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SirBenji's avatar
SirBenji
Explorer
Jul 04, 2016

Propane Leak?

Hi all,
Just took my 1976 Coachman Cadet travel trailer out for the first time of the year this weekend and noticed a lingering propane smell in the unit. I did a little research and don't have a leak detector alarm on my unit (Don't worry, I will be installing one. Is coming in the mail.)

We thought it was just the propane fridge "getting itself going" since it was the first time we used it this year. The fridge/freezer stayed cold all weekend so I don't think it was ammonia. I've read somewhere that it could be the smelling agent they put in propane? I have two 50 pound propane tanks that I filled at the start of last season and haven't refilled yet this year.

I was doing some renos putting up some wallboard in the bathroom (next to fridge) but didn't think there was anything propane wise I would have ruptured on the side of the fridge?

I shut the gas off at the end of the weekend and after a 4 hour drive home the smell was very strong in the trailer. Much worse than on the weekend. The smell was never really strong or even concerning otherwise we would have just shut the gas off.

I'm going to trouble shoot the lines tonight, but though I would throw it out to you all to see if you might have any ideas??

Thanks!

6 Replies

  • darsben1 wrote:
    Pilot light valve on stove not shut off


    Pilot light is controlled by knob on stove. That along with the burners are all in the off position. First thing I checked so that can't be it.

    I'll leak test from the tanks and everywhere I can see. I'll do the manometer thing as well. Worth a shot! Thanks!
  • Do a nearly professional system check:
    Make a manometer - get a yard stick, some clear tubing and rubber bands. Strap the tubing to the yard stick and put water in it.
    Dismount a stove burner.
    Plug the tubing on the jet - the brass part that sticks out when the burner is removed.
    Turn the gas on.
    Turn that burner on.
    The water should shift so the difference in levels is about 11".
    Turn the gas off at the tank.
    Walk away and don't come back for a long time.
    Are the water columns still where they were?
    If yes, you don't have a leak.
    If no, find the leak.

    Matt
  • Gas knob on stove accidentally turned on? Happened to me...
  • Leak test the entire system, including the regulator.
    If you enter the trailer again, and the smell is still present after days of having the tanks disconnected, you know you have a leak in the fridge.

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