3 LPG gas regulators in 6 months
Submitted: Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 08:55
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T-Ribby
Details: 23' caravan owned for 6 months, twin gas bottles, gas stove (4 burner, grill, oven).
Shortly after purchase, gas supply to stove failed. turned the connected bottle upside down overnight and greasy yellow wax came out when vented. Changed to the other bottle but no gas coming through from this one either. Had caravan LPG specialist change regulator and bought 2 x new bottles and had them filled. This regulator lasted approx 3 months before packing it in. Specialist returned and fitted another new regulator, this one also lasted about 3 months. The stove functions normally after another regulator fitted so there doesn't appear to be a problem at that end. Also I connected the bottles to a portable fridge, and a BBQ, and these functioned perfectly as
well. So my question is: are there bum regulators around, and is there one brand that I should insist on being fitted.
Thanks
T.R.
Reply By: Member - Darryl P (SA) - Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 09:10
Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 09:10
had the same problem with my new van the prob was with the flexable hose.
so i changed to a copper line and it fixed the problem
AnswerID:
368508
Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 09:18
Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 09:18
Hi Darryl. I forgot to mention that the van is in a fixed position. the line from the bottom of the regulator to the stove is copper pipe.
cheers
T.R.
FollowupID:
636077
Reply By: Foxhound (WA) - Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 10:16
Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 10:16
Are the lines from the gas bottles to the regulator flexible? If they are that will more than likely be the problem. A change to copper will fix the problem, I can`t believe they are still fitting the flexible ones so many people have had trouble with them including me.
AnswerID:
368517
Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 11:46
Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 11:46
Hi Foxhound.
Yes they are, and relatively new (8mm "C") . However, after Darryl's post I went back and checked them and one was blocked. This is not the problem though, there is a blockage in either the two-way T valve on top of the regulator, , the regulator itself, or the copper pipe to the stove. I'll have to get the gas man in again (bugger). I've checked the inline tap below the stove - that's open.
It's not a biggie, just annoying that it's happened again (and again).
cheers
TR
FollowupID:
636091
Follow Up By: Gronk - Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 13:18
Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 13:18
If the lines from the bottle to the reg are flexible, then thats your problem....
From memory, the gas reacts with the rubber in the line and causes bits to be shed from it and then blocks the regulator..
Also when you fix it by putting in copper, it needs to be twisted in a circle so as to stop condensation rising and getting in the reg as
well...
FollowupID:
636103
Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Saturday, Jun 06, 2009 at 17:12
Saturday, Jun 06, 2009 at 17:12
ok thanks - I'll talk that over with the gas man. also see the posts below
cheers
TR
FollowupID:
636241
Reply By: gjcumming - Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 14:44
Friday, Jun 05, 2009 at 14:44
Hello TR.
A bit of clarification required here. I dissected a couple of failed 2 stage regulators. In each case I found the first stage rubber valve
seat decomposed, swollen & deformed to the extent it blocked the first stage outlet gallery. The rubber
seat was coated in amber coloured oily/greasy material. We can debate where the material comes from, cylinder contents, hose or reaction between both.
The important thing is to ensure your regulator is mounted
well above your gas cylinder outlet valve and that the supply line, be it hose or tubing rises to the regulator inlet without dips, coils or loops. This allows for any condensed product or material in liquid form to run back into the cylinder rather than accumulate in the supply lhose/tubing dip, coils or loop until it collects in sufficient quantity to be pushed into the regulator.
See the following link for details:
http://www.dariocaravans.com.au/page.asp?parentid=11&productid=1164
Regards: Grant.
AnswerID:
368554
Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Saturday, Jun 06, 2009 at 17:10
Saturday, Jun 06, 2009 at 17:10
Thanks for the info. The grotty material you mention is probably the waxy stuff that came out of one of my cylinders - right colour.
The reg is mounted on a plate and the outlet hose is level with the middle of the first stage, so I'll get the gas man to position it up higher as suggested.
cheers
T.R
FollowupID:
636240