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bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 01:01 PM

Well put John, I will post results of the quest.

Buttercup · 11-17-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhsl8

That would rule out WD 40 then , would it not? Thanks for the tip.

I believe it would.

bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 02:34 PM

Hey Marc,

That has not been the case with mine as I've had to switch every time one tank is empty. Perhaps it is faulty. At any rate, it would not have swithced over last night. It was just plain stuck. Another problem arises for me with present setup if I should run out of gas just after leaving in the AM or I should be out of town. Then I have to restart the furnace etc. All in all a damn nusiance.

uwe · 11-17-2005, 04:48 PM

I'd be all over a new automatic switchover regulator by now. They're not that much money, considering the convenience and safety they offer.

Kinder · 11-17-2005, 04:55 PM

Just to second the suggestion of having a tank delivered... the company I used out here was Amerigas, they dropped off a 120 gal tank for about $70, will take it away for free if I want to move. It is white painted steel. I didn't want the hassle of filling up a tank every 2 weeks either, and without the discount of buying in bulk. I still have a half full tank on the tongue.

amron · 11-17-2005, 05:29 PM

pending fixing it, pour some hot water on it.

uwe · 11-17-2005, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amron

pending fixing it, pour some hot water on it.

Would that not really make it freeze badly right afterwards?

overlander63 · 11-17-2005, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uwe

Would that not really make it freeze badly right afterwards?

I guess if you had fast fingers, you could switch it over before it refroze. Although if you think about it, you are changing the switch because you are out of propane, and if you are, there will be nothing to heat the water...

Buttercup · 11-17-2005, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uwe

Would that not really make it freeze badly right afterwards?

Not only that but if water gets into it it could crack something. I think it might be better to just wrap a towel around it. it won't keep it from being cold but will limit the amount of moisture that reaches the reg and will still allow it to breathe.

By the way - that Fischer reg does not auto swap over. It is a manual operation. Even the new one I got from Inland which is a stock replacement does not swap over.

Another side note - back when I was serving my country in the NAVY, I worked on these types of regulators all the time. It is a sturdy regulator.

3Ms75Argosy · 11-18-2005, 09:18 AM

my old and new Fischer both switch over automatically (but you won't see the lever move).

I think the big tank is the best bet, but I love my auto changer.
Marc

bhsl8 · 11-18-2005, 11:04 AM

Good Morning all,

When I went to have my tanks filled this AM the proprieter at the RV dealership where I now purchase my propane, informed me that there is no way to "repair" a regulator or lubricate it etc. He of course wanted to sell me a new regulator (which he did) but I am still not convinced that there are no other options.

It seems that the "switch to change tanks" is not a switch on the new one but an indicator for which tank the system is drawing from. When one tank empties, the regulator will switch automatically but through one's vigilance in watching for RED vs GREEN, the "switch " must be thrown so one knows which tank is supplying propane.

I have also found that I can rent a tank of 120 gallons (called a pig, Jeeze, I can harly wait...will it be pink?) for $75 per year and they will keep it filled for me. The price, because it will require more frequent filling, would be around $1.70 per gal... less than the #2.00 I now pay with all the hassle as well. Seems like a no brainer. That doesn't happen often, always seems like I live in the infamous "gray area".

Thanks again to all for excellent guidance and thoughtful suggestions.

Buttercup · 11-18-2005, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Ms75Argosy

my old and new Fischer both switch over automatically (but you won't see the lever move).

I think the big tank is the best bet, but I love my auto changer.
Marc

Hmmm. I had better take a closer look at mine. I know on our trip to the playa for 2 weeks it didn't swap. I had to manually swap and relight everything...
maybe Andy can shed some light on this because I got it from Inland RV.

I assumed that the knob had to be swapped at that point.

dmac · 11-18-2005, 06:47 PM

Brouck - How long will you be Airstreaming in Eau Claire? In another few weeks it will be getting REALLY cold around here. At -20 I can't imagine that an Airstream will be very comfortable!

bhsl8 · 11-19-2005, 08:54 AM

Hey Dan,

Right now I am unsure as to how long I will be "holed up" in my trailer. It is possible that I may spend the entire winter in it. I forsee no serious problems unless there is a power outage and I freeze to death in my sleep. It will be an inconvenience yes, but also kind of an adventure. The furnance has so far worked flawlessly and I have been cozy.

I should have a better idea of how long I will be staying just before Christmas. I do dread the possibility of moving the coach now.

bhsl8 · 11-21-2005, 07:36 AM

Mornin' all.

I put the new regulator on yesterday and so far all is well. It was an absolute battle getting the fittings off the old regulator since I lost most of my tools in the "war" aka Brouck's divorce. It was indeed the original regulator having been inspected in Jan of 1974.

Still plan to switch to the 125 gal pig.

Also, finally put the antifreeze in yesterday so I think I can make it through the winter now. Was above freezing over the weekend so most of the first snow is gone.

3Ms75Argosy · 11-21-2005, 09:00 AM

Just as a FYI, I did not buy my Fischer from Inland, I got mine from a local Propane distributer. It looked a bit different from Inlands, but the specs are the same (and autochange overs).
Marc