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houtrz's avatar
houtrz
Explorer
Apr 17, 2017

1987 Grand Villa propane problem

A buddy of mine just bought a 1987 Grand Villa. This is his first RV so he asked if I could help him go over a few things. The coach has a propane generator and that runs fine but all the other propane appliances will not work on propane (fridge, hot water, furnace). Looking at the tank, there are two regulators, one large one for the genny and a smaller one for all other appliances. The smaller one has a solenoid right on the regulator and we assume its not opening. What has to be satisfied in order to open that solenoid?
  • Those are usually controlled by an LP detector, so look for one and turn it on.
  • The ORIGINAL system had an LP detector inside that has a switch on it. The Detector HAD to be ON for that solenoid to open. MOST of the time, the inside detector is too OLD or is bad. There is no code or requirement you have to have a LP detector/solenoid system Most people remove that solenoid. The only exception is if you cannot get to the LP tank manual On/Off Valve without crawling underneath the motorhome. In those cases you must have a electric remote shut off switch for the solenoid. BUT, THAT solenoid is between the Tank valve and the LP regulator. IF your solenoid is after the regulator, just remove it. Doug
  • Chris Bryant wrote:
    Those are usually controlled by an LP detector, so look for one and turn it on.


    Odds are the LP detector inside is way out of date and needs replaced anyway. Doug
  • houtrz wrote:
    A buddy of mine just bought a 1987 Grand Villa. This is his first RV so he asked if I could help him go over a few things. The coach has a propane generator and that runs fine but all the other propane appliances will not work on propane (fridge, hot water, furnace). Looking at the tank, there are two regulators, one large one for the genny and a smaller one for all other appliances. The smaller one has a solenoid right on the regulator and we assume its not opening. What has to be satisfied in order to open that solenoid?


    Info you have gotten is likely the solution.

    Would love to see a picture of that "Beauty" - Remember just loving the look back in the Day.

    Best of Luck,

    ps Pic's on line
  • Thanks for the replies, I'll let my buddy know. I don't have any pictures of his rig, I don't have one to compare to but for thirty years old I don't think it was in bad shape. Front water tank has been leaking for a while and has a soft spot in the floor about a foot square. Runs great. I have always wanted one to gut and convert it to a day use/tail gate rig
  • Busskipper wrote:
    Would love to see a picture of that "Beauty" - Remember just loving the look back in the Day.

    Best of Luck,

    ps Pic's on line


    That is a good looking vintage motorhome. My '84 isn't that fancy (no LP alarm/valve interaction). Pretty cool (or a pain the butt, depending on how you look at it).