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msgtearley's avatar
msgtearley
Explorer
Aug 06, 2014

Automatic switch over on propane tanks

I have 2 30 pound tanks, both are full. when the one on the right runs out and I try to switch over to the one on the left, I can not get any propane to flow. It is just like the tank on the left is empty, which it is not. I have taken the tank from the left and put it on the right and it works fine. I just am not sure what is preventing the propane from flowing from the left. A regulator is hooked up to the tank on the left and then it goes to the switch over valve. Any ideas on how I can check out the regulator and the switch over valve?

19 Replies

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  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 06, 2014
    Could be a stuck check valve in the pigtail that connects valve to the tank.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Aug 06, 2014
    I sure like my FW, where the 2 propane tanks are side x side with a single valve T'd between them.

    Lyle
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 06, 2014
    Your RED regulator is bad. They reduce cylinder pressure down to 30# and then feed across rig to other side and main regulator.
  • jdgreen42's avatar
    jdgreen42
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2014
    The safety valve on the affected tank is likely stuck in the closed position. Disconnect the pigtail hose, be sure the tank valve is turned OFF. Insert a small flat screwdriver in the opening against the valve seat and give it a quick rap with the palm of your hand. Be sure the valve is OFF before you try this. You should hear a quick short hiss. Reconnect your pigtail and open the tank valve SLOWLY. It should work as normal.
  • mwool's avatar
    mwool
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2014
    At 9 years ghere is a strong possibility the switch over valve is bad.
  • msgtearley's avatar
    msgtearley
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2014
    waltbennett wrote:
    Do you have one of those red secondary regulators on the line to the side that you can't get flow from? If you open the tank valve too quickly, it may think you've a leak and shut off.


    I do have the red regulator, but I have changed the tank and opened the valve a little, all the way and every other way I can think of. Thanks for the idea.
  • msgtearley's avatar
    msgtearley
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2014
    mwool wrote:
    How old is the switch over valve


    Switch over valve is 9 years old.
  • waltbennett's avatar
    waltbennett
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2014
    Do you have one of those red secondary regulators on the line to the side that you can't get flow from? If you open the tank valve too quickly, it may think you've a leak and shut off.

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