Help! Propane Hose Holes

[ssilva18]

Hi all!
Can someone help me figure out how to remove this end of my 1/2” LP gas line that connects to this splitter box and runs underneath and connects at the regulator? It looks like it’s glued on the threads but I need to replace the line since a squirrel decided to chew two holes in the line near the regulator. I have tried vice grips and locking players and it won’t budge. I also tried some wd 40, and nothing.
Thanks in advance!
Jayco Whitehawk 32BHS 2018

[Rustynuts]

Its a tough sealer to break loose sometimes and unfortunately you CANT use heat to help. The fitting strips easy and I had to remove one and it striped, I ended up using my pair of Knipex Cobra pliers on them and got it to break loose. I highly recommend a set of these, they are nice cause once they lock up, the harder you push on the handle the tighter it gets.


https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-870125.../dp/B000X4J2H0

[JFlightRisk]

Red thread locker is tough stuff. Normally it takes heating over 550* to get it broken loose, but that's not possible on a gas like or junction block. Soaking it over time with CRC Brakeclean will soften and loosen it up, but it's a slow process and works best if the threads are upright to keep it around the thread area.

I've never tried it, but perhaps CRC Freeze-off will get it cold enough to shrink the brass in the aluminum block. You'll use a lot of it, but it might work.

[ssilva18]

Thanks! I just ordered a pair.

Originally Posted by Rustynuts

Its a tough sealer to break loose sometimes and unfortunately you CANT use heat to help. The fitting strips easy and I had to remove one and it striped, I ended up using my pair of Knipex Cobra pliers on them and got it to break loose. I highly recommend a set of these, they are nice cause once they lock up, the harder you push on the handle the tighter it gets.


https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-870125.../dp/B000X4J2H0

[Rustynuts]

Originally Posted by ssilva18

Thanks! I just ordered a pair.

They are great pliers, well made....I now have the full set. Good Luck!

[wallacemf]

I had the same issue on my 28BHBE. I ordered the replacement line from my dealer for $75, had the fittings on both ends. No way, no how could I get it unscrewed from that junction block!

I ended up cutting the line about 6 inches away from the block, then cutting the end off my new $75 line, and spliced it in with brass fittings and clamps. It’s been fine since then, no leaks. I also bought some braided stainless steel hose sleeve and covered the entire line. They won’t have much luck chewing it now!

The squirrels also chewed through the fuel tank vent line on my 2018 Ram 2500. It’s up on top of the tank, pita!

[madmaxmutt]

I would look at removing the two bolts that hold the manifold/junction box in place. It they will come out, you might be able to lower the box and get a better angle on the fitting, and possibly another position that isn't stripped.

[ssilva18]

Originally Posted by wallacemf

I had the same issue on my 28BHBE. I ordered the replacement line from my dealer for $75, had the fittings on both ends. No way, no how could I get it unscrewed from that junction block!

I ended up cutting the line about 6 inches away from the block, then cutting the end off my new $75 line, and spliced it in with brass fittings and clamps. It’s been fine since then, no leaks. I also bought some braided stainless steel hose sleeve and covered the entire line. They won’t have much luck chewing it now!

The squirrels also chewed through the fuel tank vent line on my 2018 Ram 2500. It’s up on top of the tank, pita!

Thanks for the info! Might have to do that if these pliers don’t work. Squirrels are the worst!!!

[ssilva18]

Originally Posted by madmaxmutt

I would look at removing the two bolts that hold the manifold/junction box in place. It they will come out, you might be able to lower the box and get a better angle on the fitting, and possibly another position that isn't stripped.

I took it off and it’s hard to get leverage. Will have to get creative.

[madmaxmutt]

Originally Posted by ssilva18

I took it off and it’s hard to get leverage. Will have to get creative.

I would be dismounting my workbench vise and putting it on a board below the trailer, if it were me.

[ssilva18]

Originally Posted by madmaxmutt

I would be dismounting my workbench vise and putting it on a board below the trailer, if it were me.

Good idea

[NC Roamer]

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

I've never tried it, but perhaps CRC Freeze-off will get it cold enough to shrink the brass in the aluminum block. You'll use a lot of it, but it might work.

Had this problem last year. The year before it was a chewed Up Ford wiring harness under the hood. $%^@ squirrels!

I did try Freeze-off, but it did not help. Dealer used a flameless heat gun of some type to loosen the red thread-lock. Wonder if putting that LP line in flexible conduit to armor it would help?

In my case a heat gun with an open flame would have been safe to use. When prepping for a trip I found my LP tank completely empty as a result of the chewed holes. There was literally nothing to worry about igniting.

[ssilva18]

Originally Posted by NC Roamer

Had this problem last year. The year before it was a chewed Up Ford wiring harness under the hood. $%^@ squirrels!

I did try Freeze-off, but it did not help. Dealer used a flameless heat gun of some type to loosen the red thread-lock. Wonder if putting that LP line in flexible conduit to armor it would help?

In my case a heat gun with an open flame would have been safe to use. When prepping for a trip I found my LP tank completely empty as a result of the chewed holes. There was literally nothing to worry about igniting.

Yeah and mine is already disconnected at the regulator so it’s not attached to any gas whatsoever.