1st use of propane

[vman60]

I put 7 gallons of propane in my coach yesterday. It has been sitting for 2 years empty. an you give me some step by step advice as to how I can check safely al the appliance's. The guy at the propane place told me to turn on the stove and light the pilot light and let the stove run for a while with everything open so as to get all the air out of system. But have yet to do anything at this point. Safety 1st at this point. Thanks. Tony

[ga traveler]

I would start with going over the whole coach and making sure everything is turned off. Next turn on the gas valve. Now do the smell test. go to every propane appliance and smell for gas. Wait a couple of hours and go back and smell again. If no leaks, turn on stove and light. It will take a minute or two for all the air to purge. Let the stove burn for a few minutes and then run all the other propane appl.

[vman60]

Thank you very much for your help.

[Senior Chief]

Do you have the factory-installed propane detector in your coach? In our '89, its low down on the wall, (next to the floor) in the hall to the back bedroom.

Make sure this detector is reset- when/if it detects propane gas in the coach (or dog farts, or a few other substances) it will shut off the propane flow. If it has already gone off for some reason and not reset, you won't be able to get the propane flowing.

[Senior Chief]

Also, you can make up a leak-detection fluid by putting dish soap in water, enough to make a real soapy solution. Pour or spray this solution on joints or other suspect spots- if you have a propane leak, it will blow bubbles.

[wa8yxm]

I agree with Bubbles the leak detector (Ok that was his advice not his name) if it's been years vibration may have loosened or broken something.

Then some info.. you may find the stove very hard to light THE FIRST TIME, this is due to the possibility you have lines full of air.

Normal, don't worry about it.. Check all joints and visually inspect the lines for signs of abrasion (Rubbing against something) Any suspect spots. soap 'em down.

WHEN done.. Rinse well.

[baraff]

After the gas has been on for a while, say a few hours, go back in the coach and do a sniff test. Sometimes the gasket diaphragm in the stove/oven regulator will dry out, causing a small leak. Its not enough gas usually to set off the detector but you'll notice it.
I had to change out the regulator on the stove in my Aspect for this reason.

[TXiceman]

Before the "sniff" test, you need to get a leak detedtor or just mix come dish washing detergent in a little water. Turn on the propane and start looking fro leaks. Use a small basting brush or equal and go over all of the fittings that you can find looking for bubbles. Fix any leaks.

Ken