Community Forums

Catt · 10-31-2021, 10:32 PM

Good day all

hope everyone is safe and well.

In mid-winterizing process , 1st time owner.

Specifically a question not covered in manuals etc.

LP gas shutoff valves. There are 2. One to left, one to right.
Left one says LP Vapor, Right one says LP liquid.
No idea about any of this.

Wanting to shut it all off for winter. Right hand one does not turn,
no idea if its frozen on, or off.

Left one is turned all way to left. I always thought "righty-tighty, lefty-
loosey" was a good rule of thumb. However, not always so.

Is The Vapor one in "full open" position? Is this the right position? Is it's
function to allow vapors to escape? Should it ever be closed? Is it open or
closed?

I want to close the system down completely if possible. A side note , we have owned the coach for a month now, so yes, still learning lots as we go, have not as yet smelled gas, nor have the detectors gone off ,
and yes those were tested and function properly as near as we can tell.

Also I know that some models have a "solenoid" that cuts off the gas too. (no idea if this one has it - another item not discussed in the manuals that came with) .

Am i on the right track here?

Thanks for tips ideas suggestions etc.
(Looked for ages in the forums to find a discussion on this, and so many
forums later, decided to post this. If there was one, and I missed it, my apologies.)

Take care, stay safe and well, all.

~~ Catt

uchu · 11-01-2021, 08:02 AM

The Liquid propane valve is not meant to be an user valve. It's usually used by technicians to withdraw liquid propane from the tank (e.g., if the tank needs to be emptied before removal or transportation).

The left valve (vapour) is the service valve, the one you want to close. Propane is stored under pressure in the tank, in a liquid form. When you open this valve, the liquid propane moves towards the part that's not under pressure (normal atmospheric pressure) and there it "boils"(vaporizes) from liquid to a gas form, which is the one that's useful for the appliances in the RV.

If it's all the way to the left (counterclockwise) it means it's fully open. You need to turn it clockwise (to the right) until it's fully closed.

twinboat · 11-01-2021, 08:06 AM

If you have a propane generator the liquid valve may be for that. Many use liquid propane to run.

Both valves are standard turn valves, right to close. They also need to be full open when in use, that seals them from leaking out around the stem.

Propane is liquid under pressure but there is always a vapor space above the liquid in the tank.
The vapor valve draws from the top of the tank, liquid flows from the bottom of the tank.

uchu · 11-01-2021, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

If you have a propane generator the liquid valve may be for that. Many use liquid propane to run.

Both valves are standard turn valves, right to close. They also need to be full open when in use, that seals them from leaking out around the stem.

Ah, good point! I forgot about that. That may be the generator line, if the motorhome has a propane one.

Catt · 11-01-2021, 06:06 PM

yes propane genny.

And thank you lots for your replies. I've now closed the Vapor valve, fully clockwise. Other one does not turn at all. left it alone.

Thanks again!

stay safe and well!

wolfe10 · 11-01-2021, 06:12 PM

Correct. If you have a LIQUID Onan LP generator, it receives fuel from the propane liquid tap. Valve turns off (clockwise) just like the vapor valve.

And, if the generator ever starts running rough, there ARE work-arounds.