Moving propane line

[bud01234]

I had a mechanic put in a Hott Rod electric conversion into my propane only waterheater and love it and has worked great all summer. Now I'm finishing winterizing the MH and last step is to bypass the water heater (done) then drain it. (aaagh!!)

Turns out he nudged the LP line to move it aside when installing the Hott rod, then placed the LP line back over the Hott rod. I'm having a terrible time trying to break loose the LP connector so I can swing it out of the way. I've tried turning the nut to the Left but will not turn. Tried turning to the right and will not turn. I've put as much muscle into it as I'm comfortable with but thought I'd better confess my ignorance and see if anybody has a suggestion. I'm not even sure which direction I should be turning. (see picture below)

Thanks!
Bud

[Mr_D]

Propane should be a left hand thread.

[dennis45]

Rule of thumb. Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey.
Now I suggest you get a proper size wrench for the fitting where you have you crescent wrench. Then, put your crescent wrench on the flat of the pipe nipple to use as a back to prevent it from turning while you use the wrench to loosen the tube fitting. From there it's brute strength.
When you go to reassemble, make sure you do not cross thread the fitting. Meaning it should start and turn with ease. If not you have it cooked and by forcing it, you will ruin the threads and that's not going to improve you day. Make sure it's lined up properly.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Propane should be a left hand thread.

Definetly Right Hand Thread on this fitting.

Gas & Water threads explained in plain English | Caravans Plus

[mel s]

Originally Posted by bud01234

I had a mechanic put in a Hott Rod electric conversion into my propane only waterheater and love it and has worked great all summer. Now I'm finishing winterizing the MH and last step is to bypass the water heater (done) then drain it. (aaagh!!)
Turns out he nudged the LP line to move it aside when installing the Hott rod, then placed the LP line back over the Hott rod. I'm having a terrible time trying to break loose the LP connector so I can swing it out of the way. I've tried turning the nut to the Left but will not turn. Tried turning to the right and will not turn. I've put as much muscle into it as I'm comfortable with but thought I'd better confess my ignorance and see if anybody has a suggestion. I'm not even sure which direction I should be turning. (see picture below)
Thanks!
Bud

bud01234
Every propane fitting on my coach is right hand tread...(except for the POL connection to the service valve on the propane tank).

PLO FITTING

Usually "left hand trended fittings" are marked with grooves on the corners of the flats... like the POL fitting in the above pic.... and like this one:

LEFT HAND THREADED BRASS FITTING

Mel
'96 Safari

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by dennis45

Rule of thumb. Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey.
Now I suggest you get a proper size wrench for the fitting where you have you crescent wrench. Then, put your crescent wrench on the flat of the pipe nipple to use as a back to prevent it from turning while you use the wrench to loosen the tube fitting. From there it's brute strength.
When you go to reassemble, make sure you do not cross thread the fitting. Meaning it should start and turn with ease. If not you have it cooked and by forcing it, you will ruin the threads and that's not going to improve you day. Make sure it's lined up properly.

What he said !

After getting 2 wrenchs on it, pull up on the one on the nut and hold down on the 45 elbow with the P on it.

[38Chevy454]

X2, use a real wrench on the nut, preferably a flare nut wrench. Then hold the 45 degree fitting to keep it from turning with a another wrench or possibly the adjustable wrench.

[Old-Biscuit]

Well......
You have be giving the correct means of disconnecting that propane fitting so enough said about that.

But once you disconnect line and are able to get at the Hott Rod good luck removing it.
Looks like lots of scaling around adapter in tank drain -----weeping/leaking ????
And looks like an Atwood WH so those drain hole threads are aluminum---Caution!

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Well......
You have be giving the correct means of disconnecting that propane fitting so enough said about that.

But once you disconnect line and are able to get at the Hott Rod good luck removing it.
Looks like lots of scaling around adapter in tank drain -----weeping/leaking ????
And looks like an Atwood WH so those drain hole threads are aluminum---Caution!

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by 38Chevy454

X2, use a real wrench on the nut, preferably a flare nut wrench. Then hold the 45 degree fitting to keep it from turning with a another wrench or possibly the adjustable wrench.

This! Get a flare nut wrench to get the maximum amount of contact on the flare nut. Get another wrench, the adjustable will work, to put on the flat of the fitting right next to the flare nut. To loosen, pull up on the flare nut wrench while holding the adjustable wrench tight to keep the fitting from turning.

Edited to add,, it's better to use a good wrench but the adjustable might work if you turn it over and adjust it tight to the flare nut. It will get a better bite on the nut this way.

[wildmanbaker]

How about removing the mounting screws/bolts that are holding the burner assembly to the hot water heater and moving it enough to get access to the hot rod for draining. The electronic spark can be unplugged from the board by sliding the rubber boot back enough to unplug the feed wire. Maybe take some picture before starting so you can reassemble it when completed.
Good Luck

[Murf2u]

It looks like a 'stacked' arrangement to me..

Unplug the black electrical cord, then remove the outer brass fitting, then remove the inner brass fitting..