How To Test RV Propane Regulator

How To Test RV Propane Regulator

Published Date: December 29, 2020

Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Camper Front

A propane system is an important part of your RV that makes it comfortable, convenient, and cozy. The propane system operates your gas-fueled appliances. The propane tank is fitted with an RV propane regulator that is placed at the top of a portable tank or the outflow port of a permanent tank. It helps to even out the flow of gas from the tank and it also ensures a smooth delivery at an even, predetermined pressure.

Propane regulator also serves as a non-return valve, due to its important functions, the regulator is an indispensable component in the propane system and can malfunction at any time, which is why you need how to test RV propane regulator. That is what this article is all about.

How To Test RV Propane Regulator

Step 1

Start by Switching turning on the propane system by simply opening the regulator valve. a regulator usually has a half-turn knob or a 360-degree-turn knurled circular handle, go ahead and rotate the valve clockwise to its fullest extent.

Step 2

Look out for leaks around the regulator as well as its connection to the tank and the hose which transfers gas to the system. For this, you will need a proprietary liquid that is formulated for the testing of pressurized systems.

Use the solution to paint around the regulator; if a bubble appears, then there’s a present leak but in the absence of bubbles then that part of the system is sound.

Step 3

Turn off the system by turning the valve anti-clockwise to its fullest extent then Unscrew the regulator from the tank and carefully inspect its underside for any liquid contamination or debris. If there is any, use a clean dry cloth to wipe it away.

If you are making use of a regulator that incorporates a rubber O-ring seal, you need to ensure that the seal is firm, resistant to deformation and isn’t coated with powder. In the event of a decayed seal, replaced it immediately.

Lastly, reconnect the regulator and switch on the valve. If you still experience the problem, you will need to take the regulator to a licensed propane professional and have him check out the operation of the internal components by disassembling the body.

A professional will also have the specialist tools needed to test the output pressure of the regulated gas.

>>> Read Also: How Long RV Fridge Takes To Cool on Propane

How To Detect A Bad RV Propane Regulator

How To Detect A Bad Propane Regulator

1. Yellow Flames

The correct color of flame that should be on any of your propane appliances should be a strong blue. The flames should be blue and also at the same level as the burner. You can check your flame color by simply turning on one of the burners on your RV stove.

If the flames are yellow it means that you do not have enough pressure in your LP gas system. If the flame has a loud sound and very tall then you have too much pressure.

It’s not common for your RV propane regulator to require adjustments, it indicates a leak or a bad regulator.

2. Popping Noises

If when you turn off your RV store burner and you happen to hear popping noises, then your RV propane regulator may be bad and you would need to replace it.

A damaged burner can also cause Popping noises and if the noise comes out of only one burner and not all of them, then you need to carefully examine the problematic burner. It could be caused by dirt or askew.

3. Heavy Soot Deposits

Propane is known as being a fairly clean-burning gas, which doesn’t produce dark smoke-like wood fires. a healthy propane flame should barely produce any soot.

So If you start to notice dark black marks forming around your pots, water heater or anywhere in your RV kitchen that is being caused by the stove, then you either have soot causing item in your burner or you have a weak flame that doesn’t burn cleanly.

start by adjusting the flame strength on a water heater and if that doesn’t fix the soot problem then you may have a bad RV propane regulator.

4. Venting or Leaking Regulator

If you notice that the propane smell is coming out from your RV propane regulator, this might indicate that it is damaged or not sealed properly.

You can carry out a leak test using just a dish soap water mixture.

Apply it all over the regulator and check for bubbles. If you notice the formation of bubbles around an area then there’s a leak there.

another possible cause of the propane smell could be the vent which is usually located underneath all propane regulators.

The function of this vent is to help the regulator breathe while it is being used, the vent is also a safety feature in case the propane tank gets overfilled causing the tank pressure to get too high.

In events where you notice propane coming out from the vent, you need to first make sure the propane tank isn’t overfilled and If the tank isn’t the problem, this means the regulator is faulty and needs replacement.

5. No Propane Flow

This is one of the obvious signs of a RV propane regulator problem and it is usually caused by a safety feature present in the regulator. If the regulator detects a high flow of propane, the safety valve is engaged and it shuts off this same feature that is present in propane tanks.

You can reset the RV propane regulator by switching off the propane tanks and also making sure that all your propane appliances are shut off too. After a few minutes, The regulator should reset.

If this still doesn’t fix the problem then your RV propane regulator isn’t functioning correctly and probably needs to be replaced.

6. Age

Propane regulators aren’t forever lasting, they usually have a lifespan of about 10 years and a regulator can simply stop working because it’s too old. If you have a regulator that has served you for years, it might be time to get a new one.

7. Faulty Automatic Changeover

This only to you if you have dual propane tanks and an automatic RV propane regulator. If your automatic system begins to malfunction it may be an indicator that your regulator is starting to go bad.

>>> Read Also: How to Heat a Camper Without Propane

Conclusion

Propane regulators play a vital role in your RV propane system and they need to be in good working conditions so that the appliances it powers can function properly. Knowing how to test RV propane regulator is very important and will enable you to nip arising problems in the bud.

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