Propane from disconnected tank line

[Bassdogs]

This am disconnected and removed an empty propane tank and then opened tank #2. The selector was switched to tank 2. Immediately heard a slight hissing and discovered propane was leaking gas from the other tank. Is this normal? Shouldn't the valve cut off flow to tank line 1 when it is pulling gas from tank 2?

[Grumpy]

IIRC the valve should be set for the empty tank. You then switch it after you add the newly filled tank.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

This am disconnected and removed an empty propane tank and then opened tank #2. The selector was switched to tank 2. Immediately heard a slight hissing and discovered propane was leaking gas from the other tank. Is this normal? Shouldn't the valve cut off flow to tank line 1 when it is pulling gas from tank 2?

I've never encountered this, but my procedure is different:
Both propane tanks are installed and both tank valves open.
When a tank runs out, the indicator turns red and the selector is pointing to the empty tank.
I turn the selector to the full tank and the indicator turns green.
I close the valve on the empty tank and remove the empty tank.
I install the newly filled tank and slowly open the valve on that tank.

At no time is there propane leaking from the unattached hose.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

IIRC the valve should be set for the empty tank. You then switch it after you add the newly filled tank.

Not following you. What is the term IIRC?

In my case tank 1 went empty. I always keep the 2nd tank as a backup so it is kept in the closed position. I opened tank 2 and switched the selector to tank 2 so I could use the stove. Then I closed tank 1 [empty] and disconnected the hose. With the disconnected hose hanging there I detected gas coming from the end of it.

Why would I set the valve to the empty tank. I'm missing something in your explanation.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

Not following you. What is the term IIRC?

...snip

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly

Actually googled it but thanks. I text but actually spell out most words. It works for me. To old I guess for all the &^*)&%(*$ codes used in the online world.

Still why is propane blowing back thru my disconnected from the empty tank?

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

snip...
Still why is propane blowing back thru my disconnected from the empty tank?

Don't ask me. I B Clueless.

[Gman1372]

Sounds to me like the switch on your regular is not working properly

[Bassdogs]

These dual tank regulators have a back flow check valve that prevents the problem that I am experiencing. They are designed to allow you to disconnect an empty and maintain gas flow from tank 2. Ordered a replacement regulator this morning.

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

These dual tank regulators have a back flow check valve that prevents the problem that I am experiencing. They are designed to allow you to disconnect an empty and maintain gas flow from tank 2. Ordered a replacement regulator this morning.

Any chance you could post a link to that? Thanks

[norty1]

This is the one I replaced my OE one with that went bad. Easy swap

https://www.etrailer.com/Propane/Camco/CAM59005.html

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

Any chance you could post a link to that? Thanks

No link but just go to Amazon and select one of their dual tank regulators. I bought one that was $49 I think. It was a close match for the oem on my W Hawk. Read the description and they talk about the back flow feature that allows you to run with just one tank installed.

[Rustysocket]

I just noticed mine is doing the same thing. When I disconnect the empty tank propane is back venting out the line.

[Vaquero]

Mine was. Then the whole regulator quit.
The new one doesn't leak out of a vacant side.

[Edd505]

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

I've never encountered this, but my procedure is different:
Both propane tanks are installed and both tank valves open.
When a tank runs out, the indicator turns red and the selector is pointing to the empty tank.
I turn the selector to the full tank and the indicator turns green.
I close the valve on the empty tank and remove the empty tank.
I install the newly filled tank and slowly open the valve on that tank.

At no time is there propane leaking from the unattached hose.

+1 If the regulator works properly

[oldmanAZ]

That's what I assumed, but I've never had a leaking valve.

Bassdogs keeps valve of the tank not in use closed (and many others do that, too). I'm new to multiple propane tanks and I learned (by the tech during the PDI and what I've read) to have both tank valves open.

I just wanted both ways 'out there' for more knowledgeable members to weigh in. They did. And, as I hoped and assumed, Bassdog's valve is defective. The valve shouldn't leak through to the other side regardless of the procedure.

[Rustysocket]

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

That's what I assumed, but I've never had a leaking valve.

Bassdogs keeps valve of the tank not in use closed (and many others do that, too). I'm new to multiple propane tanks and I learned (by the tech during the PDI and what I've read) to have both tank valves open.

I just wanted both ways 'out there' for more knowledgeable members to weigh in. They did. And, as I hoped and assumed, Bassdog's valve is defective. The valve shouldn't leak through to the other side regardless of the procedure.

Sometimes I run with both tanks open. Sometimes just one. No Rhyme or reason, just the way I do it.

Given my rig is new and this was the first time for a tank swap I was a little suprised when I disconnected the empty tank and had propane venting out the line.

I've played around with it a bit and it seems to be something it does sometimes and not everytime.

In any event, it's a safety issue and is going to be replaced.

[Rustysocket]

So I dug out the owners manual for the regulator. Turns out there are some very specific instructions on how to disconnect the tanks when doing a dual refill and there is a point where a very low pressure in the line can cause the existing propane in the line to vent.

My dealer was very familiar with the situation and said that it is normal behavior for this particular regulator. He sees it all the time when both tanks are shut off to do a refill, but the fridge is lit using the existing propane pressure in the now closed lines. If the first tank disconnected is the one the regulator is not pointing to the system will vent every time once the pressure is below 5psi in the lines.

Anyway, he doesn't like it anymore than I do but it is normal behavior and documented in the owners manual for the regulator Jayco is supplying us.

He also offered to swap the regulator out for one that will not do this for me.

I will continue to use mine now that I know it is not defective and just be more aware of where the changeover valve is pointing when disconnecting the tanks to top them off.

I guess it always helps to read the manuals....