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drivo · 10-16-2004, 03:27 PM

Can't say enough grteat things about theis forum. It is a wealth of info!!!!

Just became the proud owner of a 1976 Tradewind. I have been revamping the LP gas system (fixing leaks, replacing lines, etc). My leak detector has no fluid in it (guess the hot california sun, where it lived dried it up). I live in colorado, in the mountains and wanted to put fluid in it so it would be operable. Should I order the glycol solution form a dealer, direct from somewhere or is there a suitable substitute?

Thanks in advance

Ivo

TomW · 10-16-2004, 04:34 PM

I assume you are talking about refilling a squeeze bottle of some sort?

I use soapy water myself since I am looking for bubbles to indicate a leak.

Glycol? What does that do for you?

Tom

wahoonc · 10-16-2004, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcwilliams

I assume you are talking about refilling a squeeze bottle of some sort?

I use soapy water myself since I am looking for bubbles to indicate a leak.

Glycol? What does that do for you?

Tom

Tom,
I would suggest that you visit your friendly HVAC supplier and buy some LP leak detector fluid. The soap can cause corrosion in the long term...and then you will have something else to fix

Aaron

TomW · 10-16-2004, 05:20 PM

On copper? Regular soap? I find that extremely hard to believe.

Tom

wahoonc · 10-16-2004, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcwilliams

On copper? Regular soap? I find that extremely hard to believe.

Tom

Most soaps are alkaline which will cause corrosion on copper, spray some on there and leave it for a while, the copper will turn green; a sure sign of corrosion.

Aaron

markdoane · 10-16-2004, 05:46 PM

The reason to use glycol leak detector fluid:
1. Glycol can be used inside a refrigerant system.
2. Glycol can carry a flouresing dye that is visible with UV light.
3. Glycol can be used to make a non-feezing leak detector, if you need to use it at temperatures below freezing.

I don't think any of these apply. I would mix a little detergent in some water and use that.

TomW · 10-16-2004, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Most soaps are alkaline which will cause corrosion on copper, spray some on there and leave it for a while, the copper will turn green; a sure sign of corrosion.

Aaron,

I appreciate your point of view. Molecularly, you are probably right.

Although none of my joints have turned any other color than they already were (which was not green), I can not believe that a spritz of soapy water spells doom for my copper pipes.

But since you posted a point of view I am not inclined to study further, while I will not advocate soapy water as a leak detector, I will leave my original post as it is with your follow up for others to make their own decision.

Tom

drivo · 10-19-2004, 11:47 AM

Thanks for your reply. I am referring to the leak detector near the propane tanks. It's a small white structure with a red button on top. This is filled with a glycol solution.

Any ideas?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcwilliams

I assume you are talking about refilling a squeeze bottle of some sort?

I use soapy water myself since I am looking for bubbles to indicate a leak.

Glycol? What does that do for you?

Tom

TomW · 10-19-2004, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drivo

... I am referring to the leak detector near the propane tanks. It's a small white structure with a red button on top. This is filled with a glycol solution...

Your leak detector is something I am not familiar with. I'm curious - In what way does it detect leaks? What happens when you push the red button? Can you post a picture?

Sorry to badger you with questions, but I do not recall seeing this topic come up before, and would like to know more.

Thanks,
Tom

drivo · 10-20-2004, 06:53 PM

Don't have a picture and won't be able to post one till next week. By pressing the button, little air bubbles are supposed to appear and dissapate within the glycol after a few seconds. If they continue, you evidently have a leak. I 'm sorry I don't understand how it works. I will try and get more info for you next week

Thanks again

Ivo

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcwilliams

Your leak detector is something I am not familiar with. I'm curious - In what way does it detect leaks? What happens when you push the red button? Can you post a picture?

Sorry to badger you with questions, but I do not recall seeing this topic come up before, and would like to know more.

Thanks,
Tom

Cat · 10-25-2004, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drivo

Don't have a picture and won't be able to post one till next week. By pressing the button, little air bubbles are supposed to appear and dissapate within the glycol after a few seconds. If they continue, you evidently have a leak. I 'm sorry I don't understand how it works. I will try and get more info for you next week
Thanks again
Ivo

SUGGESTION: Don't forget that leaks also 'transmit'. I found a bad leak right after taking possession of my Excella, and the back bed got constantly wet during any rainfall. I used the garden hose in specific exterior areas, and would look inside to see where it came from---and "VOILA!"...the source of the leak was located. It did NOT transmit...but showed up precisely where it leaked in.
But, remember...not all leaks are so easily located, and while it may show up on the interior in one spot, it may be entering at a completely different location, and 'transmitting' down to where you find the wet-spot.

(I too, would be interested in this 'red' indicator,,,with the "glycol".)

just my 2cents..

drivo · 10-28-2004, 08:26 PM

Here are the pix. thanks for your patience. The red button is on top.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcwilliams

Your leak detector is something I am not familiar with. I'm curious - In what way does it detect leaks? What happens when you push the red button? Can you post a picture?

Sorry to badger you with questions, but I do not recall seeing this topic come up before, and would like to know more.

Thanks,
Tom

drivo · 10-28-2004, 08:37 PM

Here are the pix. thanks for your patience. The red button is on top.[/QUOTE]

Cat · 10-30-2004, 03:13 AM

Where's The Beef?

Cat · 10-30-2004, 03:17 AM

Am I supposed to click on something I don't see, to make the pix show ?
Because, I don't see a photo anywhere.
(that's what I meant before...heh heh---seriously tho, I would like to know so I can see what this is too. Where do you find them to purchase?

drivo · 11-03-2004, 09:12 AM

Hope these pix load.

Ivo

Quote:

Originally Posted by drivo

Here are the pix. thanks for your patience. The red button is on top.

[/QUOTE]

TomW · 11-03-2004, 02:37 PM

drivo - Thanks for posting the thumbnails.

This device is still a mystery to me.

Does anyone else understand what this device is supposed to be doing/how it works? I would really like to know.

Thanks,
Tom

markdoane · 11-03-2004, 03:14 PM

This device checks for very small flow leaks in downstream valves and pilots. It operates by checking to see if there is any flow when the devices are shut off.
Here's the website: http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/mar...eak_tester.htm

TomW · 11-03-2004, 03:47 PM

Thanks Don.

Tom

Tarheel · 11-03-2004, 08:56 PM

camping world has a leak detector that sniffs the air looking for propane about $30. No corrosion problems. Many of the bigger rallys have a saftey crew that walks around doing propane checks.