Propane leak March 14, 2017, 05:16:10 pm Well with our monsoon season up here in the PNW. I have been playing out in the LD cleaning, reorganizing and stuff. I happen to hit the switch on the monitor panel. And what do I see everything looks as it should except where did my propane go? It's reading empty. I had 1/2 tank when I winterized it. So I think it must be the monitor panel. Go out to check the gauge on the tank also empty. But what else do I find. The last guy that filled the tank left the fill cap off and the small relief valve not even finger tight. I am 99% sure the little valve is my leak with how loose it was.But will have to double check when I get some propane. Now I have learned to always double check things after getting the tank filled. The guy who filled it is gonna get an ear full lol. My best friends shop. 1 Likes
Re: Propane leak Reply #1 – March 14, 2017, 06:56:37 pm Duro,As we wait for the "pros" on LDO to follow up on this thread, you may want to look at these two videos.You may know about this already, but the videos are still pretty interesting and may indeed provide some insight into you "missing propane".https://youtu.be/QnlfQK-8qy4And his follow up video here https://youtu.be/rRubt1b6-cAInteresting situation you have found yourself in. I hope it's as you suspect.Kent 2 Likes
Re: Propane leak Reply #2 – March 14, 2017, 08:24:26 pm Thanks Kent that's very useful information. If I'm not right about the little valve being the cause I will be surprised. We have never smelled propane inside the coach and the alarms have never went off. So I am hopeful it's something simple.
Re: Propane leak Reply #3 – March 14, 2017, 10:21:58 pm Here today, gone tomorrow; I wonder if the propane siphoners at work again? Steve K (sorry cabin fever after our blizzard)
Re: Propane leak Reply #4 – March 17, 2017, 02:42:09 pm I found the leak and it wasn't what I thought. Ended up being one of the fittings for the external tank hook up. Looks like a easy fix. Just have to get it back from getting lube, oil and filter. Then I will pull out the external tank manifold and reseal the leaking fitting. 2 Likes
Re: Propane leak Reply #5 – March 18, 2017, 12:22:26 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - March 14, 2017, 06:56:37 pmDuro,As we wait for the "pros" on LDO to follow up on this thread, you may want to look at these two videos.You may know about this already, but the videos are still pretty interesting and may indeed provide some insight into you "missing propane".https://youtu.be/QnlfQK-8qy4And his follow up video here https://youtu.be/rRubt1b6-cAInteresting situation you have found yourself in. I hope it's as you suspect.Interesting videos, I never thought of using a home-made manometer! I couldn't tell for sure in the video but the tube is connected to the oven burner manifold?Speaking of leaks, a friend of mine had an issue with the oven on his RV (Hi-Lo trailer) that almost blew him up. He later discovered that the tubing under the cover plate was rubbing and corroding against the metal underneath and had actually gotten so thin that it caused a leak, causing an explosion when he tried to light the oven pilot light. Luckily, he was unharmed. After reading about his experience on another forum, I decided to check out my stove (I also had a Hi-Lo trailer).I discovered that that the tubing on my stove was in contact with the metal as well, causing rubbing and bi-metallic corrosion. My fix was to bend the tubing up very slightly and to put some gas-rated (yellow) teflon tape between the tubing and metal plating to prevent metal-on-metal contact. This is a Wedgewood Vision oven, so not sure if it applies to Lazy Daze or not. 1 Likes
Re: Propane leak Reply #6 – March 18, 2017, 08:44:40 pm Periodic inspection and testing the propane system should be on everyone's maintenance list.I have used a DIY manometer, made with plastic tubing, for years to check for proper regulator pressure and leaks.Electronic manometers are a lot smaller are easy to store in the motorhome. I have used the one below for several years and it has held its accuracy, when verified with the tube manometer.Propane pressure testing | FlickrAmazon.com: Perfect-Prime AR1890 Professional Digital Air Pressure Meter &... For finding small leaks, nothing beats a liquid leak detector. It is a thick, soapy liquid that is painted on the propane fittings and connections. The liquid's high surface tension allow escaping gas to form lasting bubbles.8 oz. All-Purpose Leak Detector-302092 - The Home DepotA very small leak may take an hour or more to build a visible bubble, using the liquid.Larry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Propane leak Reply #7 – March 18, 2017, 09:21:32 pm After pulling out the regulator and resealing the leaking fitting. I came to the conclusion that the job would be much easier with a small design improvement. I think cutting the copper supply pipe that goes from the house to the regulator about a foot shorter. And putting in a short hose. Sure would make things easy to hookup. This would also help from kinking the copper pipe. As someone has done to mine. My guess while installing the external tank adapter. Does anyone see any problems with doing this improvement?
Re: Propane leak Reply #8 – March 18, 2017, 10:18:45 pm LarryI worked for BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) for eighteen years. The product we used for leak detection was Snoop! Since I'm now retired I had to find a different source. See attached link:Leak Detectors - 8OZ-SNOOP SEPTLS7478OZSNOOP - Walmart.com
Re: Propane leak Reply #9 – March 18, 2017, 10:29:47 pm Larry, you don't use Rectorseal Better Bubble anymore? I like it because it's thick and stays put on the pipe joints so a late-developing bubble shows without having to apply more detector goop.