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Propane system problems


Blake O

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Hey All, Just got my 1986 Toyota Escaper about two weeks ago. My first camper ever. I got a decent deal but it is definitely a project and i didnt realize how big of one until i bought it and started unscrewing stuff.. 

the previous owner has turned the hot water heater to electric and pretty much cut all the gas as he did not use it.. I hear the furnace turn on when im plugged to shore power i am pretty sure. This is my first rodeo so please bare with me. 

My question here is, Is this propane tank too rusted to use 1. How difficult is it to re run these copper wires or is there a preferred material given the time difference? If the tank is not capable of being used, can i bypass it for the meantime? 

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copper is preferred, but and this is a big BUT best professionally run unless you are handy with a flaring tool etc. Temporarily, you can use a quick connect fixtures for the furnace, for testing, etc. Shouldnt be a big problem. The stock lines in some at least were just 3/8th flared copper.

Night pictures dont show enough detail to judge rust, and rust is best judged in a detailed careful examination. If its just surface rust and hand sanding gets it off quickly without any pits or lumps then you may be able to get by with just cleaning and painting. Otherwise, a new side mounted tank is probably best.

I am not at all real experienced with propane yet (except for the dimensikns, connections etc from one experiment), so wait for others with more experience to chime in. as well.

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That crimping mess is just evil. Why not (aimed at whoever decided to mush the copper) cap off the lines for an empty tank and leave it at that?

Edited by neubie
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Yeah im not sure.. Pointing fingers at previous owner.. Im not sure my first step to cleaning this up. Definitely something im going to let a professional handle. I think for the time being i am just going to use an external propane tank and run a quick connect when needed. 

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Here's some discussion, but since it's on the 'net, it might be wrong. But it's a starting point to compare other information with! :)

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f10/how-to-run-propane-lines-519.html

Even if you plan to have a pro do the installation, I'd consider roughing in the propane lines as you rebuilt/repair, to make life easier later.

Maybe read this too.

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/archive/index.php/t-131342.html

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Smashing, bending copper lines does not ensure that they won't leak remove that mess and cap it with the proper fitting at least until you figure out how to proceed. Your tank is fine I have seen them with no paint at all just rust. It's a very thick tank. Most often they ran black iron pipe from front to back and "T" off of that for that appliances with copper 3/8 pipe. All though the propane pressure is low any leak is a bad one. 

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Thanks all for the responses. helping me VERY much. So i have taken the copper lines out to the the T. I have been watching many videos on flaring and think im going to tackle myself. im going to run one line and cap the other as i use an electric water heater atm. 

 

Just for peace of mind, here are some more photos of my tank. Really scared of propane so just want some more peace of mind! 

Thanks all! Toye On! 

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Best bet remove the tank and wire brush/wire wheel it clean and then paint it with Rustolem.

2nd choice jack it up and lay down and do the same thing as above.

Last choice just a quick scruff and paint

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I plan on attacking the propane tank tomorrow. Had no issues installing the lines, fairly simple. She is all back together and the water heater line is capped the correct way. Once I get this tank cleaned up we will hope for the best.

Thanks all for the advice! 

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Alright just an update here. Got the tank filled and all lines work. Stove is a steady blue flame with little flicker. 

 

However the furnace is blowing cold so gonna dive into the hydro flame Manual tomorrow... we're  on our way though! 

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2 hours ago, Blake O said:

Alright just an update here. Got the tank filled and all lines work. Stove is a steady blue flame with little flicker. 

 

However the furnace is blowing cold so gonna dive into the hydro flame Manual tomorrow... we're  on our way though! 

Whenever my Hydro Flame has been unused for a long time, it takes up to a few cycles of on-off-wait-5-mins before it will finally start blowing hot...

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On 12/7/2017 at 10:24 PM, Ctgriffi said:

Whenever my Hydro Flame has been unused for a long time, it takes up to a few cycles of on-off-wait-5-mins before it will finally start blowing hot...

lol. that was easy.. she is rocking and rolling all. literally perfect timing cause tonight its getting below zero and gonna be nice. 

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