Community Forums

DoItAll · 11-20-2019, 09:45 PM

Recently purchased a 2002 Coach House 232.
Our first RV and we're really pleased with it for the most part but the propane system is a bit of a mystery.
User interface shows the tank is 3/4 full but I don't trust that.
However, I have opened the 'full' valve and there is gas in there.
There is a solenoid valve downstream of the regulator and, as far as I can tell, it is not being energized.
Have tried both the burners and the 3 way refrigerator without luck.
Can anyone tell me what energizes that valve?
Switches on the burners?
Is there any wiring diagrams available for this RV?
Please share your thoughts, I'm baffled.

Rocky Larson · 11-21-2019, 06:41 AM

Just a guess but check to see if your propane detector has a reset function.

A32Deuce · 11-21-2019, 07:30 AM

First, the tank can only be filled to 80%. Second, open the valve slowly, too fast and a high flow check valve closes. Try that and see if it works.

Podivin · 11-21-2019, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky Larson

Just a guess but check to see if your propane detector has a reset function.

Or even an 'off' button. On my first RV the propane detector had an off button. I bumped it one day and turned it off by accident, took me a while to figure out why the propane wasn't flowing.
In case you don't know, the propane detector will likely be somewhere in the main living space or hallway, near the floor. It's big and easy to see.

Old-Biscuit · 11-21-2019, 09:05 AM

2002 vintage motorhome.........
LP Detector wired to close that solenoid to prevent propane flow......leak

LP Detector is down low typically in kickboard of cabinet in kitchen area

LP Detector MAY need replacement.....they have a 'short' shelf life of 5-7 yrs
*Expiration date stamed on backside of detector body

Mudfrog · 11-21-2019, 10:58 AM

Just a note,, there is a gauge on the propane tank itself. Sounds like the OP does have propane in the tank but reading the gauge will give a more definitive answer as to how much.

MSHappyCampers · 11-21-2019, 04:14 PM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! I too would suspect the propane detector. Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

DoItAll · 11-22-2019, 08:26 PM

That's a good idea. There are two detectors one of which is only two years old.
That one has been cut out of the system (all wires cut) but I have checked the two valves installed on the main LP line and neither is energized.
I'll check the reset on the one that's still in the system though. Thanks

DoItAll · 11-22-2019, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky Larson

Just a guess but check to see if your propane detector has a reset function.

I'll check that.
Thanks

DoItAll · 11-22-2019, 08:46 PM

Wow!
I really appreciate all of your suggestions and will check all the things you have suggested.

I should mention that that I have attempted to fill the tank but it took less than a gallon.
I went to one of the local RV dealers and the gentleman at the service counter was pretty confident that the check valve was the culprit.

I'll close the main valve and hope the line will bleed down unless you have a better suggestion.
I have checked the solenoid valves in the main line and they are not energized so it doesn't seem like a sensor issue.
Many thanks for all of your responses. What a great group!!
Alex

cavie · 11-22-2019, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoItAll

Recently purchased a 2002 Coach House 232.
Our first RV and we're really pleased with it for the most part but the propane system is a bit of a mystery.
User interface shows the tank is 3/4 full but I don't trust that.
However, I have opened the 'full' valve and there is gas in there.
There is a solenoid valve downstream of the regulator and, as far as I can tell, it is not being energized.
Have tried both the burners and the 3 way refrigerator without luck.
Can anyone tell me what energizes that valve?
Switches on the burners?
Is there any wiring diagrams available for this RV?
Please share your thoughts, I'm baffled.

How did you do that?

DoItAll · 11-23-2019, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavie

How did you do that?

I'm referring to the valve that is opened while filling the tank.
It's right beside the fill port and usually says something like 'fill until liquid is visible'.
You just open it by hand, like a water valve only smaller.

1st-tt2018 · 11-23-2019, 07:22 AM

That might be a bleeder.

My bet is on the propane detector being bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoItAll

I'm referring to the valve that is opened while filling the tank.
It's right beside the fill port and usually says something like 'fill until liquid is visible'.
You just open it by hand, like a water valve only smaller.

Old-Biscuit · 11-23-2019, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoItAll

Wow!
I really appreciate all of your suggestions and will check all the things you have suggested.

I should mention that that I have attempted to fill the tank but it took less than a gallon.
I went to one of the local RV dealers and the gentleman at the service counter was pretty confident that the check valve was the culprit.

I'll close the main valve and hope the line will bleed down unless you have a better suggestion.
I have checked the solenoid valves in the main line and they are not energized so it doesn't seem like a sensor issue.
Many thanks for all of your responses. What a great group!!
Alex

Solenoid Valves.......more then ONE????

Solenoid valve on propane line ----has to be energized to be held OPEN so propane flows

You also mentioned in earlier post about TWO Detectors....
ONE was disconnected/wires cut??

If would be helpful if you could post pictures of the TWO solenoids and the different detectors.
Solenoids have to have DC Voltage to them to open....detectors take DC from battery bank/send it to solenoid.
IF detector trips it drops the DC to soleniod.