Date:         Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:09:23 -0800
Reply-To:     Varotto Hugo <hugovanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Varotto Hugo <hugovanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: propex heater problems
Comments: To: Joy Hecht <jhecht@ALUM.MIT.EDU>
In-Reply-To:  <6e95da691001261948m639149fena3f8faca147e6898@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Joyce,

I just finished fixing my Propex installation, couple of things to check.

1 - you don't mention which Propex heater you have (there're several models), but I'll assume is the HS2000 (blue one, same as mine)

2 - now, make sure the dial is at its lowest setting, set up the switch to the flame picture (the other setting will only make the fan run constantly, in ventilation mode)

3 - the Propex will now start a "purge" mode, in which the fan will run for 10-15 seconds, at this point usually the red and green light in the thermostat are ON.

4 - after the "purge" is finished, the Propex will attempt to ignite the propane (you should be able to hear a difference in sound, a couple of clicks and a noise like a furnace starting).

4 - if a failure happens, look at the red light in the thermostat. There should be a series of flashes, count them and report back. 

I had two different problems (at different times) with my Propex: 

- the first one indicated with a 5-flash error code that I was having an air intake problem (which I solved blowing air with an air compressor in the air intake underneath the van). 

- the second problem took longer, I had a 2 flash error which indicated a propane issue. I had to adjust the pressure in the regulator (had to build a manometer to measure it).

Try to re-run the Propex again, and see what error codes it display.  And I agree with Loren, Karl is your best resource concerning Propex issues.

Regards,

Hugo (who feels very proud of having disconnected/dismantled/reassembled the propane installation while adjusting the regulator pressure and even happier that the Propex worked correctly thereafter with no leaks whatsoever)



>> 
>> 
> Nope.  I did just as you said.  No matter where the dial is, the fan stays
> on for ten seconds if I switch it to the left.  If I turn the dial to the
> little lines, turn the switch left, and then rotate the dial to the big
> lines, the lights do not turn green, and the fan goes off after ten
> seconds.
> 
> It's 40 in the van now, which isn't really that cold, but I'd think the heat
> would go on at 40, woudln't it?  Or does it only work at lower
> temperatures?
> 
> I do have propane in the tank!
> 
> 
> Joy
>