LP Gas Flow Problem

uc2004 · 03-30-2012, 08:17 PM

I have a 2010 Palomino 4100. Took it out last weekend for the first time in 2012. Gas stove was working fine all weekend. It got a little chilly the last night and decided to turn the heater on. Gas flowed for a few seconds, then stopped. Tried the stove, no gas. Next morning, checked the tank, still about 1/2 full. Gas stove worked again. Got it home, and all gas appliances worked, including heater. Before we went out, all gas appliances worked. What could be the problem?

**KyDan** · 03-31-2012, 06:56 AM

All LP tanks have a safety valve that is supposed to shut or nearly shut
off the gas if the tank detects an abnormal high flow of gas.
This is to stop/limit the flow if you blow a gas hose or otherwise have
a failure in your LP piping.

It's great in theory but the reality is you can trigger this safety valve just
by opening the tank valve too fast.
IF your trailer has been shut off and the LP appliances and pipes are at
zero pressure and you suddenly spin the tank valve open, this surge to
fill the system can trigger this safety valve.

The cure is to shut the tank, pause, maybe even tap the tank gently with
the heel of your hand or give it a slight thump with a handy piece of wood.
Then open the valve slowly. Try to avoid any inrush as the valve first starts
to turn.

This usually works. Some tanks are much more prone to this than others.
On my gas grill at home, if I turn on a burner first and then spin the gas
tank valve open, it happens nearly every time.
The burner will light but it's a very low flame.
If I open the tank gently first, it never happens.

Good luck!

sherdep · 03-31-2012, 08:25 AM

I had a similar problem but seems to be yours maybe related to the cold weather.

I replaced the Pigtails going from the regulator to the tank
it was cheaper to replace them then take it back to the dealer.

Did you hear a hissing noise when you turned the gas on when it wasnt working?

wfmdfm · 03-31-2012, 09:09 AM

I just had a similar issue. I had it back to the dealer for some work and they replaced one of the pig tails. The issue is gone now.

JimChow · 03-31-2012, 09:53 AM

X3 on the pigtails. I had the same thing last year replaced the pigtail and problem gone.

**Herk7769** · 03-31-2012, 11:39 AM

More than you ever wanted to know about propane.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tor-10539.html

uc2004 · 03-31-2012, 08:05 PM

thanks for the replies. i was thinking of using a different tank on our next outing in case the tank has an issue. The weather for our trip wasn't that cold..maybe upper 50s/lows 60's at night (we have an 8 month old infant, hence the need for the heat!). One other thing, there is a black knob on the regulator. i assume this is some sort of adjustment? i can turn it, but it is tight and i was afraid to do anything with it. Thoughts? I don't want to screw anythign up and our local RV dealers are booked for service intil mid-may!

**Herk7769** · 03-31-2012, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uc2004

One other thing, there is a black knob on the regulator. i assume this is some sort of adjustment? i can turn it, but it is tight and i was afraid to do anything with it.

Do not remove or try to rotate the black "knob" as it is the cover for the propane gas vent. Any attempt to alter the setting will be dangerous.

If the regulator is bad it must be replaced. There is no user adjustable settings on the regulators.

sherdep · 04-01-2012, 08:31 AM

is the black knob you reference one of the Pigtails attached to the tank or is it directly on the regulator - my regulator has a white cover over the center so maybe you have a bad regulator instead of the pigtails.

Doubt it is the tank but worth a shot to try

Bill m · 04-01-2012, 08:56 AM

If you want to test the tank, try it on a LP gas grill. However, this does sound like a regulator or pigtail blockage. Let us know how you make out

**Herk7769** · 04-01-2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherdep

is the black knob you reference one of the Pigtails attached to the tank or is it directly on the regulator - my regulator has a white cover over the center so maybe you have a bad regulator instead of the pigtails.

Doubt it is the tank but worth a shot to try

I believe the knob he is referring to was the cover on the propane over pressure vent.

uc2004 · 04-01-2012, 06:03 PM

yeah, the black knob is on the regulator itself. there is a white plastic cover that snaps off. glad i didn't turn that knob too much! i turned it a little then turned it right back. just tried everything again and all works well. hopefully it was just a random thing, but thanks for all the helpful info! it seemed odd to me that a regulator would go bad on a 2-year old camper.

**Herk7769** · 04-01-2012, 07:51 PM

Mine failed at 2 years. I may have helped it along while trying to troubleshoot the "no flow" issue I was having from the far tank.
My issue was a bad pigtail. By the time I was done I replaced 2 pigtails; the auto-crossover regulator and the red high pressure regulator.

I had a steep and (not too) expensive learning curve. Please benefit from my "mine walking - fingers in ears" troubleshooting lesson.

sherdep · 04-01-2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herk7769

Mine failed at 2 years. I may have helped it along while trying to troubleshoot the "no flow" issue I was having from the far tank.
My issue was a bad pigtail. By the time I was done I replaced 2 pigtails; the auto-crossover regulator and the red high pressure regulator.

I had a steep and (not too) expensive learning curve. Please benefit from my "mine walking - fingers in ears" troubleshooting lesson.

I learned from reading some of your post's Lou and a few other members as well - thats how I figured out I had a pigtail problem

was quick easy and painless for me

OP - Listen to him - Lou is a Wealth of Great Knowledge

**Herk7769** · 04-01-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherdep

Lou is a Wealth of Great Knowledge

All learned from you guys and "The Hard Way."
But thanks.

sherdep · 04-01-2012, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herk7769

All learned from you guys and "The Hard Way."
But thanks.

we all have to learn the hard way sometimes

I am still learning it at work especially with Firewalls

Don.G · 04-01-2012, 08:42 PM

Had the same problem last year. I had to replace the hose that goes from the tang to the regulator. There is a 1 way valve built in the tank conector that will stick. It is non repairable. I picked one up al Wallmart ror $12. This solved my problem

You may also like: