Hi everyone. We have begun smelling propane (garlic odor) coming from around the drawers and wardrobe of our new 27'MB bought from the mothership in June 2017. The CO alarm was tripped on the last trip and I managed to get it shut off by opening windows. Even though it was not tripped again, you could smell the odor, especially in the back. I spoke with Vince and he mentioned finding someone who could do a "monometer" (sp?) test. We're in Sebring, Florida, but if anyone knows any reputable service place anywhere in Orlando/Tampa/Sarasota/East Coast, etc. we'd appreciate knowing who they are.
Thanks for your help.
David
Find yourself a 'bulk' propane dealer and have them check it out... they are good at what they do!
Then, when the problem is resolved, buy some leak detection fluid, such as 'Snoop' and use it to trace any future gas leaks. ::)
Hello Dave. I'm a member of the iRV2 Forum and many Newmar Owners have a high regard for Independence RV at Independence RV Newmar Motorhome Dealer, Winter Garden, FL (http://www.independencerv.com/) for sales and service.
2705 West Colonial Drive
Winter Garden, FL 34787
PH: (407) 877-7878
If you need additional service recommendations, please send me a message and I'll post a request on that forum on your behalf.
And I just want to make sure you've turned off the propane gas at the tank, which I'm certain you've already done. As you know, the area where you smell gas includes the water heater and furnace. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the tips. I turned off the propane outside at the tank. I knew the furnace was underneath the wardrobe and the water heater is near there as well. I'll give a call to Independence in the morning.
I spoke with Vince and he mentioned finding someone who could do a "monometer" (sp?) test.
He would have meant
manometer test. This is basically a gauge used to measure the very low pressure on the output side of the propane regulator. Usually the manometer is connected, the propane lines charged by opening the main valve, shut the main valve and watch for pressure dropping over a time period (something like 30 minute or more). If the pressure falls with all propane appliances turned off, you likely have a leak. There are also electronic propane "sniffers" techs can use to help locate leaks.
Art
Hi David . So the CO detector is for carbon monoxide. CO is odorless. So do you have a combined CO and LPG detector? CO is a combustible gas, so I believe it will detect LP gas also, but they are two different things. I have set off the CO detector by cooking with all the vents sealed up, so I make sure the ceiling vent is slightly open now. I have separate detectors, LPG near the floor and CO at the ceiling. Smoke detector also separate at/near the ceiling.
LP gas is odorless also, but a chemical (Ethyl Mercaptan) is included in LPG to make it possible to smell a leak. I would check the tightness of the main feeds to the space heater and going to the water heater. It takes two wrenches to properly tighten those fittings. One wrench to protect the inner plumbing of the appliance, preventing any torque from being applied anywhere except at the gas connection. The second wrench turns the flare nut to tighten the fitting. It swivels on top of the copper tubing. I think 1/2" at those inlets. The problem is most likely a fitting that wasn't quite tight enough, that loosened up with the vibration of travel.
The water heater fitting is outdoors, so that leaves you with the 'Tee' at the space heater, or the furnace inlet fitting. Hope this helped. Good luck at Independence. RonB
Thanks for the tips. We're definitely smelling the "garlic" coming from the furnace/water heater area. I'll check the fittings and see if that helps.
Hi David. Any results on what the propane leak was? RonB
She's in storage now with everything turned off. We'll have it checked out after the holidays. Thanks again for all the help.
David, hope you and Marie have a great holiday season. Maybe we can meet up in February.
Bob Morgan (NELD)
Bob, hope you both have a great Christmas and New Year. Let us know where and when you will be in Florida in February so we can make some arrangements to meet you.
The propane was taken care or. There was a loose connection on a line going into the water heater. Fixed now.
David
David, I sent you an email. Bob