When I took the genset out yesterday for its monthly run, what I thought was smoke started pouring out of the front of the coach. I shut the genset down and found what I think is the 2-stage pressure regulator was leaking big time (see Picture).



My first question is, is this the 2-stage pressure regulator? Second where does one look for a replacement and third are there any issues I should be aware of in replacing it? I don't want to blow myself up or burn the coach down. Any advise would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Mike

Most bulk propane suppliers will have regulators on the shelf, can answer any questions.

Easy to change, BTW. Just be sure to use gas compatible thread sealant on the fittings.

Yep. Standard stock item.

Thanks for getting me going in the right direction.

I read yesterday that an RV caught fire parked next to a house and everything burned to ground. Fortunately no one was hurt. I have had regulators go bad and leak before. This incident was attributed to the propane. Makes me rethink keeping an RV next to a home .

Tom Taylor

I prefer a detached garage, CO2 being the main threat. And a fire can never be ruled out. Glad you were not smoking cranking that genset or burning leaves nearby etc

Yeah, I thought about all the things that could have happened. It was sobering.

To my surprise the old pressure regulator was only a single stage regulator, not the 2-stage call for in the OM. I purchased a 2-stage regulator to replace the leaking old one.


Old one on right, new 2-stage regulator on the left.

Now that the new 2-stage regulator is installed, is there a trick to priming the system. I can't start the genset now. It turns over but doesn't fire.

Not sure about a genny, but with my system when I run it out and refill it I have to prime it by turning on a stove burner and keep trying to light it until it lights, usually about a minute or so. This bleads the lines of air and everything will work.

You cannot use a two stage appliance regulator in an internal combustion engine. Your appliances use between 2 and 6 psi gas pressure while the engines use about 12psi. They use a safety high pressure regulator at the tank and a Beam Regulator at the engine. See the following web site: http://www.propane-generators....opane_regulators.htm

You can also call a propane conversion company and talk with them. I suspect you have too low a propane pressure to run your engine.

Thanks guys for the info. I ordered a PR from US Carburetion, Inc. which is on its way as I type. And My appliances are up and running.

Raincatcher, could you explain the setup of the lp regulators on your Breakaway, please? Is there one line coming from the LP tank to the genset? Does it have a regulator at the tank and another at the genset? Is there a separate line going from the main tank to the appliances? If so, is there a different regulator at the tank for this second line and are there individual regulators at each of the appliances?

Hi Jim & Tere,

I'm trying to figure it out myself. I'll share what I know and maybe some one can explain what is going on.

Every thing seems to come off of one line/valve even though there are both a liquid and a vapor valve. The line splits into two lines (A & B) immediately after the vapor shut-off valve. There is a two-stage regulator at the tank and a single stage regulator at the genset. I have been unable to trace out the two lines as they both disappear over the greywater and fresh water tanks and I can't figure out which goes where.


The line splits immediately after vapor shut-off valve. I have no idea what the liquid valve does as it doesn't seem to be hooked up. I'm guessing that line "A" goes to the genset because it branches before the 2-stage regulator and there is the failed single stage PR at the genset even though a 2-stage is called for in the OM. I further assume that line "B" feeds the appliances.


I again assume that the valve with the electrical connections just after the PR is for the LP Detector.


Immediately after the LP Detector Valve the line branches off to a capped valve that I have no idea what it was for??


The capped valve.


This is the single staged PR at the genset that I am replacing.

I could use some enlightenment here.

Cheers,

Mike

You are right on the LP detector valve. Also A and B functions.

I suspect that the capped valve may have been used as a supply line for some appliance, ie gas grill.

It could also be used to input regulated LP from an alternate outside tank, ie 100 lb bulk cylinder.

Not sure what the stump above the tee does... is it a square stem shutoff valve?

The liquid (???) valve is an outlet for a device which requires liquid propane rather than gas.

"Don't know what this is for" looks like a shutoff valve for that branch.