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searchinferu · 02-13-2015, 10:46 AM

Having some problems getting propane out of the tank. I see there is what appears to be a solenoid valve after the pressure regulator. I don't have any info on the coach's gas system.

There is a Pre Tell II mounted above the entry stairs. In addition to being an alarm, is this also possibly connected to that solenoid valve? If so, that might be my problem, as when I turn it on, the green light does not come on and there is no sound test either.

So, assuming I cant get this detector to operate, can I just supply 12 volts to that solenoid? Is the switch in the positive or ground line? I ask this as I've been told the water pump switch is in the ground line. Perhaps somebody was just telling a fishing story. Smile.

Dr4Film · 02-13-2015, 11:07 AM

Obviously you must have the special LPG Detector that when working if it detects an LPG leak it closes the solenoid at the LPG tank for protection.

Also, you must have a Mid-Entry coach versus a front entry coach. It would help in diagnosing problems if you would state what brand, model and floor-plan you own so that people with the same unit can help you.

LPG detectors are installed in RV's for a reason. It should also be installed close to where the LPG appliances are located. In your case near the stove and fridge which both use LPG. Some coaches with have another LPG detector close to the hot water and LPG heaters too. If yours in NOT working I would suggest replacing it ASAP. It could save a life.

In the meantime you could bypass the solenoid to get LPG to your appliances providing that there are no leaks.

WRT your water pump, if you have the Intellitec Water Pump Controller, yes that device is a grounding circuit that internally switches the ground and not the hot side of 12 VDC.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Gary RVRoamer · 02-14-2015, 08:13 AM

The LP gas valve for the PRE detector is not 12v operated. It is designed to be very low power and seems to me I recall it is something like 3-4v.

The gas safety code no longer requires the use of a shut-off valve with the detector, so you could remove it if you wish.

House Husband · 02-18-2015, 08:35 PM

Your LP gas valve has a 9 volt coil. Do not apply 12 volts or you may let all the smoke out of it.
You LP detector system is wired a little differently than you might think. The detector has 3 wires. The two red leads go to the positive of each battery bank and the one yellow wire goes to one side of the valve coil. The valve coil then has the other side connected to the frame. The detector get its negative voltage through the valve coil.
I suggest you check the connections at the valve coil and wire going to the frame. They may be corroded.
There is a fellow in Olathe Kansas doing repair on PreTel II detectors.
You may contact him (Larry) at CCIRepairs@gmail.com. He can be quite helpful.
FYI: There was never any codes by any authority that required a detector that shut off the propane on RVs. If so, all RV manufactures would have had to use them and they did not. Gary has never been able to document his comments about such.
You're CCI system is a great safety device and will shut off the propane when you are not there, if you have a leak. The lesser systems will not protect you as well.

Richard

searchinferu · 02-19-2015, 07:51 AM

Thanks RLS and everyone for all the info. I was wondering how the unit achieved a ground with two reds going to the batteries and the yellow to the selenoicd. It's 5 below, but will get out soon enough to check connections underneath. I would much rather have a system that gets rid of the problem than one that tries to tell me I have one, even if I'm not around.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-19-2015, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Gary has never been able to document his comments about such.

LOL! I can document that none is required by current RVIA construction standards - I have the RVIA and ANSI standards documents for that. I am unwilling to pay $120 to buy a copy the now-obsolete RVIA code documents that did have that requirement way back in the mid-late '90's, so cannot document that. It is a fact that not all RVs are built to RVIA standards, so some may not have complied.

Seems academic, cause searchinferu does indeed have the detector with the gas shutoff solenoid, whether anybody "required" it or not!

House Husband · 02-20-2015, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

LOL! I can document that none is required by current RVIA construction standards - I have the RVIA and ANSI standards documents for that. I am unwilling to pay $120 to buy a copy the now-obsolete RVIA code documents that did have that requirement way back in the mid-late '90's, so cannot document that. It is a fact that not all RVs are built to RVIA standards, so some may not have complied.

Seems academic, cause searchinferu does indeed have the detector with the gas shutoff solenoid, whether anybody "required" it or not!

I see you are saying it was a RVIA & ANSI standard this time. Which is it? Previously you stated it was a Fire Marshal standard. Again, you always have an excuse for your misinformation. And again I will challenge it.
So you're saying that Winnebago didn't build to RVIA standards in the 90s? I've had many customers with Winnebagos with out factory installed automatic propane shut off valves.

Richard