We have been able to smell propane outside our wonderbus since we got it. The smell is back near the tanks. We had it tested at a propane dealer in Bangor who spritzed the system with soapy water and looked for leaks. Found nothing.

Everything propane works just fine and there is no odor inside the coach.

Just makes me nervous enough to write and ask if anyone else has a similar situation?

Thank you.

Been there, done that on more than one RV. The only time we actually found a leak was from the valve stem when the valve was partially open.

Yup.

Ours has a slight propane odor near the tank when the valve is open and there is no breeze. I have sprayed soapy water all over and been all over it with an electronic sniffer. Again and again. I have even taken the extreme step of arising before sunrise to be able to test without the breeze interfering. Nothing. I have replaced the regulator and the hose (twice). Nothing.

AAAARRRRRGH!

Oh yeah....The reason I replaced the hose twice is because I decided that I would like the ability to attach a little spare propane tank to the coach if we run out far from a propane source. Or if we are just disinclined to break camp for a refill.

Well that valve stem sounds like a possibility, and so does the aging regulator as a cause. I am the "sniffer" in the group.

I was reading about a manometer test? Has anyone tried that?

Betsy

quote:

Originally posted by Ol' Betsy:
I was reading about a manometer test? Has anyone tried that?

Betsy

A manometer test is a good idea when you buy an RV. Periodic checks are good, too, just to be sure you don't have leaks. Barth used heavy black iron pipe underneath, so any leak will likely be past that.

Unfortunately, there is a difference between knowing you have a leak and finding it.

Boy, doncha hate that part!

Hi Betsy,

I think you bought the Barth from the guy that had it up on blocks in CA for a couple of years - the one with low miles that everyone warned us about. I'm curious about how the purchase turned out for you and if having a diesel sit for some time had any impact on it. Did you have to do any work to get it moving again?

quote:

Originally posted by devolo:
Hi Betsy,

I think you bought the Barth from the guy that had it up on blocks in CA for a couple of years - the one with low miles that everyone warned us about.

Maybe it was THIS ONE. They drove it a lot.

I went up & inspected "Da Coach" this afternoon, took it out, drove it a few miles for exercise, & gassed up (sounds of pain) the first time since last Sept. I checked the propane tank, made sure the valve was closed, & noticed a faint odor.

I suspect that a small residue of the "onion oil" additive that gives the gas its characteristic smell remains after filling the tank, or indeed is strong enough to create a detectable odor, even if there is no gas leak detectable by normal means.

If the system has been properly checked by competent professional, & no leak was found, it's probably not to worry, but just to keep an eye on it.

Hi y'all and thank you eh...

I'm pretty sure this was not up on blocks for a couple of years partly because I read everything in barthmobile.com about this particular bus before we bought it. Anyhoo, it started right up and keeps on running. No problems.

"properly checked by competent professional" hmmm. Is that about the same as spritzing it with soap and water or is there more?

Thank you all for your help. It is a great comfort to have a knowlegable group to turn to for help.

We are off to a "competent professional" to have it looked at one more time, but we both think it might be the valve stem or valve or its packing because there is no scent when the propane is turned off.

On the road again!

Spritzing with soapy water & watching for bubbles is a standard method, & one you can do yourself if you don't mind getting down & dirty to reach the hidden joints. It takes a little practice, as the soapy water will suds by itself when you apply it, & a tiny leak will bubble very slowly. The key is watching for the bubbles to expand.

Many professionals also use hand-held electronic gas detectors.

I'd bet even money that the valve stem is at least part of the problem. Been there, done that.

Got down n dirty and spritzed. Found two small leaks on the fittings into and out of the regulator and will fix them. My husband is patient enough to watch those bubbles.

Thanks again.

I had the same problem and ended up replacing the main valve. http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/lp-gas/propane-refill-adapter.htm
I waited for weeks until the $60.00 worth of propane ran out and replaced it using 3 foot pipe wrench.

Neil.

"and replaced it using 3 foot pipe wrench"

You didn't mention: A 3-foot pipe wrench ALWAYS requires a 2+ foot wrench on the opposite side of whatever you're removing -or, if only one 3-footer, breaking off.

Gunner, I agree but in this case there was no flats to put a wrench on. It is just a threaded bung hole in the tank. I thought about heating it, but being it is a propane tank I didnt think that was a good idea . I figured if it broke it would be time for a new tank. It was very tight and took me about 30 min one inch at a time with the room I had to work with.
Neil.