Gas leak on Atwood 8531-I’ve dclp

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I have experienced 2 propane leaks where the copper line cracked at the flair.

Richard

Did u solve it?

The furnace has a "soleniod" valve on it. Those are operated with electricity, and can leak. I wanna say they are about $40 or so, and can be replaced, so if the unit is old this could be a likely source of the leak, very hard to find with soap bubbles.

What is this red spray mentioned previously?

On an older trailer I had, my dad said he could smell the propane when the furnace was running. Later I found the furnace shut-off valve was leaking through the valve stem. It was worse when I pushed down on the valve stem. I shut off the propane at the cylinder. Since I was running the generator for his CPAP I plugged in a small ceramic heater to keep us warm the rest of the night.

Received new valve assembly for the furnace and installed. Tested outside RV first. No leaks detected and no gas smell. Started furnace ok.

Gas leak detector spray
Order online,
RV store,
Hardware store
Red stuff in finger pump spray bottle
Better than soapy water

With the 8531 furnace could be leaking at gas input on far right. With all my 8531 "issues" no propane leaks in the furnace itself--but:

Did have gas leak from failed valve in the WH (valve was stuck open) plus there is also the gas input on the far left (on my WH)

Since the OP has his WH above the furnace, and propane is heavier than air, it could be coming from the WH?

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Detector-Portable-Combustible-Explosive/dp/B07FSVCSSL/ref=pd_aw_vtp_469_2/132-9171025-7416629?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07FSVCSSL&pd_rd_r=86ac18b8-895a-46ed-8e76-f6b077c1068e&pd_rd_w=b1RSB&pd_rd_wg=JHhKu&pf_rd_p=16f3f206-b34a-49c6-afa1-8572cbe946bf&pf_rd_r=86NKQ1GCP4C712HGVBSS&psc=1&refRID=86NKQ1GCP4C712HGVBSS
Cheap knock off one.

Bubble size will be dependent on the leak size. And yes it can be easilly missed if not soapy enough or applied throughout. Smell, is the giveaway. Check all the lines also, after checking the fittings. Good idea to tighten the fittings also, then check for again. You can turn off the propane, tighten it up , then see if you still have a smell. Amazon has knock off leakatoers, there not expensive but i have no idea how well the work. The good ones are like 300$

RV LP SYSTEM is only .39 psi (11"WC)

So bubbles would be very small but odor can be very noticeable

Gas valves can leak thru
So you can check using SOAPY solution on connections/fittings to gas valve valve but furnace side of gas valve not so much

Bubbles can be used on fridge/water heater gas valves cause those are accessible W/O disassembly
SOAPY solution NEEDS to be thoroughly rinsed off


Gas Leak Detector best for checking furnace gas valve