Propane Pressure problem

**Dave27** · 01-26-2019, 05:18 PM

The furnace will not run from the passenger side propane tank. It runs fine from the driver’s side tank. I ran the stove and turned on the furnace, it works with no problem from the driver’s side. When I try from the passenger side, the stove flame is weaker to start with, then it goes down further as the furnace tries to start.

Some background of things I have already done before this problem showed up. The original regulator would not switch (automatically or manually) from the driver to the passenger side. So first I replaced the small regulator on the passenger side. That didn’t make any difference, so I replaced the regulator with a Marshall Excel. That seemed to work fine as far as switching between tanks. While I was changing the regulator I noticed cracks in the rubber pig tail so I replaced it on the driver’s side.

Since then we have been camping in Arizona and need to run the furnace. That is when the current problem became apparent. I replaced the pigtail on the passenger side, and it doesn’t make any difference. The only piece of original equipment is the hose that runs through the camper from the passenger side to the driver’s side.

Any suggestions of what to do now?
Thanks, Dave

**FT4NOW** · 01-26-2019, 05:41 PM

Have you tried physically swapping the tanks (not just switching regulator position)? This would eliminate the tanks themselves from being a possible cause of the problem.

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**powerscol** · 01-26-2019, 06:14 PM

I was going to add - Question - when you put the new parts on did you use teflon tape? if you did remove it as I suspect a piece got into the fitting/regulator. Gas fittings do not need the tape or pipe dope.

**WhittleBurner** · 01-26-2019, 07:24 PM

When you opened the tank did you turn the handle slowly. They have a safety valve in case of a leak it will shut off the propane flow. To avoid this you have to open the valve's slowly. I'm betting you did it right but might be worth a minute of time to check.

**Dave27** · 01-26-2019, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by FT4NOW

Have you tried physically swapping the tanks (not just switching regulator position)? This would eliminate the tanks themselves from being a possible cause of the problem.

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Yes I switched the tanks. The passenger side has low pressure with either tank.

**Dave27** · 01-26-2019, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by powerscol

I was going to add - Question - when you put the new parts on did you use teflon tape? if you did remove it as I suspect a piece got into the fitting/regulator. Gas fittings do not need the tape or pipe dope.

I never use tape, but I do use pipe dope.

**Dave27** · 01-26-2019, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by WhittleBurner

When you opened the tank did you turn the handle slowly. They have a safety valve in case of a leak it will shut off the propane flow. To avoid this you have to open the valve's slowly. I'm betting you did it right but might be worth a minute of time to check.

Yes I turned them on slowly.

**Country Campers** · 01-27-2019, 04:24 AM

Did you stand on one foot , wiggle your ears , and say ummmmmmmm?

It is possible there is something in the line between the 2 regulators. Also when I replaced our change over regulator there was a check valve in the connection of the curb side hose. This may be stuck if you moved it to the new regulator. I did not move mine , I never have both tanks on at the same time. I would also check all connections with soapy water to be sure of no leaks.

Brian

**TwoElkhounds** · 01-27-2019, 06:18 AM

Times two on the check valve between the two tanks, it can get clogged with debris. It is located on the small red regulator in the line between the tanks, it is small and looks like a fitting, not a valve. Remove this and see if it solves your problem. If it does you can replace.

I had a similar problem and ended up tracing it to this valve. I removed the valve and it was totally clogged with gunk. I tried to clean it, but screwed it up so I just removed it. I never have the two tanks open at once. I run one tank till empty, then manually switch over to the other tank and refill the empty.

DAN

**WhittleBurner** · 01-27-2019, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by Country Campers

Did you stand on one foot , wiggle your ears , and say ummmmmmmm?

Brian

We tried that at the Elkhart rally last year when our propane system misbehaved on one side, didn't do a damn thing and I have lousy balance and fell over !

We ended up getting the whole new propane manifold (all the parts including regulator) from GD while we were there. It was our luck to be there at the time it gave up the ghost. This seems to be a common problem.