smell, hissing and bubbles

Prepilot_3ck · 08-26-2010, 08:20 PM

Oh boy.. So I just got my coach back from getting an oil change, air filter, fuel filter, and having the radiator cleaned (because I was running a little hot). They also found a hub seal was leaking and fixed that.

On my way home I was going to hit the roof AC because it's 109 degrees here and the little dash AC isn't doing anything. Nothing. No cranking no, nothing. Just press the start button and nothing. I figured they had just knocked a wire loose when they were working on it or maybe shorted something a blew a fuse. No big deal, I won't need the generator for the trip this weekend.

Well after checking all the fuses and everything I though, ya know what? Maybe they shut the propane off and for some reason the generator won't even crank (which has not been my experience. I open my LP door and I can smell LP. strong enough that I didn't have to really think about it to know what it was. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was there for sure....and I think I can hear hissing. So I shut the valve off for a while and go inside. I turn on the stove to burn off any excess propane in the lines and wait a little bit. I go back out. No LP smell. So I turn the valve back on, hiss is back and the smell is back.

I go back inside and get some windex and spray it on the regulator that leads to the generator (the one in front) it's starts bubbling from the edges of the regulator. So I spray it on the rear regulator (which I assume feeds the rest of the coach), no bubbles.

I did this dance a few times and I got the same result each time...

So... do yall think it's save to take on a trip this weekend?? I don't need the generator.

Brian

cfsoistman · 08-26-2010, 08:36 PM

A propane leak is never safe. You need to address this before it's worse than just a smell. Can you tighten the connection? You may need to take it apart. The threads of the connection may only need to be sealed with teflon tape or pipe dope but by all means get it fixed.

rockwood06 · 08-26-2010, 08:39 PM

Agree, It needs to be fix ASAP.

Hokiehall · 08-26-2010, 08:55 PM

Don't ever travel with a propane leak. Get it fixed ASAP. Like the others said. Better to delay or cancel a trip that have a disaster happen.

NWJeeper · 08-26-2010, 09:24 PM

If it's a loose hose or fitting try tightening it up. It may be necessary to take the connection apart and use new thread tape (buy the stuff for gas fittings not the stuff for air fittings) and reassemble the connection, test for leaks. If it is the regulator itself (we had this issue) then find a suitable replacement at an RV parts supplier and replace. Do not go if you have a leak that cannot be isolated and shut off.

LadyWindrider · 08-26-2010, 09:33 PM

Fix it. Would you drive your car with a gas leak? Same difference, it could be a wreck waiting to happen. FIX IT!!!!!!!

And if you don't, you could be responsible for the campers that burn down around yours, and since you posted the KNOWN problem, now you are liable. Just my 2 cents, FIX IT!!!!!!

yvesm · 08-27-2010, 07:00 AM

Fix or go BOOM!

grandpaofthree · 08-27-2010, 08:20 AM

If you don't need the propane for the trip, can you just remove the tanks and do the repair when you return? Maybe I read your post wrong.

Prepilot_3ck · 08-27-2010, 10:51 AM

Thanks everyone. I'm shutting off the LP and taking her in. This really sucks.

Brian

NWJeeper · 08-27-2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prepilot_3ck

Thanks everyone. I'm shutting off the LP and taking her in. This really sucks.

Brian

Sounds like an easy enough fix to me Brian, I'm sure who ever you take it too will have you on your way quickly and hopefully cheaply too. Keep us informed as to how it goes.

cfsoistman · 08-27-2010, 11:20 AM

You don't want to be the next RV-Q on the side of the road or in any campground. Like NWJeeper stated it should be a quick fix. At least you'll be travelling knowing the problem is taken care of. Peace of mind is one of the best parts of any trip.

Prepilot_3ck · 08-27-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWJeeper

Sounds like an easy enough fix to me Brian, I'm sure who ever you take it too will have you on your way quickly and hopefully cheaply too. Keep us informed as to how it goes.

yeah, it's just the 1st stage of the 2 stage regulator on the generator feed at the tank. I'm going to buy the part and try fixing it myself. (away from people) it can't be that hard, channel locks and some Teflon tape right? If I freak out, I'll stop and take it in. The leak is AFTER the main valve so shutting it off I should be safe.

Brian

Prepilot_3ck · 08-27-2010, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfsoistman

You don't want to be the next RV-Q on the side of the road or in any campground. Like NWJeeper stated it should be a quick fix. At least you'll be travelling knowing the problem is taken care of. Peace of mind is one of the best parts of any trip.

RV-Q! nice!. Yeah. I don't want that.

Brian

Willis · 08-27-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prepilot_3ck

Teflon tape

Make sure you get the correct type for gas...but personally, I recomend plain high-pressure pipe dope which you can get at any home-improvement store for about $5 and it will last you forever unless you become a professional plumber!

LadyWindrider · 08-27-2010, 02:07 PM

Use the correct wrenches and not channel locks. They will only damage an otherwise perfectly good fitting. Channel locks are good for pulling nails out of tires, but have your hammer close by so you can drive it back in to keep the ALL air from escaping and leaving you with a flat to change before you can move.

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