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Topic: LP Detector (Read 10 times) previous topic - next topic
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LP Detector
Yahoo Message Number: 129888
My son borrowed my LD on vacation & said the LP detector kept going off when the heat would go on so they had to open a window & that helped.  I have no idea who works on this type of problem or what to check.  Any help would be appreciated.  I live near Sacramento if anyone has recommendations.
 I did read on an archived post that the detectors can go bad, but this was only when the heat was on.  They didn't smell any propane.

Rose

Re: LP Detector
Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 129889
We just got an '04 which has such a detector - our '83 did not. The PO handed over the fuse from the detector so we could re-activate it if desired. He said it was more accurately a propane, hairspray, and bodily emissions detector...
 If you don't smell the mercaptan odorant from propane while the detector is alarming, then it is most likely an oversensitive unit.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: LP Detector
Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 129894
You don't mention the year of your coach, but the LP detectors do degrade over time.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUEObzXloxc

It might also be a good time to replace any smoke or CO alarms.
 The shape of LP detectors has changed over the years.  The LD factory was able to ship us a new detector and an adapter to accommodate the new square shape and the old rectangle hole.

Rich '03 MB
2003 MB

Re: LP Detector
Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 129895
"The [previous owner] handed over the fuse from the detector so we could re-activate it if desired."
 A lot of things passed through my mind when I read this, but rather than insult the previous owner, I'll just say: if the LP gas detector is giving false alarms, replace it. Disabling it is like disabling your smoke detector or your carbon monoxide detector: suicidally foolish.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: LP Detector
Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 129896
"the LP detector kept going off when the heat would go on so they had to open a window... this was only when the heat was on. They didn't smell any propane."
 Since propane is heavier than air and pools on the floor, they might not smell it, but I'm betting it was there. When the heat comes on, a solenoid valve opens to let propane flow to the furnace's burner. If that's the only time the LP detector sounds an alarm, it's pretty obvious that you don't have a defective alarm--you have a propane leak in your furnace. A good RV technician should be able to diagnose and repair it, but please don't put this off--it's a potentially very dangerous situation.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: LP Detector
Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 129897
"My son borrowed my LD on vacation & said the LP detector kept going off when the heat would go on so they had to open a window & that helped."

Rose
 Since the propane detector went off every time the heater was turned on, it sounds like a leak.  Take it straight to an RV tech and have the propane system, especially the furnace, checked for leaks and proper operating pressure...it could save your life.
Each batch of propane has a different mix of mercaptan, some do not smell as much as others. Some people do not have a good sense of smell and cannot smell it at all.
 Propane detector have a limited life of usually 5-7 years. Many detectors will have a tag indicating the date of manufacture and the recommended lifespan.
CCI Control detectors, used in many LDs, is now out of business.
The Mothership has replacements or substitutes in stock, some even come with an adapter plate that allows the new, differently shaped detector to fit in the stock receptacle.
The web is also a good source or replacements, just make sure to pay attention to the dimensions.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)

Re: LP Detector
Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 129898
Any chance the batteries were low?  Most propane detectors will alarm if the voltage drops too low.  The furnace motor draw a fair amount of current and could pull the voltage down below the threshold.  But as others have said, be sure to have the system checked out.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog

Re: LP Detector
Reply #7
Yahoo Message Number: 129902
Hello, Rose,
 (Andy, as usual, is more concise and succinct, but I just couldn't resist a further cautionary note on this subject.)

Go-Boom or No-Boom?  That's really the question.
 The only acceptable answer to a LP Detector warning is to turn off the master tank propane valve and either fix or replace and successfully test the LP Detector before turning it on again.
 Your LD came with a Liquid Petroleum Gas Detector because your LD also came with a source of LP gas that might be released inside your LD.

The possible sources of that `go boom' LP Gas

 
Re: LP Detector
Reply #8
Yahoo Message Number: 129905
Quote
My son borrowed my LD on vacation & said the LP detector kept going off when the heat would go on so they had to open a window & that helped.  I have no idea who works on this type of problem or what to check.  Any help would be appreciated.  I live near Sacramento if anyone has recommendations.
 I did read on an archived post that the detectors can go bad, but this was only when the heat was on.  They didn't smell any propane.

Rose
Buy a new detector from Lazy Daze.  It's an easy fix.  I had the same problem with my 04 LD.
Larry F