I have a propane only water heater it is location in the very rear on the TT (32'6"). Every time we go out I have to bleed to air out of the propane lines by lighting the stove located in the middle. In preparation for our trip in a few weeks, I was checking everything out including the WH.First tried lighting the stove. Could here something coming out but would not light and actually the air would cause the lighter to go out. After about 5 minutes got them to light. Let them run for about 5minutes.Then I turned on frig on propane (next to stove) and it lit almost immediately. Let this run for 5 or so minutes and is still running before trying WH.Checked for water, then turned the electric igniter on. Turned to know to pilot and held town button for several minutes and nothing happens. Turn everything off wait 5minutes and try again, still nothing.Usually I run into this a camp where I have to wait until the next morning before I can get the WH to light. Usually we do not run the frig while travelling as most of our trips are short.Does anyone have any advice as to how to resolve this issue? Am I doing something wrong in my procedure?

IMO sounds normal, I have the same issue but my fridge is the longest distance from the tank and after lighting the stove and getting things flowing it still takes several attempts before the fridge will stay on.

When lighting water heaters I cheat by heating up the thermocouple directly (right above the pilot). Then turn the valve to "ON" and the air/gas purges in seconds. Be sure to have the flame in there when the gas is on so it can't build up!

Checked for water, then turned the electric igniter on. Turned to know to pilot and held town button for several minutes and nothing happens. Turn everything off wait 5minutes and try again, still nothingI don't understand this comment if I am reading it right. It seems to say you turn your HWH control to a pilot position and push a button down. With a rig as new as yours with an electronic ignition it should be just flip the switch the switch on. There is no manual pilot light which seems to be what you are describingGetting the furthest appliance to light with the delays you describe sound normal. In order to avoid the issue once you get to camp just leave your propane system pressurizered (whether or not you actually run with refer on or not) by leaving the propane tank valves open which will keep the system pressuized. Everything should light instantly once at camp.

Okay, i thought i was loosing my mind. Thanks for your help.

Air in propane line | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
May 20, 2013
It is perfectly normal. Solenoid LP valves seal in one direction only, and do not seal perfectly even in that one direction- there is an allowable leak rate for the valves- the no drop in 3 minutes standard is because any leak smaller than that is insignificant. Add to that the fact that a small change in temperature will make a difference in the pressure in the lines, the pressure in the lines can be below atmospheric.
Canadian_Rainbi
Explorer
May 20, 2013
beemerphile1 wrote:
I wouldn't consider it normal. Unless I have removed a cylinder I have LPG at my appliances instantly. You need to put a manometer on the system and do some testing, something is wrong.

X2 I suspect a slow leak somewhere letting the system drain down.
beemerphile1
Explorer
May 20, 2013
I wouldn't consider it normal. Unless I have removed a cylinder I have LPG at my appliances instantly. You need to put a manometer on the system and do some testing, something is wrong.
mich800
Explorer
May 20, 2013
I am not sure this is normal. OP says this happens every time they camp. I have had to bleed air at the beginning of the season when the tanks are initially installed but never on an ongoing basis.
tpi
Explorer
May 20, 2013
wa8yxm wrote:
Tell me this. in a sealed system, with the tanks connected HOW does air get into the propane lines? I mean they are under pressure (ok so it's only 1/2 PSI) but still, air goes towards areas of LOWER pressure. not higher.

I found this a mystery too. On my former trailer I'd have to turn on a stove burner, listen to it hiss and restrike it over and over till it lit in about 45 seconds. Then I'd move on to the fridge which also took some time for the air to purge.

On my current class C, everything lights instantly even if it has sit a month.

Why is this?
wa8yxm
Explorer III
May 19, 2013
Tell me this. in a sealed system, with the tanks connected HOW does air get into the propane lines? I mean they are under pressure (ok so it's only 1/2 PSI) but still, air goes towards areas of LOWER pressure. not higher.
BayouBoys
Explorer
May 19, 2013
Okay, i thought i was loosing my mind. Thanks for your help.
hmknightnc
Explorer
May 19, 2013
Checked for water, then turned the electric igniter on. Turned to know to pilot and held town button for several minutes and nothing happens. Turn everything off wait 5minutes and try again, still nothing

I don't understand this comment if I am reading it right. It seems to say you turn your HWH control to a pilot position and push a button down. With a rig as new as yours with an electronic ignition it should be just flip the switch the switch on. There is no manual pilot light which seems to be what you are describing

Getting the furthest appliance to light with the delays you describe sound normal. In order to avoid the issue once you get to camp just leave your propane system pressurizered (whether or not you actually run with refer on or not) by leaving the propane tank valves open which will keep the system pressuized. Everything should light instantly once at camp.
wnjj
Explorer II
May 19, 2013
When lighting water heaters I cheat by heating up the thermocouple directly (right above the pilot). Then turn the valve to "ON" and the air/gas purges in seconds. Be sure to have the flame in there when the gas is on so it can't build up!
donn0128
Explorer II
May 19, 2013
Totally normal..