Propane regulator problems?

[Cracker]

One of my propane tanks needed re-certification and had to be left at the refill station. in the meanwhile I switched the regulator to the remaining full tank and noted that the plastic cover I had put over the nozzle for the missing tank was slowly inflating and, in addition, I had very low pressure at the stove burners. They would barely ignite. Is this “crossover leak” causing the low pressure and does it indicate the need for replacement of the regulator? The manual handle is very hard to move - approaching what I fear is the likelihood of breaking.



is a likelihood of breaking.

[chuckster57]

It could be time for replacement. In the meantime, turn the propane off. Undo the pigtail from the tank. Turn the selector to the other side and then back to the tank you want to use. Re connect the pigtail and SLOWLY turn the propane back on. If you still have the same issue then yes it is time to replace, me personally I would replace it anyway.

[Cracker]

I think that your suggestion to replace it makes the most sense - mainly because of the hard operation of the handle and the apparent cross-leaking. Thanks!

[Dave W]

Your regulator is probably 13-14 years old. Just replace it. Ours is 4-5 years old and it too is on its way out. Find a Marshall-Excelsior, especially if you have a Fairview regulator on the RV now. This is the one that will be going on our 5er as soon as the snow melts:https://www.amazon.com/MARSH-EXCEL-MEGR253-Change-Regulator/dp/B00KPR9Q30. I suggest that you replace the three rubber hoses as well as they have been subjected to the weather and possibly cracked with age.

[notanlines]

I heartily agree with the suggestions above, including the replacement of the hoses.

[Cracker]

I replaced the regulator today and all is up and running well. I passed on the hoses as they show no signs of significant weather damage aside from being very stiff. Since the new regulator will control any catastrophic failure by simply shutting down - and all of the hoses are in the open outside the trailer - I figured my biggest loss would simply be a tankful of gas if a hose ruptured. It was great to find that the furnace and stove were working well. I’ll probably test the refrigerator on gas tomorrow. That just leaves the hot water tank - but I won’t be able to de-winterize until mid-April.