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03-29-2017, 12:36 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: California High Desert
Posts: 183
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Very Slight Propane Smell Under Tank Cover
I've noticed that every time I open the cover on my propane tanks there is a slight smell. I had some leaking pigtails I replace last year so those are new.
I've done several soap tests on everything and can't find a leak. The smell is not very strong so I'm wondering if it's just mercaptan residue left on the tanks from filling. My last TT didn't have a cover over the tanks so I'm sure the smell dissipated a lot faster if that's the case. Anyone else have this issue?
__________________
2006 Jay Flight 29BHS
1999 F350, XLT, 4x4, 6.8L V10, AT, CC, LB
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03-29-2017, 01:15 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
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Yup. Every time I remove the cover there is a faint odor that quickly dissipates. No leaks found when doing a soap test. My pigtails were replaced last fall.
__________________
Sherm & Terry w/rescue Eydie (min Schnauzer) & Charley (std Poodle)
SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
SOLD: 2006 Ford F350 PSD, 4WD, CC, LB, SRW, Camper pkg., 375,000mi
Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
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11-29-2017, 11:59 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: California High Desert
Posts: 183
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Followup
On the 16th, after hooking the now full tanks for our next trip I did a leak test on all the connections and was still smelling propane but couldn't find any leaks. I finally just started spraying soapy water all over the regulator and found bubbles coming out of the seam between the regulator and the clear plastic of the window or dome over the indicator.
After doing some quick calculation on how much propane I had to buy earlier that day I figure I lost around a half a tank of propane over the previous few months as it was most likely leaking whenever we had the propane tanks turned on.
I was able to get a new regulator ordered on Amazon and got it in time to install and leak test before we departed on our Thanksgiving camping trip on the 21st.
I just wanted to post this as a heads up on trusting your nose when it comes to propane leaks. I knew something was going on, but figured it was residue from the tank fills. It shouldn't have stuck around that long, and of course there was a slight leak that probably cost me a few dollars, but could have been dangerous in the right conditions. Always perform leak tests when you break a connection, and don't ignore your nose!!!!
__________________
2006 Jay Flight 29BHS
1999 F350, XLT, 4x4, 6.8L V10, AT, CC, LB
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11-29-2017, 01:00 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Gilroy
Posts: 475
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My made in China propane regulator went out on our first trip. I could have had the dealer replace it with another Chinese one but decided to buy a made in America one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MARSHAL-MEG...53.m2749.l2649
I bought 2, installed one and put the extra one in the toolbox.
Best,
Steve
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11-29-2017, 04:12 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: James Island, SC
Posts: 22,859
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Good catch! A smell test can help many problems!
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 Moderator
2011- 351RLTS Eagle, MorRyde suspension/pin box,
2017- F350 6.7 PSD Lariat FX4,SRW, SB,CC
Hughes PWD SP-50A, TST TPMS
Gator roll-up bed cover
B&W Turnover ball, Companion Std hitch
Can't find what you're looking on JOF? Try Jayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search
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11-29-2017, 09:07 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: MD
Posts: 3,856
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Yep way to be proactive
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2017 JayFlight 28BHBE
2014 JayFlight Swift 264BH (Sold)
2007 GMC 2500 Sierra Classic Crew Cab LBZ Duramax / 6spd Allison
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11-29-2017, 11:59 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sweetwater
Posts: 731
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I had a very similar problem with mine as well. I had a very faint odor from the open tank cover but was fooled as it seemed to go away very quickly. I felt that me opening the top door released a tiny collection of propane that I thought might just be the "normal" residual amount that could be there.
I experienced this for a few weeks I suppose. Then I'm walking up to the trailer to get ready to leave for a trip the next day and the smell was obvious from twenty feel away. I open the top door and the smell was quite powerful. Of course I shut the bottles off straight away. A little troubleshooting and I see the dual automatic switch-over regulator is the problem.
To make this story quicker, my dealer (All Valley RV in Acton) said to come by first thing on a busy Saturday and they'd swap it out under warranty. I was a happy guy - oh and the family was quite happy too.
It's a good thing my trailer didn't blow up!
__________________
- Jeff
2017 Jay Flight 32BHDS
2006 GMC 2500HD Classic CC SB 4x4 6.6L Duramax/Allison
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11-30-2017, 06:47 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Hayes Corner
Posts: 123
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are there anything out there not made in china?
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11-30-2017, 06:55 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SC
Posts: 251
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I've experienced the same smell a couple times with mine. It's not consistent however. I've had the dealer perform multiple leak tests on every hose, regulator, connection, etc. and they SWEAR the system is not leaking. They keep telling me that it's most-likely due to low propane but I keep my cylinders full. I'll have to do my own soap test it sounds like.
shrp
__________________
"What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"
2017 Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.6 Duramax/Allison Transmission
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12-06-2017, 12:52 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Worcester
Posts: 1,428
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This past summer I could smell propane coming from our 38ffds cover. I performed the soap spray test, but couldn't find the leak. I called my dealer and he had me replace the whole thing,(regulator and pigtails - under warranty). I've since bought a spare regulator and pigtails. I don't like messing around with gas..
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2016 Jay Flight 38FDDS
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