Propane Problem

Matt_Colie wrote:
Trap,

The fact that the tank was just filled is telling.

It may be that the tank was actually over filled and so you are not drawing vapor off the surface of the liquid, but are instead trying to draw liquid into the regulator where it then flashes as a result of the pressure drop that happens there. It will do this for a while until the temperature in the regulator gets so low that it actually freezes up. Then you shut down and wait a few minutes and it will work just fine, but for a slightly shorter time. Sound right?

If this fits, here is the easy answer.....
Get a pair of gloves and safety glasses.
There is a little level identifying bleed valve on the side of the tank. Open that up. (That is why you need the glasses and gloves.)
It will probably spit liquid that flashes in the valve. When it starts making a consistent whistle (not really a whistle, but you will know what I mean when you hear it) screw that bleed closed. Give it a few minutes to warm up and then open and close it again because you may have closed it on frost and it isn't really closed. (If this happens, you will smell gas until the tank is empty in a couple of days.)

Did I say "Been There, Done That"?

Matt

You've described the problem really well, so I will give that a try in a couple of days and let you know what happens

I believe that Matt has the right answer. Have had it happen to us once at a uneven fill station.

It could be the regulator. Easy to test and see what WC is.

Did you have the tank filled with Propane or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)? LPG has more energy, but it also vaporizes at a higher temperature. Since you're in Alberta I would guess the temps are near or below the freezing point. Depending on the gas mix in the LPG it might not be vaporizing properly and plugging up the regulator.

The typical LPG mixture is 50% Propane and 50% Butane. Depending on the grade it may not fully vaporize in temperatures below +44*F. Commercial Propane has to be 90% propane by standards. It can contain up to 10% butane or other combustible petroleum gasses. If memory serves correctly it vaporizes down to about -40*F.

Trap,

The fact that the tank was just filled is telling.

It may be that the tank was actually over filled and so you are not drawing vapor off the surface of the liquid, but are instead trying to draw liquid into the regulator where it then flashes as a result of the pressure drop that happens there. It will do this for a while until the temperature in the regulator gets so low that it actually freezes up. Then you shut down and wait a few minutes and it will work just fine, but for a slightly shorter time. Sound right?

If this fits, here is the easy answer.....
Get a pair of gloves and safety glasses.
There is a little level identifying bleed valve on the side of the tank. Open that up. (That is why you need the glasses and gloves.)
It will probably spit liquid that flashes in the valve. When it starts making a consistent whistle (not really a whistle, but you will know what I mean when you hear it) screw that bleed closed. Give it a few minutes to warm up and then open and close it again because you may have closed it on frost and it isn't really closed. (If this happens, you will smell gas until the tank is empty in a couple of days.)

Did I say "Been There, Done That"?

Matt

most propane has a fine oil in the gas… it usually settles to the bottom of the tank. but during movement or refilling it remixes…. a good preventive. is to purge the last little bit of gas from the tank after moving it around to get the oil mixed in…
another method is to install a low point drain in the supply line… on my coach, i placed a 't' fitting where the flex hose connected to the black metal gas line… using the extra fitting to use for the barbecue as needed. otherwise it was the low point drain… as oil would collect in the vertical line under the fitting. between the fitting and the cap on the fitting it would hold about a teaspoon of oil. if the problem was severe you could connect a short capped hose or pipe to hold more oil...

Could be moisture in the tank as well. It'll freeze and plug the line as it leaves the tank and pressure is reduced. Pressure inside the tank prevents the moisture from freezing.

Macktee wrote:
Trap, try getting it to spray out on to your glove. I had a build up of a yellow oil substance in the lines on the old coach, and never did find out where it came from, but also check with the company that filled it and have them come back and check it. Tom

I'll check that out Tom, but unfortunately we're heading south tomorrow morning. Hopefully they'll stand behind it. Although when I bleed it off, all I've seen so far is mist coming off.

Trap, try getting it to spray out on to your glove. I had a build up of a yellow oil substance in the lines on the old coach, and never did find out where it came from, but also check with the company that filled it and have them come back and check it. Tom

Hi,

There may be oil in the lines: oil in propane lines