Propane valve leaks when opened

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Propane valve leaks when opened

February 10, 2024, 03:24:27 pm

Hi, I am back yet again. So I opened the propane valve to make sure the stove and frig will work etc. Now when I turned the valve I can hear and smell propane. I closed the valve and it seems to have sealed. I am San Jose Ca. What or where can this be repaired? Has anyone else had this happen? I was going to use the motor-home while I remodel the kitchen and bath in my home.....Thanks for any and all help and support. It is a 1999 Mid-bath.

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #1 – February 10, 2024, 04:22:59 pm

You're right to be concerned.

If you're not comfortable finding the leak yourself, any propane supplier should be able to help you out.

Rich

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #2 – February 10, 2024, 05:00:13 pm

TDTHIES-

I've read that the valve should seal when fully-closed and when fully-open. If yours works that way, you could open the valve fully and use the propane in the tank. Once the tank is empty, you can have a professional diagnose and fix or replace the valve.

Or, you could call a professional and get his recommendations.

Mark H.

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #3 – February 10, 2024, 05:24:29 pm

I'm with Mark. Open it until it seals. Spray some leak detector or soapy water on it and if it isn't leaking you're safe and good to go!
jor

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #4 – February 10, 2024, 05:32:44 pm

Seconding what Mark said, I've read in many places that the propane tank's valve should always be either fully open or fully closed to prevent leakage.

However, most of these articles refer to DOT type (upright) tanks. It's not clear to me whether the same advice applies to ASME (horizontal) tanks such as the ones in most Lazy Dazes. However, it seems as if it couldn't hurt to follow it.

So my question for TDTHIES is: did you have the valve all the way open when you smelled propane?

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #5 – February 10, 2024, 05:36:17 pm

Another thing to consider is it may be the regulator that is leaking - they are known to fail more likely than the valve.

Steve

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #6 – February 10, 2024, 05:38:24 pm

A word about leak detecting fluids: it's easy and convenient to spray the fluid on, and I know people who do that. But spraying usually creates foam, and then you're looking for bubbles among the bubbles. I prefer to carefully wipe on the fluid using a brush or dauber, creating as few bubbles as possible. That way any bubbles caused by a leak are obvious.

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #7 – February 10, 2024, 06:25:18 pm

OK I opened the valve fully and I can still smell the slightest bit of propane. I did wait a bit before I went outside and checked it. Can I use soapy water to look for a leak or do I need a special leak detector for propane?

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #8 – February 10, 2024, 06:42:46 pm

Quote

Can I use soapy water to look for a leak or do I need a special leak detector for propane?

Soapy water will work just fine. The leak detector stuff is just more convenient. If you see bubble growing, it's leaking. My money is on no leak. Good luck.
jor

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #9 – February 10, 2024, 06:49:42 pm

"Can I use soapy water to look for a leak or..."

Soapy water is okay if you can differentiate between a soap bubble and a gas bubble! There are many clear liquid agents on the market which can be poured over a suspicious leak and you will immediately see a bubble when one appears at a leak point. I use a product called "Snoop".

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #10 – February 10, 2024, 06:57:48 pm

I have used Better Bubble for years to detect leaks, its advantage over soapy water is its ability to detect small leaks that take hours for a bubble to form, soapy water only works for a short period.
Rectorseal 65554 8-Ounce Bottle Better Bubble Leak Locator - Household Paint...

A manometer is good for checking for total system leaks, a sealed system should hold its pressure for many hours.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #11 – February 10, 2024, 09:55:32 pm

Better Bubble is good stuff, and comes with a built-in dauber that makes it easier to apply without creating foam in the process. As Larry said, its ability to linger for extended periods makes it better than soap and water... but in a pinch, use what you have.

(Although I haven't tried this, you could probably make a homebrew solution similar to Better Bubble by adding glycerin to a solution of detergent and water.)

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #12 – February 11, 2024, 04:12:44 pm

When it comes to propane leak detection I’ve had the best luck with good old fashioned Windex. Ymmv.

