So my LP regulator failed again, after having been replaced less than a year ago. My mechanic showed it to me as he pulled it off. Oil came running out of it! And he thinks that's why it failed. So now I'm wondering, how did the oil get in there??? I've been filling the tank with "Autogas", which is perhaps 80 percent butane and 20 percent propane. I don't think the butane should be a problem, it should just burn about 10 percent hotter than regular propane. I also can't find any information on the web that indicates that oil is added to the Autogas (which could have made sense, since autogas lubricates an ICE less than gasoline).One theory I have is that Winnebago puts oil in the LP system for preservation, and that this should be drained out before using the RV?

Interesting.When I lived in the Dominican Republic we had an automobile that ran on Autogas (LPG) and we always filled our portable tanks for Camping at the GAZ station.Never had a problem. Never noticed any oil either. Could it be a country specific thing?Only thing I can think to do is put an inline filter in.AS for your theory about Winnebago putting oil in. I doubt it is a usual practice.YOUR location states Japan. If you PM me I would be happy to contact Winnebago for you and see what they say. With the time difference it might be a PIA for you to try.Let me know

The oil isn't added. In this case, oil is a (contaminate) by-product hydrocarbon that comes along with the butane/propane mix. Some distributors deliver pourer quality gas which contains a higher quantity of natural occurring oil.

When setting a tank for a construction heater or similar system, it is a good practice to use afirst stage regulator located near the tank that is set at 10 to 30 psig. It has been found that ifhigh pressure vapor is allowed to sit in long flexible hoses and re-condenses during coldweather, an unusually large amount of oily residue can be carried over to the burner regulator,orifices, and piping. A small amount of oily residue is usually not a problem. However,large amounts of oily residue can cause problems with regulators and burners. Use a sediment trap downstream of vapor regulators to catch oil and heavy-ends. A sedimenttrap is used on some appliances as required in NFPA 54

All,thanks for the very good inputs. That's definitely something to think about. This sounds like it should be a very well known problem then, so it's surprising that the LP regulator isn't made with a sediment trap or similar built-in.If the problem is only when high pressure vapor is allowed to sit, perhaps it would be good practice to get the vapor out before winter storage? I could simply close the main shut off valve and use the stove until the lines are empty.

Change dealers w were you buy your LPTheir supplied is contaminated and so is their tankFind another dealer hopefully with a supplier that has produces cleaner LP

2nd LP regulator fail in 2 years - oil in regulator!!?

oyly
Explorer
Jun 27, 2016
dougrainer and darsben1,

Thank you both for your help. I'm in touch with Winnebago regarding new hoses, and also looking for a replacement regulator with built in sediment trap, or a sediment trap that I'll add on. I'll keep checking if oil is collecting and keep troubleshooting until it stops. Hopefully that should be the end of the regulator failures.
darsben1
Explorer
Jun 27, 2016
dougrainer wrote:
This recall is for the hose to be replaced and the LP regulator and the Oven/range regulator. In addition they install a drain drip pipe for the LP oil to get trapped without affecting the LP gas going to the system. It is NOT oil leaching from the hoses. there is no oil to be leached from the hoses. They replace the hoses and the other parts to get rid of the contamination. The contamination is from the LP supply. That is why I asked. Hoses do not leach oil. Doug

Guess that is between the op and Winnebago now. I called, I asked and I got an answer.
My part is done.
Maybe you can take over helping the OP as I know nothing about oil contamination in GAZ. You seem to be well versed so have at it.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jun 27, 2016
This recall is for the hose to be replaced and the LP regulator and the Oven/range regulator. In addition they install a drain drip pipe for the LP oil to get trapped without affecting the LP gas going to the system. It is NOT oil leaching from the hoses. there is no oil to be leached from the hoses. They replace the hoses and the other parts to get rid of the contamination. The contamination is from the LP supply. That is why I asked. Hoses do not leach oil. Doug
darsben1
Explorer
Jun 27, 2016
dougrainer wrote:
darsben1 wrote:
TO THE OP:
I CONTACTED WINNEBAGO THIS AM.
Yes it can be a Winnebago problem. Depending on model there was a big recall of Winnies for defective rubber hoses.
The oil in the hose was leaching out of the lines and flowing to the regulator and clogging the regulator. Cure was new hoses.

See my PM for more information and contact details at Winnebago

Where did you get that it is oil contamination from the hoses. The recall I am aware of, is, the crimp fitting on the hi pressure side may leak, NOT that the oil leached from the LP hose. Doug

"Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Winnebago Era, Travato, View, Trend, Via, Journey, and Tour motorhomes and Itasca Navion, Viva, Reyo, Meridian, and Elipse motorhomes manufactured June 26, 2012, to August 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the high pressure liquid propane (LP) hose may harden and result in an LP leak at the crimp fitting".

AS I SAID at the request of the OP I contacted Winnebago Industries this A.M. The person I spoke to; whose name I obtained told me that "they had a problem with oil in the hose was leaching out of the lines and flowing to the regulator and clogging the regulator. Cure was new hoses." He further stated Winnebago had a recall and sent letters to all affected owners. My guess is they missed the O.P. maybe because of his location.
I have sent the info to the OP so he and Winnebago can hook up
wolfe10
Explorer
Jun 27, 2016
Yup, two separate issues.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jun 27, 2016
darsben1 wrote:
TO THE OP:
I CONTACTED WINNEBAGO THIS AM.
Yes it can be a Winnebago problem. Depending on model there was a big recall of Winnies for defective rubber hoses.
The oil in the hose was leaching out of the lines and flowing to the regulator and clogging the regulator. Cure was new hoses.

See my PM for more information and contact details at Winnebago

Where did you get that it is oil contamination from the hoses. The recall I am aware of, is, the crimp fitting on the hi pressure side may leak, NOT that the oil leached from the LP hose. Doug

"Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Winnebago Era, Travato, View, Trend, Via, Journey, and Tour motorhomes and Itasca Navion, Viva, Reyo, Meridian, and Elipse motorhomes manufactured June 26, 2012, to August 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the high pressure liquid propane (LP) hose may harden and result in an LP leak at the crimp fitting".
darsben1
Explorer
Jun 27, 2016
TO THE OP:
I CONTACTED WINNEBAGO THIS AM.
Yes it can be a Winnebago problem. Depending on model there was a big recall of Winnies for defective rubber hoses.
The oil in the hose was leaching out of the lines and flowing to the regulator and clogging the regulator. Cure was new hoses.

See my PM for more information and contact details at Winnebago
BigSkyBob
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
Google "Heavy-end contaminants of LP gas", this will offer some explanation of why your regulator failed. The heavy-end "oil" will destroy an LP regulator unless certain precautions are employed.
booty51
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
Agree with Wizzard, Kettner and Pierce your propane is contaminated and you need to change suppliers. Try and set up trap as dougrainer is telling you. I have worked with propane for years , their should be no oil residue in the propane. After you use up that propane your tank needs to be dropped and cleaned. BE extremely careful working with propane it is extremely flammable and the liquid propane is extremely cold when released as a liquid ,sub zero temperature causing frost bite to exposed skin. Make sure you soap check all fittings looking for leaks.
mpierce
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016
Change suppliers. But, your system is contaminated. Should get cleaned.

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2nd LP regulator fail in 2 years - oil in regulator!!?

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