Automatic Changeover Regulator not changing over

[RKW]

My auto-changeover regulator will not switch sources once the first tank goes empty. The curbside tank will feed until empty, but the driver's side will not flow. I am forced to either lug the empty tank to the LP station or swap the full, driver's side tank over to the bay for the curbside.

OK check out my thinking on this: I can rule out the high-flow safety tank valve (on both tanks) as the culprit because either tank works fine in the curbside bay. True or false? If true, then would that would leave the regulator the most likely suspect?

Thanks for any help given.

[RKW]

Replaced the old regulator valve out with a new one and I still have the same problem! I've changed out everything but the hose that runs from the street side to the curb side. You know the one that runs through the front compartment where the electric jacks are.

[RKW]

Original OP here with a few updates. I changed the pigtail on the street-side. Problem still there. I changed the small, red, regulator in the street-side bay. Problem still there. I will replace the main, curb-side, auto-changeover regulator next.

"I told ya so's" are in order here from some in this thread.

Here is my lessons learned:

1) Apparently many techs say it's a good idea to change your main regulator out every 7 years or so. Mine is 7 years old. For that reason alone I should have disregarded what my troubleshooting efforts were telling me and just replaced it.

2) Because I was never able to see green flags from the street-side cylinder I assumed that the gas was not making it to the curb-side regulator (which is why I changed out the parts I did). Well guess what? That's one of the symptoms of a bad regulator.

Anyway, I'm out a few bucks and time, which I have an abundance of. I'll post back after I replace the regulator. Again, thanks for the replies.

[Old-Biscuit]

Yes...that is the 30# LP Regulator
They FAIL....no flow across to other side

[RKW]

Old-Biscuit wrote:

RKW wrote:
Thanks to those who chimed in on this thread. The comments are appreciated.

I did some more research and discovered that some pigtails, specifically those with the green knobs and sold by Camco, have a device located at the green knob that prevents a sudden large flow of gas in case of a broken gas line. LINK. It looks like mine is said Camco pigtail. I ordered a new pigtail and will replace the driver-side one. I'll post the results after I do this.

All ACME Nuts (Red/Green/Black----color just indicates Flow Ratings)) on pigtail have an 'Excess Flow Device' ...trips if flow downstream increases (leak)
But can also trip if the cylinder OPD valve is Opened too fast....close OPD/Wait 39 seconds/Open SLOWLY


Did you check that 30# Regulator on cross over line???

I've done the slow opening on the tanks dozens of times while troubleshooting the problem.

As far as the 30# Regulator, are you talking about the device located in the bay of the driver-side tank bay? I just noticed it last night. If replacing the pigtail doesn't solve the problem, I'll look at that next.

[Old-Biscuit]

RKW wrote:
Thanks to those who chimed in on this thread. The comments are appreciated.

I did some more research and discovered that some pigtails, specifically those with the green knobs and sold by Camco, have a device located at the green knob that prevents a sudden large flow of gas in case of a broken gas line. LINK. It looks like mine is said Camco pigtail. I ordered a new pigtail and will replace the driver-side one. I'll post the results after I do this.

All ACME Nuts (Red/Green/Black----color just indicates Flow Ratings)) on pigtail have an 'Excess Flow Device' ...trips if flow downstream increases (leak)
But can also trip if the cylinder OPD valve is Opened too fast....close OPD/Wait 39 seconds/Open SLOWLY


Did you check that 30# Regulator on cross over line???

[2oldman]

time2roll wrote:
Otherwise yes I would replace the dual input regulator.

x2

[RKW]

Thanks to those who chimed in on this thread. The comments are appreciated.

I did some more research and discovered that some pigtails, specifically those with the green knobs and sold by Camco, have a device located at the green knob that prevents a sudden large flow of gas in case of a broken gas line. LINK. It looks like mine is said Camco pigtail. I ordered a new pigtail and will replace the driver-side one. I'll post the results after I do this.

[Old-Biscuit]

Which side is opposite where the Auto Change-Over Regulator is?

Is that the cylinder that doesn't flow when other one goes empty?

Red Top Regulator on cross over line has failed.
It takes high cylinder pressure and controls it to 30# in line that goes across front of trailer
*Required when long line is used otherwise if at full cylinder pressure the propane vapor could condense into liquid propane which will ruin your auto change over reg and if liquid gets into LP System it can ruin appliance gas valve

RED TOP Reg has failed....not your auto change over reg.
And YES the lever is for cylinder indication NOT for change over operation

[enblethen]

The valve I am making reference to is in the tank.

[RKW]

time2roll wrote:
The lever should point toward the cylinder you want to empty first.
Yes no matter which way it is pointing the propane should flow until both are empty.

Don't rule out getting new pigtails. They have a check valve that can get jammed up.

Thanks. I just ordered a new pigtail.

[time2roll]

The lever should point toward the cylinder you want to empty first.
Yes no matter which way it is pointing the propane should flow until both are empty.

Don't rule out getting new pigtails. They have a check valve that can get jammed up.

[RKW]

time2roll wrote:
You are moving the lever to point to the other tank right?

Otherwise yes I would replace the dual input regulator. I recommend the Cavagna brand.

I'm confused. The lever need not be moved for the auto feature to work, right?

[time2roll]

You are moving the lever to point to the other tank right?

Otherwise yes I would replace the dual input regulator. I recommend the Cavagna brand.

[RKW]

enblethen wrote:
My first guess is the valve thinks there is a leak in the line. There has to be some back pressure to the valve for it to stay open.

Thanks. Do you know if the safety device that prevents the tank from flowing is located on the tank or in the pigtail?