Problem with propane solenoid

[Jeff64]

I just picked up my new rig this last weekend so I've only had it a few days, so far I'm very impressed with it. I do seem to have a problem with the propane solenoid, when I flip the switch to on it's as if there is an open valve and I hear propane escaping, not for just a second or two, it continues as long as the switch is on. Anyone had this happen before?

Thanks,

Jeff

[cwf]

Which device? Water heater, fridge?

[Jeff64]

The main propane shut off switch located outside the coach behind right rear duals, the solenoid is next to the propane tank.

[wayneskid]

Jeff,
Is this a new Interstate? You could try to identify the point of the leak yourself but I sure wouldn't leave the switch on for very long. You don't want to blow up a new Interstate If you have just taken delivery from a dealer, I'd suggest taking it back to the dealer.

The leak could be at any one of the appliances that are fueled by propane. If it is a recent model, that would be: generator, cook top, water heater, furnace or the port for plugging in an external propane device (located near the propane shutoff switch) or the tubing running to any of these. It could also be at the propane tank itself or the fill port (also located near the shutoff switch).

BTW, if you put the Model Year and version in your signature, it will help folks here provide better advice.

Good luck and be careful now!

[kmaggard]

In my SOB Sprinter RV I had an issue with the priming switch/valve on the generator getting stuck open. If I remember correctly you help the opposite side of the start switch down for a few seconds to prime the gen.

[wayneskid]

Originally Posted by kmaggard

In my SOB Sprinter RV I had an issue with the priming switch/valve on the generator getting stuck open. If I remember correctly you help the opposite side of the start switch down for a few seconds to prime the gen.

While the start switch on the remote panel does have a "Prime" position, I don't think it has any effect with the LP version of these generators.

[Protagonist]

Somewhere very close to the propane solenoid switch there is a bleeder valve, which has to be open while the tank is being filled, and closed afterwards. It's possible the bleeder valve is cracked open. I'm not SURE that's it; if it was, your propane would leak out whether the switch is on or off. But it's an easy thing to check.

Another thing to consider is that you might not actually hear propane escaping; you might just hear it flowing out of the tank and into the lines. My hearing is not that sensitive anymore, so the fact that I don't hear anything on mine doesn't mean anything.

But, if you do have propane leaking somewhere near the switch, it's very close to the tank and it should be easy enough to crawl under the back end and apply soapy water to the propane line coming out of the tank to look for a leak, same way you would with a leaking tire. If it's only when the switch is on, it has to be on the side of the valve opposite the tank.

On the bright side, for safety's sake, if you have a leak, better outside than inside!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

On the bright side, for safety's sake, if you have a leak, better outside than inside!

My father used to say the same thing, but I don't think he was talking about propane gas.

For finding the leak, if you have an assistant, you can crawl under the area of the sound, and have the assistant turn on the solenoid, and follow the hiss to its source.

[73shark]

Your best bet is to take it back to the dealer and have them check it out. A propane leak is not something you want to really mess around with.

[Jeff64]

Thank you all for your replies, I spoke with Airstream and they believe it's a faulty regulator next to the propane tank.

[AirTurtle91]

It is a common defect. I had mine replaced within first 60 days. No reason from dealer. They just ordered and replaced it and it has been good since.

[Jeff64]

I didn't want to wait the two weeks for an appointment so I went to the local Ace hardware and picked one up for $30.00 and installed it myself in around 20 minutes.

Jeff
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