Hi Guys -
I brought a full LPG tank to the boat over the week-end. I hooked it up and tested the stove where I got a weak flame to burn. I also tested my gas-grill and it seemed to work. I turned the solenoid off, locked up the boat, and went home. The next morning I checked again, and the tank was entirely empty, not even a whisper of pressure. I only used the system once since I bought the boat, and that was over 12 months ago.
At this point I am worried enough about blowing myself and the boat up that I want to replace the entire regulator, solenoid, and tubing from the tank to the stove and to the gas-grill.
Any suggestions?
Peter L
—
Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA
Propane is dangerous enough that I (for personal liability reasons) say replace it all!
But if your solenoid did close (they do fail), it's possible that you didn't tighten up the connection to the bottle quite enough. I'm always surprised at how tight I need to make the connection on ours before it is leak free.
If you think their is a leak I'd start by replacing the solenoid and regulator. Get one with a pressure guage (I think this is an option? It is for CNG), you can use this to ensure you've tightened the connections enough, and that their are no leaks downstream..
Do you have an LPG detector down below? If not I definitly recommend having one. A car recently exploded a few blocks from our apartment, someone had brought a a propane tank sized bottle of butane home with them from work. The bottle leaked overnight and the car exploded when he used his fob to unlock the car (thankfully from accross the street),.
Alex & Caitlin
S/V Windswept
Vancouver, BC
1985 C-36
SR/FK M25