Solved - Propane Troubleshooting
About 2 years ago my Propane Auto-Changeover system started howling while propane was in use. So my mobile RV tech switched it and the pigtails out.
However since then, the system has been highly unreliable. Usually with not switching from the empty tank to the full one. I've spent a few not-enjoyable very cold early mornings making a manual switch.
I was changing out a partially empty tank yesterday and just wasn't able to get it to start feeding into the system. So there's likely a problem right at the tank connection (e.g. after opening the valve a couple of times, then unscrewing the pigtail from the tank, there's no pressure release or smell of LPG).
Any ideas or suggestions on what to try for troubleshooting would be appreciated.
Best regards,
Chris
++++++++++++++
Update 8/12/18
Didn't get a chance to work on it more until today. After fussing with the existing hardware for another 30 minutes, I went to the only likely source of a two stage auto changeover regulator open in town on a Sunday (Ace Hardware) and bought a Mr Heater brand unit and 2 new pigtails. In for an inch; in for a mile.
As soon as I had everything fully assembled, the system fired up as expected. Tested both the stove and water heater.
I could have saved a few $$$ (and bought a possibly better brand) if I could wait, but that would have translated to some sleepless nights knowing our upcoming trip is a dry camping one.
Happy wife, happy (camping) life!
However since then, the system has been highly unreliable. Usually with not switching from the empty tank to the full one. I've spent a few not-enjoyable very cold early mornings making a manual switch.
I was changing out a partially empty tank yesterday and just wasn't able to get it to start feeding into the system. So there's likely a problem right at the tank connection (e.g. after opening the valve a couple of times, then unscrewing the pigtail from the tank, there's no pressure release or smell of LPG).
Any ideas or suggestions on what to try for troubleshooting would be appreciated.
Best regards,
Chris
++++++++++++++
Update 8/12/18
Didn't get a chance to work on it more until today. After fussing with the existing hardware for another 30 minutes, I went to the only likely source of a two stage auto changeover regulator open in town on a Sunday (Ace Hardware) and bought a Mr Heater brand unit and 2 new pigtails. In for an inch; in for a mile.
As soon as I had everything fully assembled, the system fired up as expected. Tested both the stove and water heater.
I could have saved a few $$$ (and bought a possibly better brand) if I could wait, but that would have translated to some sleepless nights knowing our upcoming trip is a dry camping one.
Happy wife, happy (camping) life!