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #13 – February 12, 2024, 01:47:06 am

This, I think, is the replacement valve you need. I have ordered from two other vendors and they never delivered. Perhaps Walmart will.

MANCHESTER V20373 Propane Tank Valve Cap - Walmart.com

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #14 – February 12, 2024, 12:58:31 pm

"...most of these articles refer to DOT type (upright) tanks. It's not clear to me whether the same advice applies to ASME (horizontal) tanks such as the ones in most Lazy Dazes. "

Since the rig in question is said to be a Lazy Daze it would follow that the tank is the ASME or horizontal style. Mine, and others, have the valve screwed directly to the side of the tank! I'd expect that a valve built for a vertical tank would NOT work.

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #15 – February 12, 2024, 02:56:33 pm

Quote from: hbn7hj - February 12, 2024, 01:47:06 am

This, I think, is the replacement valve you need. I have ordered from two other vendors and they never delivered. Perhaps Walmart will.

MANCHESTER V20373 Propane Tank Valve Cap - Walmart.com

I believe that is the correct valve, see the message below about when Joan T. had her propane valve replaced.
Propane tank service valve

Larry

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #16 – February 12, 2024, 03:17:29 pm

Quote from: Lazy Bones - February 12, 2024, 12:58:31 pm

Since the rig in question is said to be a Lazy Daze it would follow that the tank is the ASME or horizontal style.

The older LD's (such as my and Andy's 1985's) did have a vertical, removable DOT type tank. You can see the tank's vented exterior compartment door on the driver-side at about the 2 minute mark in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd-t_k9eJT8

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #17 – February 12, 2024, 04:25:36 pm

Vertical tank???

Okay, took a brain fart to remember that far back but the clouds cleared for just a moment, thanks for that!

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #18 – February 12, 2024, 04:52:11 pm

"The older LD's (such as my and Andy's 1985's) did have a vertical, removable DOT type tank."

And boy, was it a pain! It was crammed into a tight compartment, so it was very difficult to get in and out... and it weighed a ton when full.

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #19 – February 12, 2024, 06:47:03 pm

I was hoping you had a photo to share, Andy, thanks! Yeah, they were a PITA to deal with. 😖

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #20 – February 12, 2024, 07:24:09 pm

Jane and Scott presently with an '89 (not for long, ordered a trailer) had such a tank. Full load of about 7 gallons at 4.5 #/g = 30#. Could be a 45 pound handful when you count in a steel tank. And they have to be re-certified every 12 years. ASME tanks, (built better and more expensive) don't need a recertification, unless you think it should be inspected. Last I saw it was about $900 to buy a new 17 gallon tank. RonB

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #21 – February 13, 2024, 02:49:37 pm

Quote from: RonB - February 12, 2024, 07:24:09 pm

Full load of about 7 gallons at 4.5 #/g = 30#. Could be a 45 pound handful when you count in a steel tank. And they have to be re-certified every 12 years.
ASME tanks, (built better and more expensive) don't need a recertification, unless you think it should be inspected.

Our 1983 FL had one of those 65-lb monsters, a gut buster.
The later ASME horizontal tanks may not need to be recertified but they do need maintenance,
Almost everyone I have looked at has rust. The epoxy paint is tough, but water gets under the paint once chipped and continues to rust.
I scrape the loose paint off, treat the rust with Naval Jelly, and then repaint using a matching spray enamel.
Amazon.com: Loctite Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver, 8 fl oz, Bottle : Automotive

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Propane valve leaks when opened

Reply #22 – February 13, 2024, 05:00:42 pm

Thanks Larry; I should have mentioned that. My pic of my friends LPG tank behind the front passenger wheel on an older MidBath. I repainted mine but didn't take a picture. It wasn't as bad, protected from the duals on the driverside better. The Lazy Daze moved the tank on the midbath about 2006 to that same location as my 'TK. The runs in the paint are added protection! RonB

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