20-footers

[CruizinDux]

Just a follow up on the Valterra BW valve. U-tube is filled with info (inc one from Valterra...I hope their products are of better quality than their U-Tube effort) and it seems a straight away process, either to replace or remove, clean the seals and reinstall.

One video mentioned cleaning the existing seals with mineral oil...probably not a bad idea for their replacement. The Valerra video that suggested silicone spray on the handle shaft on a regular basis. WD-40 being a water dispersant product is a big NO per Valterra. My guess is it destroys the seal. Apparently there is also a seal for the shaft that should have regular lubrication. Another tip was to toss the OEM/replacement bolts/nuts and go with stainless hardware. Apparently the cheapo's rust easily one the poster had a challenge removing it. Also turn the bolt and hold the nut if you're using OEM hardware as they have locking groves on the back of the nuts

When I return I think I'll take peter's suggestion re the hot water, then lube the shaft and see how it slides and where it lands. I'll make a decision then re the removal & cleaning...tho it appears to be a 15 min job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fChtdrT11M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKSHnWhpMf0

happy trails

bob

[OTRA15]

Thanks Bob, have a great trip!

[TCwheels]

Boys weekend in Alpena, Michigan. Just me and Rusty and a nice little lake...

[ijoe13]

Originally Posted by TCwheels

Boys weekend in Alpena, Michigan. Just me and Rusty and a nice little lake...Attachment 294983

Nice! Looks like a good weekend.

[centennialman]

Great looking spot! Have a nice weekend

[OTRA15]

Looks great Darrell, have a relaxing weekend.

Peter

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by TCwheels

Boys weekend in Alpena, Michigan. Just me and Rusty and a nice little lake...Attachment 294983

Darrell, thanks!

note to self....Alpena, Michigan... Looks like a sweet spot!

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by TCwheels

Boys weekend in Alpena, Michigan. Just me and Rusty and a nice little lake...Attachment 294983

Darrell, thanks!

note to self....Alpena, Michigan... Looks like a sweet spot!

[centennialman]

I ordered the new gas regulator off of Amazon yesterday and it is supposed to be here this week. I will install it next weekend and let you all know how it works out. I am camping up in the mountains the end of the month and want to get this bug worked out of the propane system.

[OTRA15]

Thanks Steve, looking forward to your report.

I have been meaning to ask a general propane question so will ask it in terms of your current situation.

As a reminder and context, we got a set up so we can run our new Yamaha 1k inverter gen from a standard 20-pound BBQ propane tank, in addition to running it from the AS low pressure propane port.

If Steve's regulator had failed entirely, and he turned off both propane tanks with the valves on top, using our BBQ tank setup, could Steve back feed his AS LP system by connecting the BBQ tank to his low pressure port?

The BBQ bottles are available everywhere, so is this a good OTRA emergency backup fuel supply for heat and cooking? Our hose setup has the same mini regulator that is standard on all BBQ grills with the same standard black plastic "nut" for connecting the tank to the grill.

Low pressure feeding low pressure line . . . OK?



Thanks,

Peter

PS edit -- are there any anti-backflow check valves in propane lines, like in plumbing lines?

[TCwheels]

Thanks for the good wishes everyone! A short trip but it included camping, fishing, and an early color tour on the back roads of northern Michigan. Hard to beat that!

And after a night at home we're now at Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a few days.

[OTRA15]

Beautiful shot, thanks!

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by TCwheels

Thanks for the good wishes everyone! A short trip but it included camping, fishing, and an early color tour on the back roads of northern Michigan. Hard to beat that!

And after a night at home we're now at Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a few days.
Attachment 295108

I'm colorblind but can still see these....great pic.

b

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Thanks Steve, looking forward to your report.

I have been meaning to ask a general propane question so will ask it in terms of your current situation.

As a reminder and context, we got a set up so we can run our new Yamaha 1k inverter gen from a standard 20-pound BBQ propane tank, in addition to running it from the AS low pressure propane port.

If Steve's regulator had failed entirely, and he turned off both propane tanks with the valves on top, using our BBQ tank setup, could Steve back feed his AS LP system by connecting the BBQ tank to his low pressure port?

The BBQ bottles are available everywhere, so is this a good OTRA emergency backup fuel supply for heat and cooking? Our hose setup has the same mini regulator that is standard on all BBQ grills with the same standard black plastic "nut" for connecting the tank to the grill.

Low pressure feeding low pressure line . . . OK?



Thanks,

Peter

PS edit -- are there any anti-backflow check valves in propane lines, like in plumbing lines?

Peter, great idea and good question. Never heard of a CV in a RV application, but will wait for an experienced answer. Is this the setup...not specifically the brand?

http://tinyurl.com/yacrqrre

Bob

[OTRA15]

Yes Bob, that's the ticket in general. One would just need to adapt the end to accommodate a standard brass male quick-connect, to go into the AS low-pressure propane port.

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Yes Bob, that's the ticket in general. One would just need to adapt the end to accommodate a standard brass male quick-connect, to go into the AS low-pressure propane port.

Great. An easy add and a good backup system. Tanks are available everywhere...keep the hose handy in the parts bag.

Cheers

bob

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by CruizinDux

Great. An easy add and a good backup system. Tanks are available everywhere...keep the hose handy in the parts bag.
. . .

Bingo!

[centennialman]

Just wanted to update everyone. It rained a lot last weekend and we have been preoccupied with finding out how family in Puerto Rico is doing, so, didn't get to changing out the propane regulator until today. It was a quick 10 minute job and seems to have fixed the problem. The propane is flowing freely again. I turned on the stove, oven, furnace and water heater to test out the system and everything is working fine.

Going camping in the mountains this weekend and it will be nice to have the system working well again so we can stay warm.

[OTRA15]

Great news Steve, thanks! If you have time before the trip, could you reply to my question on the Maria thread about donating to a Puerto Rico charity? Thanks.

Have a great trip!

Peter

Maria thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f161...ia-172873.html

[OTRA15]

Taking a short trip to have the brakes adjusted, and see some of upstate NY. Ferry ride across LI Sound. Parked next to a friend's barn. Great to be OTRA!

Cheers,

Peter

PS -- sorry for the rotated ferry photo. Using phone aarrggghhhh . . .

PS2 -- nice even post number -- 2k