come.

Is there a way to have the tank inspected before filling it, or should we just fill it up.
Thanks for any help with this.

First I'll state that I don't believe in unreasoned fear.
Was the odor of Propane that you smelled faint or present?  Or was it cloying and sickening.  Propane gas or more accurately the odor mercaptan has a narrow range of fuel air mixtures where ignition is possible.  Also mercaptan does concentrate in the tank as propane is boiled off for use.

A propane dealer can "squirt a gallon or so into the tank at your coat" then check for leaks.  I myself use my MK I nose, and for less accessible connections detergent and water, or if I remember while I'm in Walmart children's soap bubble solution.

Possible sources for the odor pr propane are a less than fully open tank valve.  Or on a very hot day the pressure relief valve on the tank.  Some slight odor detectable by a sharp nose is normal under certain conditions.

Oh. And for what it's worth.  Working pressure after the 2-stage regulator is 11 inches of water column.  11'WC converts to 0.40 pounds per square inch.  One PSI is 48"WC.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
.

Possible sources for the odor propane are a less than fully open tank valve.  Or on a very hot day the pressure relief valve on the tank. 
Just to go a little deeper, the main valve has a backseat built into it. Should be fully opened and the use same pressure on knob to fully open and engage the back seat seal as you would to close. Many times I have found the service vent valve left a little loose after service. Im sure our coaches have similar 19 gallon tanks with several large vent ports below the tank.  Since your tank is empty the service vent valve or overpressure release probably isn't leaking but you never know. Service inspection capable dealer will double check and repair all these items. Im not saying the gas station fill place but an actual propane service center.

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #7 –
We had a seemlier kind of problem. Turned out to be the liquid or bleeder valve had not been probably tighten by the person filling or tank. It's a small brass.
1994 U280
Build #4451
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking"

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #8 –
When the refrigerator was removed, was the L.P. supply line properly capped off? That compartment is vented from both the side and the top so vapors could escape and not be readily detected...
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #9 –
Yes. I did a very cautious job capping off the gas line. I wanted to remove the line at the connection in the tank bay, but it was too big an undertaking.
We filled the tank, as usual, no problems.
Thanks for all the replies.
Great forum
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #10 –
Check ALL connections with soapy water spray.  Easy to do, best test for leaks!
Pat/Blue Angel
1995 U240 36ft
MC# 16511
Build# 4653

Re: LP TANK ISSUE

Reply #11 –
UPDATE
There WAS a problem. Bad leak in regulator.
Will replace. Thanks for all the help.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT