I have dual 30-lb tanks and an AUTO-CHANGEOVER TWO STAGE PROPANE REGULATOR (similar to model #6020/F273766 made by Enerco). My Tank #1 is directly connected to the auto-changeover regulator, and Tank #2's output goes thru another propane regulator before connecting to the auto-changeover regulator. (Tank #2 is on the other side of the trailer from the auto-changeover regulator.)
In May of this year, #2's regulator began leaking thru its vent port, and I replaced it.
Last week I needed to refill the #1 tank so I pointed the switch on the auto-changeover reg. to the #2 tank. I also shut off the #1 tank and disconnected the pig tail. As soon as I disconnected the pigtail, gas leaked from it. I have since found that this is normal as I need to cap off the pigtail or shutoff the other tank too, which I did.
When I returned with a full #1 tank, I hooked it up and opened the tank valve. Gas immediately started flowing at a large rate from the vent on the #2 tank's regulator. The gas stopped flowing when I pointed the switch back to the #1 tank.
So here's what I know:
Both tanks are full.
Either tank will provide gas without any leaking if I select it and open only that tank's valve. However, the red flag on the auto-changeover reg. will only go away if the #1 tank is selected. (The red flag is supposed to indicate an empty tank.) Gas flows OK from the #2 tank - it's just that the red flag incorrectly indicates an empty tank.
With #2 tank selected and only its valve open, there are no leaks. If I then open the valve on the #1 tank, gas flows (leaks) from the #2 tank's regulator vent.
I think the fact that gas is flowing from the vent on the #2 tank's reg. under any circumstances indicates a bad regulator (again). I have a new one on order.
But what about the auto-changeover reg.? Do any of the symptoms indicate that it may also be bad?
Final question:
Assuming that the auto-changeover reg. is intended to have two tanks directly connected to it, why is there a separate regulator on the (remotely located) Tank #2? Is this because the propane line runs thru the interior of the trailer to get to the auto-changeover reg, and they only want low pressure gas routed thru the trailer (for safety reasons)?
2015 Crossroads Rushmore Springfield
2015 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax