Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2017 14:12:37 -0700
Reply-To: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: checking propane leaks
In-Reply-To: <CACvdLxPN3La_yfo2vV-hcWfEBKR4WxFd3axHXhY2q6GL+QXiMA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
This is what I'd do, and please bear in mind that I'm being overly
retentive on this:
- close propane valve at panel of fridge
- connect BBQ tank to fridge, open valve on tank
- check for leaks at nut on end of tube on fridge where BBQ tank connects.
(I really really really doubt there will be any leak where that nut is
(brazed?) to that tube but it takes seconds to check)
- open fridge LP valve
- check for leaks between valve and thermostat (doubt there are any at
those points)
Propane should pass through the thermostat regardless of thermostat
dial setting. But as you surmised, setting it to Max will allow the
most fuel through.
To check for leaks downstream of the safety valve, I wonder if there's
an (NPT ??) plug that could be inserted in place of the burner jet.
This way you could test for leaks where small tube joins the safety
valve and burner box. OR, just cover the jet with a piece of soft
rubber to do same?
This is a guess, but even if there were a minute leak at union between
the small line you cleaned and safety valve or combustion box, the
spark and flame are contained inside the combustion box; I can't see
how any fuel leaking at unions outside of the box could be ignited by
that spark. And if you flood the combustion box, and the ignitor is
working, you'd hear a "poof" or "pop" of fuel igniting.
On 7/1/17, David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com> wrote:
> So, cleared (I hope) propane line reinstalled on refrigerator.
>
> To check for leaks on these connections (and other internal refrigerator
> connections while it is out), how?
>
> Is this correct?
>
> Connect refrigerator to propane (with external tank or extension hose to
> regular connection). Soap all connections. Open main or external tank
> valve. Turn refrigerator propane dial to on. Set refrigerator to operate
> on propane. Turn thermostat to max. Push safety/start switch. Observe
> connections for bubbles.
>
> Correct, or not? One concern to me, if push safety/start switch, sparks
> from igniter, though inside burner box. Problem while observing for leaks?
>
> mcneely
>
--
Neil n
Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>
Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>
