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Topic: Replace The 2-Stage LPG Regulator? (Read 14 times) previous topic - next topic
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Replace The 2-Stage LPG Regulator?
Yahoo Message Number: 153289
Last winter I forgot to turn off the LPG at the main valve  I posted the resulting problems with my LPG system, suspecting that the 2-stage regulator had failed, opening the system to full tank pressure. I developed one or more propane leaks at the stove burner valves. The problem disappeared during my fault-locating process and has not recurred. By the time I could test the pressure, it was normal. I have purposely left the main valve open, but no LPG has been lost, nor oder detected, since it self-corrected.

My question is should I replace the regulator now? I don't know if the failure may have caused any permanent damage. I would appreciate hearing from those of you with more tech knowledge of the LPG system than I have.

Dale Ellis
Re: Replace The 2-Stage LPG Regulator?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153296
"Last winter I forgot to turn off the LPG at the main valve .....I developed one or more propane leaks at the stove burner valves. The problem disappeared during my fault-locating process and has not recurred. By the time I could test the pressure, it was normal.

My question is should I replace the regulator now?"

Dale

I suspect the stove's valve o-rings shrunk from the winters cold.  Spring's warming and the motion of turning the valves seems to have allowed the o-ring to assume their normal shape.
The propane regulator is holding the proper pressure so it would seem everything is back to normal.
Extreme cold can do some funny things to RVs.
Do keep and eye and nose aware of any change or problems that have not been previously detected

Propane regulators are a wear item and will eventually require replacement. Bad things can happen when they fail.  8-10 year replacement cycles might not be a bad idea.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replace The 2-Stage LPG Regulator?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153300
Quote
Quote
On Jun 12, 2015, at 3:59 PM,  [lifewithalazydazerv]  wrote:

Propane regulators are a wear item and will eventually require replacement. Bad things can happen when they fail.  8-10 year replacement cycles might not be a bad idea.

Thanks, Larry.  Since my LD is a 2005, that puts me at the 10-year point now. I will finish the ordering process today.

I mentioned before that the 10WC single-stage regulator at the input to the range is passing the 11WC from the input line, is there a good reason to also replace it? I know that all appliances are supposed to work with pressures up to 14WC, but is there a possibility that the o-rings in the burner valves might have been damaged by the added pressure in the line when the 2-stage failed? Lots of maybes here, but I trust your judgement and experience with LPG.

Dale
Re: Replace The 2-Stage LPG Regulator?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153320
"Since my LD is a 2005, that puts me at the 10-year point now. I will finish the ordering process today.

I mentioned before that the 10WC single-stage regulator at the input to the range is passing the 11WC from the input line, is there a good reason to also replace it? I know that all appliances are supposed to work with pressures up to 14WC, but is there a possibility that the o-rings in the burner valves might have been damaged by the added pressure in the line when the 2-stage failed?"

Dale

The regulator, under the stove's removable top, is there to protect the stove from excessive pressure, in case the primary, 2-stage regulator has problems and allow the pressure to climb too high. A simple flame, (@11' of water or about 1/2 PSI), can turn into a blowtorch, if the main regulator fails.
I have never seen a the secondary stove regulator leak or have problems..
Normally, the secondary regulator does little or nothing since the primary 2-stage regulator's pressure is supposed to be set at 11" of water, the same as the stove's regulator.

Could the o-rings have failed, sure but they most likely would still be leaking, especially when in use.
Do you have have a bottle of gas leak detection fluid? Paint the valve stems and the stove's regulator and watch for leaks.  Operate the burner valves a few times each. to excise the o-rings.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-8-oz-All-Purpose-Leak-Detector-302092/100151681
 The advantage of the leak detection fluid, over soapy water, is its long lasting ability to form bubbles.
Tiny leaks can take hours to form a small bubble.

If you have a manometer, connect it, turn the gas on to pressurize the system and then turn the gas off. Watch the manometer for a hour or more, seeing if the pressure remains the same or if it drops, indicating a leak. I use both a digital manometer and a DIY liquid model. Both work fine and have matching readings.

Digital manometer http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3PPZZY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00 DIY manometer http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3PPZZY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00 Pre-made liquid manometer http://www.amazon.com/RadonAway-Easy-Read-Manometer/dp/B0029MXNGA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434299993&sr=8-2&keywords=manometer

Everyone should periodically have their LD's propane system's pressure checked. The system runs at about a very low 1/2-lb of pressure.  Any major increase in pressure or the failure of the regulator can turn a normal size propane flame, (in the furnace, water heater or stove) into blazing torch.
 Overall, its a fairly safe system but it does require some maintenance and monitoring.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replace The 2-Stage LPG Regulator?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153321
Where is a good source to get a replacement primary regulator? Mine is 14 yrs. old and now I am concerned about it being failure prone due to age. Thus far no problems but want to keep it that way.

bobmoore14
Re: Replace The 2-Stage LPG Regulator?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153323
Thank you Dale.

I wouldn't buy anything from Camping World but I am a frequent customer of Amazon so that's great. They have such a great selection of most anything.

bobmoore14