Propane leak

[waynefi]

My trailer developed a propane leak recently. It was enough to empty a tank in two days. The first time a tank emptied quickly, I thought that the exchange hadn't given me a full one. The second time I started checking, and found a leak in the fitting that connects to the tank. It was enough that I could feel the breeze.

Fortunately, the leak was outside the trailer.

[teddyu]

RJsfishin wrote:
Give it one more tweak w/ the wrench.

Close the isolation valve first and use a non-spark wrench. If you want, disconnect the fitting and lubricate the o-ring on the nipple with some plumbers grease or some liquid soap, then tighten. JM2¢...

[RJsfishin]

Give it one more tweak w/ the wrench.

[epmes]

I found a *very* slow leak where the valve attaches to the tank. It takes about 20 seconds for it to blow a small, 1cm bubble. My tank still shows full; not sure how long I've had this. How do I seal it?

[mlts22]

I use a propane detector wand, then glycerin to find the bubbly spot (glycerin is better than soapy water since it won't corrode if it isn't wiped off immediately.)

When I do that, I tell people I'm doing the Zippo test to check for propane leaks... they then give my rig a wide berth, so I can work without interruptions.

[beemerphile1]

Chris Bryant wrote:
A manometer is good for leaks downstream of the regulator, but they are not useful for high pressure leaks, like at the tank.

True that, good point.

[Chris_Bryant]

A manometer is good for leaks downstream of the regulator, but they are not useful for high pressure leaks, like at the tank.

[beemerphile1]

westend wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:
I check mine with a manometer.

Do you have a link to the manometer? I'm looking for one.

Made my own. Only cost a few bucks for the plastic tubing. Got the info here;
http://www.rverscorner.com/manometer.html

[Dusty_R]

westend wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:
I check mine with a manometer.

Do you have a link to the manometer? I'm looking for one.

Try Grainger.

Dusty

[westend]

beemerphile1 wrote:
I check mine with a manometer.

Do you have a link to the manometer? I'm looking for one.

[naturist]

sorry to hear you had a leak. glad you found it before it got lit.

[beemerphile1]

Manufacturers recommend that the LPG system get a thorough check annually. Among other things the system pressure is tested and adjusted and the system is tested for leaks.

Glad you discovered it before it became a big problem involving flames.

kayakcrazy wrote:
I always check mine using soapy water and a small paint brush....

I check mine with a manometer.

[kayakcrazy]

I always check mine using soapy water and a small paint brush. I keep the mixture handy so I don't have to mix every time. If we have been doing a lot of travelling I will often check the connections mid way between fills.