Date:         Thu, 23 Oct 1997 20:48:35 -0500
Reply-To:     Cary Chiang <ehoward1@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Cary Chiang <ehoward1@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU>
Subject:      '85 Westy Propane Leak?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hello Folks:
        Two days ago I bought a gallon of propane to check the operation of my '85
Westy appliances.  I watched the U-Haul guy having trouble connecting the
hose without having alot of gas coming from (I think) the fitting below and
behind the gas fill connection.  He eventually got it on and said there was
"nothing to worry about".  When I turned on the gas at the tank I heard a
slight hiss and smelled gas momentarily but it went away as I continued to
turn the knob full open.  I lit the stove and fridge ok.  The next day I
noticed the interior was warm around the back vent and there was a distinct
smell similar to burning rubber (sort of like turning on the heater in your
home for the 1st time of the season, and I don't know when the fridge was
last lit).  The fridge seemed ok (made ice!).  The next day I found that
the fridge was off and there was no gas for the stove.  It is my
understanding that one gallon of propane should last at least one week of
fridge and stove usage yet mine lasted only 2 days.  I suspect I have a
leak somewhere even though I didn't smell gas after the initial turn on.
Does anyone have any suggestions?  Should I put in more gas and do a "soapy
water" test?  Are there any devices that I should pay particular attention
to? Any advice is appreciated!  Thanks in advance.

Cary (Austin, TX)