Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:47:35 -0400
Reply-To: pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Replacing copper propane lines
In-Reply-To: <BAY125-DAV242D379B274C43DFB349CA0630@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> That solenoid cut off needs power. Not a lot but it is voltage sensitive
> and is a continuous draw. Be sure to provide a shut off switch especially
> if you do not have an auxiliary battery. It is also a nuisance as anything
> perceived as a flammable vapor will trip. Too much perfume or hair spray
> will trigger it.
I have actually had the detector/solenoid setup since the beginning of the
summer (with the existing copper lines bent) and like it a lot. The
detector in the van has an on/off switch, in the off position, the detector
and solenoid are both off, the propane is shut off (after the regulator) and
there is no power draw. When you turn on the switch, propane supply turns
on and the detector is active. Pretty nifty. I actually haven't had any
false alarms (and the detector does trigger when I test it with a butane
lighter), but we don't have any hair spray or perfume, so...
>
> Since almost all leaks occur at connection points, you are best to also
> keep the tee outside.
This is a good point. I'll definitely follow this advice. I guess I'll
look for good ways to extend the skid plate instead.
> If using a hose it has to designed and listed for
> indoor propane use. Also, all tubing fittings need to be flare, not
> compression.
If anybody knows of such hose, please let me know.
Thanks again for the help,
Wes
>
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> pickle vanagon
> Sent: Friday, August 29, 2008 2:58 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Replacing copper propane lines
>
> I'm going to replace the service valve on my tank, and want to replace the
> propane copper lines while I'm there (currently they're bent to allow for
> the larger new-style regulator).
>
> A couple of questions:
> Is the flexible copper tubing they sell at the hardware store the right
> stuff? The lines on my van are much stiffer than this. Is that just
> because of age?
>
> Is there an alternative to the rigid copper tubing? Some kind of
> high-pressure rated flexible tubing?
>
> What I would most like to do, is run just one connection from the tank up
> into the van, and then split the connection at that point, to eliminate
> the
> length required by the T-adapter. This because, apart from my longer
> regulator, I also have a solenoid shutoff valve between the regulator and
> the t-adapter which is connected to a detector in the cabin and shuts off
> the propane supply in case of a leak. As a result, the stock t-adapter
> protrudes from the skid plate as I currently have it.
>
> Thanks very much for any help,
> Wes
>
>
|