propane regulator question

[Richardkempke]

I just installed a new two stage propane regulator in place of the first and second stage regulators that were previously there. ( they belonged to the propane company so they took them when I had them come take the tank away). Anyways, I used the old set up with my two 100 lb propane tanks with no issue to supply my gas fireplace. So, since the old setup is gone, I installed the two stage regulator in its place. I couldn't get my fireplace to ignite after repeated attempts. I went back outside and disconnected the regulator from the tank and there was just a quick puff of air released. Normally all the pressure would escape from the lines. So, I hooked it back up to the tank and disconnected the line on the other side of the regulator. I opened the tank to see if the gas was flowing through the regulator. It flowed through when I barely opened it, but once I tried opening it up all the way, the regulator quickly stopped allowing the gas to flow through it. Is there a internal safety switch in the regulator ( Mr. Heater brand by the way)? Or is it defective or do I need to open the valve slowly because it's extra sensitive? I never had this issue with the old setup. All I changed was the regulator style and ran some new 3/8" soft copper to the existing copper coming out of the house. The regulator is rated at 160,000 btu and reduces to 11" wc. Don't know what could be wrong with it.

 

[ollski]

Wrong way round?, have you installed a combined second stage with no first stage has your upso / opso tripped?. Very much safety controls should be fitted and tested by rgi.

 

[Richardkempke]

Yes it's installed correctly. It has a 5/8" flared fitting that screws directly into the tank and it has directional air flow arrows on it as well. The regulator I installed is a two stage regulator. There is no first stage installed in front of the two stage regulator. That would defeat the purpose of using a two stage regulator. I just can't figure out why it's preventing the gas from flowing through it when I try and open the tank all the way.

 

[Richardkempke]

Something is definitely tripping on and off. When I unscrewed the line off the outlet end of the regulator and left the regulator hooked up to the tank, the gas will flow through it when I barely open the tank. Once I try and open it fully and the gas flow increases the regulator cuts the gas flow off. Then once I close the tank back off, you can hear the regulator pop back open.

 

[St0rmer66]

Sounds like the OPSO is clicking off although they usually require a manual reset rather than self resetting.

 

[ollski]

have you got a link to what you fitted?, it sounds a bit like a second stage regulator locking up.

 

[Richardkempke]

http://www.mrheater.com/two-stage-lp-regulator-1318.html

It's the one in the second picture.

 

[Richardkempke]

Ok, I unhooked the outlet end of the regulator from the line going to the house. Left the regulator hooked to the tank. Opened up the tank slowly and was able to fully open it without the regulator tripping shut. It won't allow me to do that once I hook the line to the other end of the regulator going to the house. No matter how slow I open the tank it shuts down when it's all hooked up.

 

[muggles]

Sorry, gas advice isn't allowed on here - forum rules. Also, this is a UK site and you appear to be in America

 

[ollski]

I think tank means cylinder but whatever got to be worth checking the outlet pressure as it seems to be locking up

 

[Richardkempke]

UOTE="muggles, post: 3476143, member: 23636"]Sorry, gas advice isn't allowed on here - forum rules. Also, this is a UK site and you appear to be in America[/QUOTE]
I don't see anywhere under forum rules/general info that says gas advice isn't allowed. And does it really matter if it's a UK site? It seems to me like you're breaking a forum rule by not sticking with the topic of the original post.

 

[muggles]

Sorry, gas advice isn't allowed on here - forum rules. Also, this is a UK site and you appear to be in America

It's written in the post called "DIY GAS" at the to of the Plumbing & Heating forum. Quote -This site does not support DIY gas and posts giving advice on gas work, or encouraging or suggesting it, may be deleted"

Read more: //www.diynot.com/diy/threads/diy-gas.8090/#ixzz3nrgW0eHS[/QUOTE]