Propane Problem

[jhenry]

Morning I was just out camping in the rain the last 3 days in the rain here in western Canada and had a weird problem occur, My propane system was not working properly. The stove burners would all lite but a very small flame, the water heater would lite and heat water but not very hot as it used to. The furnaces would start but would not stay lit, the fridge was running on propane but not like it normally does was not getting to cold operating temperature, The unit is a1988 325 I have restored, the propane tank was filled when I began trip on Sunday, Any one else encounter this problem? Thanks Jonathan

[mandolindave]

What elevation are you ? Not enough oxygen ????

I wonder if very high humidity could cause that ??

Maybe a combination of both things ??

I shouldn't have responded, because I sure don't know, but I am curious.

[jhenry]

Thanks MandolinDave We here are mile high in Calgary and campground in mountains is higher. I did not think of humidity could be problem but it poured for 3 days! It seems to be a flow problem?

[FCStreamer]

It sounds like a flow problem, although it is hard to tell over the internet. There appears to be some gas flowing, but not enough. Since it appears to affect all your systems, the blockage must be closer to the tanks. Check the lines to see if they are crimped or otherwise blocked.

[J. Morgan]

I have had several propane regulators plug up over the past couple of years, two already in the last three months.

My symptoms were exactly like yours, I suspect this is your issue.

The problem is, most new style regulators are "sealed for life", and are un rebuildable, and un cleanable..

Replace your regulator, and I suspect that all will be well.

Gradiens super tenui glacie.

[Al and Missy]

Compare the height of the cooktop flame when water heater, fridge and furnace are on with the height with everything else off. If there is a difference, either your regulator is bad or there is a restriction in your propane piping. I replaced my regulator (which was the actual problem) but when I disconnected the flexible line from the regulator to the copper pipe a significant amount of red smelly liquid came out. I understand that this is the odor agent which has separated from the propane or compressor oil from repeated propane fills. If enough of that collected in the right low spot, it could restrict your propane flow.

A manometer is easy to build. Google it if you are interested. I did and that's how I diagnosed my bad regulator.

Al

[jhenry]

Thanks to all I will pick up a new regulator and give it a go, I checked flame heights and fired up all the appliances they seem to lose flame height. I just put the fridge on by itself and seems to be working but will replace regulator as it looks original never been touched. thanks for help Jonathan

[nvestysly]

I agree it's probably the regulator. For $20 - 40 it's worth installing a new regulator as an upgrade and hopefully it fixes the problem.

We had what seemed to be a complete blockage in the propane line on our Airstream B190 van. After doing some troubleshooting I realized sufficient oil had accumulated at a low-point in the propane line and that was blocking flow. Propane has an oily component and it can accumulate over time. It's unlikely this is your problem but it's worth knowing that it can happen. It's possible a partial blockage is occurring and that's causing a flow problem.

[jimmymac]

Just bought a 2008 Classic-30'. Checked out stove-burner flames are very low. Added quick disconnect for grille. Not enough pressure to even make it it work. I can light grille, but flame is very very small. Seems to be not enough pressure.

[J. Morgan]

I would put odds on a clogged regulator.


Gradiens super tenui glacie.

[jhenry]

Thank again all! New regulator problem solved!

[cwf]

Ambient temp? Tank freeze?