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ret_usn's avatar
ret_usn
Explorer
Aug 23, 2017

Propane smell

I can smell propane slight odor, It is coming from the furnace vent outside. I have checked all tank connections and all fittings including furnace gas fitting and regulator with a soap solution. No odor in the camper and only around the furnace vent outside. I just purchased this unit a couple of weeks ago and finally tracked the odor down. Alarm does not go off inside and there is no smell inside. I did lite the furnace to check operation. I also know the tank that is in use is almost empty. Not sure if this is normal or maybe furnace regulator is leaking a small amount into furnace. When I tried it cycle and ignition was normal. Any help or ideas appreciated.

16 Replies

  • This is not a new camper. 2004 r vision trail lite. No smell inside. only smell it outside at the furnace vent outside.
  • X2 on the low tank level smell. Never understood why but it happens.
  • I can smell propane slight odor, It is coming from the furnace vent outside


    Some furnace's are placed under the stove. Is yours?

    If so check all the knobs on your stove. Albiet propane seeks the lowest level it still can be pulled up thru the vent too. Either way check the stove knobs!

    I have had them get bumped into the on position more times than I care to admit.
  • RUN it.....get it good and hot and burn off mfg. oils

    Using a close to empty propane can have 'enhanced' odor due to higher concentration of the ethyl mercaptan



    Gas valves can leak by...RARE due to only 11"WC (0.4 PSI) in system
  • If what you are smelling is the rotten egg smell of propane there is a very good chance the furnace regulator valve is weeping by. To verify you would have to remove the heater then the regulator valve and bubble check the orifice from the valve with LP connected. It should close off tightly even if you LP is low.

    As a retired HVAC technician I have come across this a few times. More so when I changed over to become an appliance repair technician. I've changed more oven valves than HVAC valves for this problem, mainly because House furnaces vent out of a chimney or PVC pipe and less noticeable.
  • Is it possible the odor is from hot metal? When they are new there will be an odor for a while.