That looks like a flared fitting, and Teflon tape would not help it. I'm glad you were able to tighten it and stop the leak. The scary thing about flared fittings is if you get it too tight the flare will split and then you screwed. When you went back for the second tightening, my butt cheeks where clenched together.
Just a note. Teflon tape for propane is pink. Its not the same as the white tape used in plumbing. But most folks in propane will say brass to brass does not need Teflon tape. Brass is soft.
Two things to be aware of Dave, when working with fittings on a hose or line you should use two wrenches, one to apply the torque and the other to counter the torque on the fitting you're tightening or loosening on the hose so that the line or, in this case the regulator isn't on the receiving end of the torque pressure, either direction on or off. A fitting is made up of two parts, a male side and a female side, you want the wrenches working against each other on both sides of the fitting, one on the male side and the other on the female side, and if you look close on the regulator you'll see flats for a wrench next to the inlet or outlet side of it. Second, all propane regulators have a relief vent to bleed off excess pressure, on a hot day you may smell a bit of propane as you pass the compartment, just open the door and let the compartment ventilate, then close the door and recheck in a short time. And thirdly, check your propane sensor in your RV cabin, it will go off with the slightest whiff of gas, check it and make sure it works. I know I said two things but I'm old and always think of something else to say while I'm keying in a comment,,,,,,,,,
Just my two cents, you asked in the video “How does this happen “ well driving down the highway is like a torture test on any RV. Also consider temperature changes can and do contribute with the vibration of the truck.
More of a concern is the smelling of propane inside the camper! The leak was found in the Propane compartment. Propane is heavier then air. How was the smell getting into the camper? Every spring I do a propane leak test on my entire system. The camper experiences an earth quake every trip. So something could understandably come lose.
Great work Dave. I would like to point out that the black plastic vent that you showed is not for venting propane, because propane is heavier than air and will sink. So the vent in the bottom of your tanks cubicle is the one that vents propane. Second, it's a trivia, but propane does not have a smell. What you smell is mercaptane, a stinky additive to propane so humans can detect any leak. Like Essential Craftsman says: "keep up the good work" and Carey on..
I had the same problem this past summer up in Alaska. I have a built in tank. Could not find anyone to check it out. Went without propane for about six weeks. Turned off system. Thank goodness I had a one burner propane stove I used outside for cooking smelly foods. My hot water heater was an on demand, so not hot water either. It was the regulator. Glad yours was an easy fix😊
My husband and I were watching and he was curious what type of teflon tape you are using. He suggested: Oatey Yellow Gas Line PTFE Thread Sealant Tape. and quoted "The correct type of Teflon tape for gas fittings has a yellow color and is identified in the packaging as manufactured specifically for gas pipes and connecting gas lines. This type of tape is known as gas-rated Teflon tape. It is designed to accommodate all gas lines, including natural gas, propane and butane". It's made specifically made for gas, which is a lower density than water, which the white tape is rated for. So it can allow propane through. You probably already know this, but it might help someone.
The connection he tightened was a flare connection so no teflon should be used in the first place as the copper flare is what makes the seal. They do make flare sealant but it's not necessary to use.
My truck camper is much older than your rig. In addition to replacing the noxious gas/ propane / CO detector every five years, I give my exterior gas connections the once over with a brand name bubble solution before each trip and after refilling the tank. Also, I do not know if I am overly cautious - but I do turn off the valve at the tank when I am on the road.
I recommend using dedicated gas leak detection spray as it’s non corrosive. Soaps can have salt in them which can corrode the fittings. I also have not one but 2 gas alarms in my van, gas is scary 😮
It does. This was just an occasional smell that we think was the ceiling fan pulling in an occasional whiff from the exterior leak. I’m pretty sure Irene’s nose is more power than any detector😉😂
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Glad that was a simple fix.
That looks like a flared fitting, and Teflon tape would not help it. I'm glad you were able to tighten it and stop the leak. The scary thing about flared fittings is if you get it too tight the flare will split and then you screwed. When you went back for the second tightening, my butt cheeks where clenched together.
Thanks. 😁
That is a flare fitting Don't use teflon type on a flare fitting
rocky roads, bumps, & temperature change can loosen fittings.
Just a note. Teflon tape for propane is pink. Its not the same as the white tape used in plumbing. But most folks in propane will say brass to brass does not need Teflon tape. Brass is soft.
Two things to be aware of Dave, when working with fittings on a hose or line you should use two wrenches, one to apply the torque and the other to counter the torque on the fitting you're tightening or loosening on the hose so that the line or, in this case the regulator isn't on the receiving end of the torque pressure, either direction on or off.
A fitting is made up of two parts, a male side and a female side, you want the wrenches working against each other on both sides of the fitting, one on the male side and the other on the female side, and if you look close on the regulator you'll see flats for a wrench next to the inlet or outlet side of it.
