Greasy propane?

[RRinNFla]

Was experiencing low propane flow. The oven would light, but not stay lit. Same problem with furnace. Since we are on the road, we ended up at Camping World.

CW replaced both regulators and the problem is resolved.

Here are my questions. The CW tech said that he thought the problem with the regulators was caused by greasy or oily propane.

1. Is that possible, or is that something the CW tech made up?
2. Is it a common problem?
3. How do I protect myself in the future?

[red31]

Plasticizers leach from propane hoses, especially the part that experiences high pressure and temp.

https://www.propanecouncil.org/uploadedFiles/Council/Research_and_Development/FS_11297%20Propane%20F...

[3_tons]

What often appears to be yellowish slick oily residue in propane is actually the carry over of a caustic solution (sodium hydroxide) used in a final stage counter-flow process to rid commercial propane of any remaining sulphur compounds...Any residue should be tested with ph paper to determine whether it is corrosive...

3 tons

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Refinery LPG valves need to be lubed. So refiners inject x ounces of heavy lubricant per thousands of gallons of LPG.

A new LPG bottle may weigh 18 pounds. Ten years later it may weigh 24 pounds with zero pressure. Guess what's inside sitting on the bottom? Refineries have liquid traps that almost work. The gas dries out the lubricant over a long period of time and it becomes wax like.

I have cleaned a 100 pound cylinder with a gallon of acetone soaking for a couple of weeks. Then a jouncy ride on a desert track, dig a hole and tip the cylinder upside down with the valve open.

Gloves and disposable clothing. The odorant was so intense it smelled like an industrial accident -- not recommended.

[BB_TX]

RRinNFla wrote:
Doug. I have a fifth wheel, so there is a step down regulator on the street side, and the switchover regulator on the curb side. I think both tanks were filled by the same vendor.

I think most, if not all, 5ers are going to have the two regulators if the propane tanks are mounted on opposite sides of the trailer. Required by NFPA and RVIA.

My high pressure (step down) regulator developed a slow leak and there was oily/waxy residue around the vent hole where it was exiting.

[SDcampowneroper]

Yes we had it happen on a TT we had wintered over in in Canada, the next summer down south we couldnt get propane flow. the steel propane pipes were full of a dark yellowish grease. We had to replace the regulator, flush the piping with solvent. Luckily no other issues.

The down south propane supplier spoke of 'condensates' in the propane that condense at low pressure. He couldnt explain how or why, its a refinery issue.

[RRinNFla]

Doug. I have a fifth wheel, so there is a step down regulator on the street side, and the switchover regulator on the curb side. I think both tanks were filled by the same vendor.

[pigman1]

I had the same problem on a 2008 Allegro Bus. When I pulled the main regulator there was a black, oily substance in it that was very obvious. Since the regulator wasn't that expensive and it was easy to change, I figured trying to flush out the gunk wasn't worth the effort. As it happens, I never had the problem again, so I guess it was a good decision.

[SoundGuy]

Google "heavy ends" and you'll find enough to keep you busy reading for months. 😉

[dougrainer]

There is only 1 main regulator. Replacing the Range/Oven regulator was probably not needed. WHY did they replace the Oven/Range regulator? Oil in a LP system does happen, but the oil can be seen. They should have showed you the old regulator with the brown oily film IF it was contaminated LP. IF the Oven regulator had OIL, then your system needs flushed(Expensive). Oil getting downstream is highly unusual. Usually just the Main regulator catches and stops oil intrusion. The simple answer is, the LP regulator failed and it just needed to be replaced, no Oil or anything else. Doug

[Lwiddis]

Greasy propane. That’s a new one for me.