I had problems with my 20 year old propane regulator, so I put on a new one two weeks ago. It worked beautifully. Yesterday, I got a propane refill. Since then, I have had problems. At first there was no propane getting through to any function. I decided to tap the new regulator in case something inside was sticking. Since then, a very small amount of propane has been able to get through. For example, I can light one of the stove burners, and it will light, but go out due to a lack of propane in about 7 or 8 seconds. Anyone know what I can do? Do I need another new regulator? Was it overfilled? Would poor propane have caused this? I am at a loss, and I am an amateur when it comes to anything mechanical or technical.Help.Ken

It sounds like you have tripped the excess flow valves in the pigtails- close the cylinder valves, bleed the pressure off, and open the valves sloooowly.

Chris Bryant wrote:It sounds like you have tripped the excess flow valves in the pigtails- close the cylinder valves, bleed the pressure off, and open the valves sloooowly.Exactly.

Regulator 20 yrs old....then hoses probably old also.Get new pigtail hoses

I just turned off the propane with the valve, then opened the little square bleeding valve and let out quite a bit of air. Then slowly turned the valve on. Didn't make much of a difference. Still the same. Should I bleed out more? How serious are the hoses?Ken

Rubber pigtails - those going from regulator to cylinder - have been known to fail after 8-10 years in Southwest due to heat and UV exposure. Propane leaks through the cracked rubber, tripping that excess flow valve. Time to replace the hose.

propane problems | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

time2roll
Nomad
Jan 30, 2017
Maybe go back to the filling station and ask what they did to it?
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 30, 2017
SCVJeff wrote:
Why isn't anyone bringing up the possibility that the new regulator is simply dead? Sure won't be the first time

Maybe because new reg worked OK for 2 weeks and then OP had tank refilled......after which LIMITED propane flow
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jan 29, 2017
Why isn't anyone bringing up the possibility that the new regulator is simply dead? Sure won't be the first time
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 29, 2017
Could have an Excess Flow Device in fitting on regulator.

Close 'Vapor/Service' valve on tank
Wait about 30 seconds and then SLOWLY open Vapor/Service Valve
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2017
Ann, new info... Now I would bet that there is an oil buildup in the system- hopefully in the first hose after the regulator.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Jan 29, 2017
artitude wrote:
I just turned off the propane with the valve, then opened the little square bleeding valve and let out quite a bit of air. Then slowly turned the valve on. Didn't make much of a difference. Still the same. Should I bleed out more? How serious are the hoses?
Ken

You did it WRONG is what he's telling you.

To bleed, you must shut off the valve, and turn on a burner till the
pressure is gone, then slowly open the valve again.

Leave the fill bleed valve off.
artitude
Explorer
Jan 29, 2017
I have a 1996 Class A Fleetwood Bounder with Horizontal ASME 24 Gallon tank.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 29, 2017
artitude wrote:
I just turned off the propane with the valve, then opened the little square bleeding valve and let out quite a bit of air. Then slowly turned the valve on. Didn't make much of a difference. Still the same. Should I bleed out more? How serious are the hoses?
Ken

THAT 'bleed valve' is used when filling .....leave it CLOSED
(that wasn't AIR it was propane vapor)

Do you have a trailer/5th wheel or A Motorhome?

Trailers have 'cylinders.....usually 2 with a hose (pigtail) going from each to the regulator

Motorhomes have 'tank'.....with hose going to regulator

Pigtails have the Excess Flow Device (ball bearing check valve) inside the big nut.
They 'trip' to limit propane flow.....but can get stuck/fail especially when hoses are old.
Almot
Explorer III
Jan 29, 2017
Rubber pigtails - those going from regulator to cylinder - have been known to fail after 8-10 years in Southwest due to heat and UV exposure. Propane leaks through the cracked rubber, tripping that excess flow valve. Time to replace the hose.
artitude
Explorer
Jan 29, 2017
I just turned off the propane with the valve, then opened the little square bleeding valve and let out quite a bit of air. Then slowly turned the valve on. Didn't make much of a difference. Still the same. Should I bleed out more? How serious are the hoses?
Ken

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propane problems

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