Forum Discussion

groundhogy's avatar
groundhogy
Explorer
May 03, 2020

Suddenly, rangetop burners not getting propane..

I can light them, but they are weak and will burn out.

-propane fridge happy
-bled tank thinking overfill
-all three burners same problem
-tried the spare 20lb tank (known good, was used previous to this prob)
-hot water heater ok, strong

It seems to be pointing to the range, or the feed to the range?
  • Could be a p-trap in the propane feed line to the range and is filled with oil. I have seen this in the past and it was a problem when cool at night but not so during the heat of the day. At the time I assumed the viscosity of the oil changed with temperature. The most likely place for the trap is where the copper line connects to the propane distribution manifold below the floor of the RV (ie outside)
  • I would put a manometer on the system and check the pressure from the main regulator and then the stove regulator. The alternative is to guess and start throwing parts at it.
  • I seem to remember when my main outside regulator failed...
    I think it was the furnace that was the tip off. It wasn't getting enough propane? The light users were all happy if I recall.

    Is it the heavy users that first show problems when the regulator fails?
  • Thanks for the info..
    I am not there but I had the wife text me pics.

    So it appears as if there is a pressure regulator present. If you lift the range top, you can see the copper propane line entering. It goes first to the regulator, then the regulator feeds a LP service bar/pipe that includes all of the knobs for the range and the oven.

    I will be trying to light the oven when I get home. I didn't think to try this before. We have been having troubles keeping the oven lit lately.........

    I was thinking the oven problem was the pilot heat sensor getting a blanket of carbon on it, so I have been wire brushing it before the oven is used.
    Maybe its the regulator..
  • have you done any repairs in this area? seems real strange for three to go bad.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I would visually inspect as much of the line from the main distribution manufold to the burners as I could. IF the other propane powered stuff is happy. most of the suggestions I have go poof
    You have propane (NOTE Overfill won't bother it)
    The REgulator is working
    If you have a solnoid valve controlled by a gas detector it's open
    Main tank valve is open

    Since you have 3 burners (most stoves) the odds of all THREE valves failing at once approach snowball in a blast furnace (Though I was going elsewhere didn't you.. Same heat). That leaves the orifices (Gas jets) spider webbed or a pinched gas line.
  • Lift stove top and check burner tube connections to manifold......that is where the 'orifices' are.
    They could be clogged, burner tubes clogged


    OR stove top/oven LP Reg has failed.
    It maintains 10"WC for stove & Oven burners provided Main LP System is maintained at 11"WC

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