Mysterious Propane "Leak"

JimK-NY wrote:
John, thanks for the impressive detailed information. I know for sure I would like to avoid tackling all of these possible issues. At this point I am trying to assess the amount of leakage. I weighed my primary tank and have had it opened for 10 days. In another couple of weeks, I will do a weight check. I did check the HW heater again and think there is a very, very faint odor. So if I decide to do more checking and possible repairs, I will start there.

Thanks again.

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the good words.

What are your thoughts on what you will do with your 10 day weight loss test when you find the number? What will you declare as good or bad? As I said above, anytime I check an older camper LP system, odds are high something has a fine leak or leaks that can fail the standard pressure drop test. Once you know, you sort of have to go hunting and find it and correct it.

I agree, the water heater gas valve is suspect, you can move the gas burner tube off the end of the valve, charge the system with gas, and use leak solution on the brass tip of the valve. If it blows bubbles, it leaks. Odds are favorable, yours will have some level of leak.

Here is a post of mine from March of 2006 when I started into chasing camper LP leaks. It also shows capping off appliances to hunt down what is causing what leak or leaks. There is some good info there and some real good responses from other posters which may help you. https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/17306270/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

An interesting one is by Chris Bryant almost all the way down the second page where he posted that about leak rate on the water heater valve. See here for a direct link to it. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/17306270/gotomsg/17334969.cfm#17334969

Hope this helps and let us know how you come out on this.

John