NO PROPANE FLOW IN THE VERY COLD

[skipbee]

We have been sitting in extreme coldness, for us, and the generator tries to run but fizzles. I started stove burners but when I try to start the generator the burner goes out. Also the furnace will not fire.

Is there a procedure to get the propane flowing? It has been sitting for over a month without being used.

[skipbee]

devildog1971,

Thanks for the info. I'll go thru the whole system and check for oil. We've been operating since 2005 with no problems, it's about time we go thru the propane stuff and clean and clear.

We all well and happy, we hope this finds you and yours the same. We are staying at home this year, looking after family matters. A big nor'easter is brewing an heading up the east coast, as I write this. The wood stove is glowing, we're hunkered down to watch a heavy snow storm. Cheers! skip

[devildog1971]

I had that problem it was the regulator BUT it was stopped up with a liquid that appeared to be oil happened twice even after a set of new tanks and new regulator. The regulator can be purchased at tractor supply and lots of convenient places about $10.00 but when you replace it try a air hose on the old one blowing it out backwards just to see what was in it if anything, the oil like liquid even got through the regulator on the tanks and had to also replace the regulator on the onan generator that one was about $40.00 I was in North Dakota and wyoming in November at 8 below no problem with propane system running stove generator and furnace good luck hope you and your wife are well

[Moose10]

Buzzcut1 wrote:
If you have shore power an electic heating pad/ blanket over the regulator/tanks might speed things up

I use the small heating pad method in-between the two tanks and it works perfect. Occasionally when we take the sleds down to Eureka we'll see -20 to -40 temps and the propane is not happy, but the heating pad takes care of that no problem. Of course though this is parked where we have a plug in.
One time we pulled in behind the lodge with my old Fleetwood Caribou and when I opened the first tank valve, liquid propane started dripping out at the stem...it was right around 40 below that night.

[markowwes]

eHoefler is right!!!the high demand with the cold temp is too much for a ¼” regulator, believe me ...in Alberta we know how the cold affects propane...you can carry it in a open pail at -44°F. With the draw that you require, your reg is behaving like a spray can with the nozzle open all the way....if frosts up!, if you require that much of a supply during cold weather you should get a reg with 3/8” or 1/2 “ fittings, this will eliminate the flow resistance...(the larger the whole the more the flow” don’t do it if you just need it for a short time though...cut down on the demand from one of the appliances.

[Paradox123]

I've had a couple of propane regulators go bad. I'd just replace the one you have now. I've had enough issues that I carry a spare.

[GoinThisAway]

I had the same problem a few years ago while winter camping in temperatures down in the single digits. Here's an interesting article on ehow that gives a good explanation: cold affect on propane tanks

[skipbee]

What a terrific resource we enjoy here. Thanks to all for helping me. Bobndot especially for all the research, effort,and the PM. We've had an ice storm that has crippled the mid-eastern electrical grid. We're back on line but many still are without power.

Our home generator kept us warm for a day, I've got an trouble light warming the propane locker at present.
,
Love to all,

skip

[eHoefler]

Propane boils/vaporizes at -44*. As the temperature drops, the liquid to vapor conversion slows. It can not keep up with a high demand appliance like a furnace or generator. It is not the regulator, the pressure in the tank drops below the usable point. Warm up the propane tank, and everything will return to normal.

[Comeoutswingin]

12V Cummins wrote:
Tanks recently filled? Could be over filled. Open up the 80% valve on the side of the tank and see if liquid vapor comes out.

This, and even if not over filled, when I lived full time in my travel trailer when I was 18 I would have to crack the purge valve for a little bit and bleed off some propane to get my lines un vapor locked.

[Buzzcut1]

If you have shore power an electic heating pad/ blanket over the regulator/tanks might speed things up

[12V_Cummins]

Tanks recently filled? Could be over filled. Open up the 80% valve on the side of the tank and see if liquid vapor comes out.

[boogie_4wheel]

Skip, I've had the same problem when the temperature gets around -10*F. I've added a short piece of Easy Heat heat tape to the propane line between the front of the trailer and wrapped it around the regulator. Lucky for me the temps have been in the teens at night and I haven't even plugged in the heat tape yet. I'm hoping it solves the problem.

You are not alone!!!

[bobndot]

Skip, yes the regulator can freeze up . Warm it up as suggested . If that doesn't solve the problem , check the regulator to see if the diaphragm cracked or it may be a bad regulator.
To test a regulator, shut off the water heater (allow it to cool down a little) . Light the stove burner(s) then turn on the water heater . The stove burner flame should not drop down when the heater is fired up . If it does, you have a weak gas flow . \

more info : taken from another rvnet post....
" All of this is totally unnecessary. All that is necessary to relieve the pressure is to shut off the valve and open a burner on the stove. Why would you want to disconnect all of those fittings and then have to reconnect and leak check for something so basic?

it was taken from here : p.2

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27365931/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

Skip, if you need more help, I can search more , if you're not able , Bob

[skipbee]

Thanks to everyone. The light bulb sounds like the best idea, A hair dryer around the propane, not so good. I'll try again tomorrow. We've had a long spell of single digits, freezing rain, snow, generally lousy weather for several weeks.