Second, all propane regulators have a relief vent to bleed off excess pressure, on a hot day you may smell a bit of propane as you pass the compartment, just open the door and let the compartment ventilate, then close the door and recheck in a short time.
And thirdly, check your propane sensor in your RV cabin, it will go off with the slightest whiff of gas, check it and make sure it works.
I know I said two things but I'm old and always think of something else to say while I'm keying in a comment,,,,,,,,,
Correct. Beware of Plumber with (only) one wrench
And that's a compression fitting, so tape isn't a fix to consider for that connection.
Just my two cents, you asked in the video “How does this happen “ well driving down the highway is like a torture test on any RV. Also consider temperature changes can and do contribute with the vibration of the truck.
More of a concern is the smelling of propane inside the camper! The leak was found in the Propane compartment. Propane is heavier then air. How was the smell getting into the camper?
Every spring I do a propane leak test on my entire system. The camper experiences an earth quake every trip. So something could understandably come lose.
The pass through window open and the ceiling fan on pulled just enough smell for Irene to notice.
So glad you found the issue. Propane leaks can be scary! Good sniffer Irene!
Make sure you get the yellow Teflon tape for gas lines. Don’t use the white Teflon tape for water lines. Great video!
Tape or thread compound isn't for use on compression fittings like this one.
Great work Dave.
I would like to point out that the black plastic vent that you showed is not for venting propane, because propane is heavier than air and will sink. So the vent in the bottom of your tanks cubicle is the one that vents propane. Second, it's a trivia, but propane does not have a smell. What you smell is mercaptane, a stinky additive to propane so humans can detect any leak. Like Essential Craftsman says: "keep up the good work" and Carey on..
Thanks:)
Glad you all are safe now. Carey on!
Hi too you all! Happy Labor Day. It probably was never tightened all the way. Thanks for sharing and Safe Travels 👍
Thanks guys!
Gotta love the easy fixes! You ought to get a little 2oz. Spray bottle, camper size. We use them around the house for lots of things.
Great idea!
That is so scary to me. I'm reason I'm hesitant for having/using propane. Thank goodness for your superior sniffer!
Thanks!
Well if you don't have a spray bottle you can a match 😂😂
😳😳😳😂
I had the same problem this past summer up in Alaska. I have a built in tank. Could not find anyone to check it out. Went without propane for about six weeks. Turned off system. Thank goodness I had a one burner propane stove I used outside for cooking smelly foods. My hot water heater was an on demand, so not hot water either. It was the regulator. Glad yours was an easy fix😊
Thanks!
My husband and I were watching and he was curious what type of teflon tape you are using. He suggested:
Oatey Yellow Gas Line PTFE Thread Sealant Tape. and quoted "The correct type of Teflon tape for gas fittings has a yellow color and is identified in the packaging as manufactured specifically for gas pipes and connecting gas lines. This type of tape is known as gas-rated Teflon tape. It is designed to accommodate all gas lines, including natural gas, propane and butane".
It's made specifically made for gas, which is a lower density than water, which the white tape is rated for. So it can allow propane through. You probably already know this, but it might help someone.
The connection he tightened was a flare connection so no teflon should be used in the first place as the copper flare is what makes the seal. They do make flare sealant but it's not necessary to use.
No Teflon tape was used. Just needed tightened;)
My truck camper is much older than your rig. In addition to replacing the noxious gas/ propane / CO detector every five years, I give my exterior gas connections the once over with a brand name bubble solution before each trip and after refilling the tank. Also, I do not know if I am overly cautious - but I do turn off the valve at the tank when I am on the road.
Thanks!
I recommend using dedicated gas leak detection spray as it’s non corrosive. Soaps can have salt in them which can corrode the fittings. I also have not one but 2 gas alarms in my van, gas is scary 😮
Thanks!
You are driving a rolling earthquake. Things come loose.
Good job you guys 🛠️ 👏🏻👍🏻😃
Thanks!
that was a gas , good idea ! and good job !
Yes it was!
I have a love/hate thing with propane. Almost lost my life in a propane accident when I was a teenager. I still freak out when I smell propane.
Yikes!
At first, I was wondering if you guys had changed Pistols diet…but no, it was just a propane leak. Problem solved! Carey On!
😂😂
Doesn't your rig have a propane detector down low next to the floor mounted in a cabinet?
It does. This was just an occasional smell that we think was the ceiling fan pulling in an occasional whiff from the exterior leak. I’m pretty sure Irene’s nose is more power than any detector😉😂
Good coach😂
Do you guys have a dually truck?
No
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Thanks!
Pays to have common sense and be good at fixing minor problems if you`re camping.