2019 Interstate Lounge LP shut-off valve

[BlueMesa]

Hello,
Tried to search but no luck.
It appears my solenoid valve that shuts off the main LP gas to my 2019 Interstate Lounge is dead. Gas is reading 52% but not gas to stove, water heater, or generator. Any ideas? Anyone know the make and model of valve I need? It is activated by an on-off switch by the fill port. Is it straight forward to change? (I'm reasonably good at mechanical stuff).
Thanks
Jeff

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I'd check the terminals with a multimeter before I decided it was dead. It could be some sort of electrical issue. That little on/off switch could indeed have failed ....

Bob

[Passin Thru]

Also, like all things electrical it should be fused. I would check for a blown fuse.

[Schmitte]

Originally Posted by BlueMesa

Hello,

Tried to search but no luck.

It appears my solenoid valve that shuts off the main LP gas to my 2019 Interstate Lounge is dead. Gas is reading 52% but not gas to stove, water heater, or generator. Any ideas? Anyone know the make and model of valve I need? It is activated by an on-off switch by the fill port. Is it straight forward to change? (I'm reasonably good at mechanical stuff).

Thanks

Jeff

Check the power supply wire. Mine had a corroded and broken butt connector about a foot from the valve on the tank

[Pahaska]

You should easily hear the solenoid pick up when you actuate the outside switch. I added a serial inside switch, and I can hear it inside. when I turn on the switch. It is fairly loud picking up, but not as loud when you turn it off.

If you don't hear it, start with checking the fuse. If the fuse is good, the wiring, including connectors, is the next probable cause. If there is voltage to the solenoid and it does not pick up, it may be a bad solenoid, which would require emptying the propane tank to replace.

[richarddinda]

I had the same problem with my 2016. Be sure the batteries are on in the cabin.


The switch is in a bad spot. Close to the road and behind the tires it catches a lot of spray. I checked the wiring behind the switch. I then sprayed WD-40 into the switch from the front and also the back connection. I them worked the switch. I could hear the solenoid begin to click. Problem solved. Procedure is now a yearly practice.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

You should easily hear the solenoid pick up when you actuate the outside switch. I added a serial inside switch, and I can hear it inside. when I turn on the switch. It is fairly loud picking up, but not as loud when you turn it off.......
.

Hi

I've never quite understood why they don't put a second switch by the stove ....

Bob

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

I've never quite understood why they don't put a second switch by the stove ....

Bob

Exactly what I did. Cut into the red wires marked #6 under the curbside cupholder and wire in a switch in serial with the outside switch. Careful, there are more red wires. Both switches must be on to use propane. I leave the outside switch on all the time except while it tank is being filled.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

Exactly what I did. Cut into the red wires marked #6 under the curbside cupholder and wire in a switch in serial with the outside switch. Careful, there are more red wires. Both switches must be on to use propane. I leave the outside switch on all the time except while it tank is being filled.

Hi

I read through the threads where you went into all the details. It just makes so much sense to do it. There's no money in that switch ... why not ????

Bob

[BlueMesa]

All,
Thanks for all of the tips.
Here's what I've figured out.
1. Fuse is good.
2. Switch is working
3. Solenoid is working
4. Gas was showing 52% and I had it filled to full (86%)
5. Stove works (gas is flowing).
6. Generator turns over and over and over....
It acts like it is getting no gas. Doesn't even try to start. Remember it was running in the middle of the night with my AC on and the generator (and thus AC), just stopped.
Is there a fuel filter going to the generator?
Other ideas why it wouldn't even fire at all and yet I have gas to stove?
Thanks for all the help!
Jeff

[Schmitte]

There is a 20a breaker on the generator that can trip. Not sure if this prevents it from starting, though.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by BlueMesa

All,
Thanks for all of the tips.
Here's what I've figured out.
1. Fuse is good.
2. Switch is working
3. Solenoid is working
4. Gas was showing 52% and I had it filled to full (86%)
5. Stove works (gas is flowing).
6. Generator turns over and over and over....
It acts like it is getting no gas. Doesn't even try to start. Remember it was running in the middle of the night with my AC on and the generator (and thus AC), just stopped.
Is there a fuel filter going to the generator?
Other ideas why it wouldn't even fire at all and yet I have gas to stove?
Thanks for all the help!
Jeff

Hi

Engine basics: If you have fuel, check for a spark. ( = it may be the ignition system).

Bob

[Pahaska]

There have been reported cases of kinks in the propane line to the generator that reduce or totally cut off the supply.

[rvheliskier2]

Hi! I normally don't post, but I have had a lot of trouble with the generator when I first bought my AS 12 years ago. A kink in the line was one reason. A bad circuit board was another. Bad solenoid was also another, twice.



You have to realize how the solenoid works, an electrical current mechanically move the solenoid valve open. No current - valve is closed. You must always remember to have this valve closed when refilling or it will damage your valve.


This happened to me because I remember watching the young guy filling my tank was looking at the switch behind the back tire and turned it on and then off while filling. Not sure why he did that. After that my stove worked and furnace worked but generator would start and then die out. The valve was damaged and would not supply enough fuel to the generator. Cummins service figured this out about 10 years ago.


Another reason could be mud daubers blocking the vent tube.


Hope this helps.

[Chris Blank]

Originally Posted by BlueMesa

All,
Thanks for all of the tips.
Here's what I've figured out.
1. Fuse is good.
2. Switch is working
3. Solenoid is working
4. Gas was showing 52% and I had it filled to full (86%)
5. Stove works (gas is flowing).
6. Generator turns over and over and over....
It acts like it is getting no gas. Doesn't even try to start. Remember it was running in the middle of the night with my AC on and the generator (and thus AC), just stopped.
Is there a fuel filter going to the generator?
Other ideas why it wouldn't even fire at all and yet I have gas to stove?
Thanks for all the help!
Jeff

My 2014 would also do that. The gen only had 13 hours on it. Both fuel hoses inside the generator were rotted out and therefore not enough LP getting to the intake. Simple enough repair if you can find the 3/8 LP Hose. I initially thought the regulator was bad, but it was both hoses.