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TucsonJim's avatar
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Oct 10, 2015

Propane Troubleshooting Suggestions?

I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to trouble-shoot a propane problem before I throw any more money at it.

Background:

2014 Grand Design 337RLS Fifth Wheel
Two 30# tanks (Both full)
- Curb side has tank, pigtail, 30PSI (Red) regulator
- Street side has tank, pigtail, and switchable main regulator

When running tank from curb side, the propane flow is very low. If running more than one burner on the stove, the propane flow will be so low that the refrigerator, another burner, or the furnace will not light.

when running the tank on the street side, everything works perfectly. You can turn on all burners on the stove, the furnace and the refrigerator and still have a very nice flame on the stove burners.

I've replaced the curb side pigtail and the 30psi red regulator. I've also switched the tanks from street side to curb side with the exact same results.

How would you proceed with troubleshooting without just guessing and throwing more money at it?

Thanks much,

Jim
  • Typically it is the RED Regulator (Single Stage 30# failure) that causes problems......then the pigtail hose secondary suspect (Excess Flow Valve in ACME Nut failure)

    Having replaced those two components, already swapping cylinders from one side to other and SLOWLY OPENING Cylinder service valve (CORRECT??)
    then only thing left (and they do fail) is the high pressure hose that goes across from roadside to curbside
  • See the big 100, 000 BTU regs on 250, and 500 gallon domestic tanks? They don't fight the high pressure reg like your little regulator does. Propane is screwy. Line up two fast fill valves is series and you'll be lucky to get any flow even with a 250 psi delivery.

    I used a T on domestic set tanks, one leg with an 11" WC reg to the house the other leg had a high pressure reg to the generator

    When space was an issue I elected to use motor fuel 5/16" hose sometimes referred to as liquid hose connected to the POL. The T was then easier to fit. You can if you wish put a low pressure LPG **** valve after the T on the 11" side to isolate. Liquid hose isn"t cheap neither are the fittings. But you can use either crimp or makeup fittings. Makeup fittings are 2-piece -you'll need a vise. Wrap duct tape around the hose to be cut and use a 32-tooth hacksaw blade to cut the hose. A chop saw is better.

    This is no Mickey Mouse modification. Liquid hose is insanely tough. I've seen bad installations where the hose wore through it's outer liner and wore a groove in a steel truck frame and the outer steel braid was still intact. Amazing stuff - stiff to bend. Use ells and 45's as needed.

    Hope This Helps
  • I'd check for a regulator of some sort between the tanks on the hose going between tanks. A number of years ago manufactures added a device in there so the tank wouldn't see a quick flow and shut the OPD.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Typically it is the RED Regulator (Single Stage 30# failure) that causes problems......then the pigtail hose secondary suspect (Excess Flow Valve in ACME Nut failure)

    Having replaced those two components, already swapping cylinders from one side to other and SLOWLY OPENING Cylinder service valve (CORRECT??)
    then only thing left (and they do fail) is the high pressure hose that goes across from roadside to curbside


    I appreciate it OB. Correct. I'll disassemble enough to check the flow in the hose between both sides.

    I'll let everyone know how it went.

    Jim
  • I followed the line from the curb side over to the street side. There is a rubber propane hose that goes into a brass fitting, which goes into the main regulator on the street side. I removed the brass fitting, and I believe the problem might be with this part. I believe it has a back check valve so propane can only travel one way. There is a rubber diaphragm inside the brass fitting. I tried blowing through the fitting and it seemed plugged. I then used my compressor set to 30psi (the same pressure as the red regulator on the curb side), and no air would go through the fitting??? I'm stumped. Here's are some pictures of the fitting. Does anyone have any ideas?



  • Thanks Bryan - that helps me to identify the possible culprit. I'll call a couple of propane shops here in town on Monday to see if they might have the back-check fitting.

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