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Topic: Portable catalytic heater install in a 2003 T/K question. (Read 238 times) previous topic - next topic
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Portable catalytic heater install in a 2003 T/K question.
I am attempting to install an additional portable catalytic heater in my 2003 T/K.  I was attempting to add the additional propane line at the T- flare fitting (3 way) propane line connection under the stove and make it into a cross fitting (4 way) for the extra propane line.   It looks like a simple way to add the line, change out the 3-way fitting with a four-way fitting.  Problem is I am not finding a 4-way flare fitting(cross) that has two of the lines at ½” and the other two lines be 3/8” for sale anywhere.  All the fitting I have found for sale are the same size on all four flares.  I’ve checked online, at local home improvement stores, ace hardware, and even the local propane supplier.  The T flare fitting currently in place has two connections at ½” and the 3rd connection at 3/8”.  The current propane lines are all brass lines and not much flex to add a size adapter.  Photos attached with the current fitting removed.  Anyone find a four-way cross flared fitting with two sides at ½” and 3/8” that will work for this? 

I already have a wave 3 plus flexible (rubber) propane line with shut off’s and a quick disconnect which I removed from my 1987MP.  The propane fittings that I added in my 1987MP were a different size.

JohnF 2003 T/K and 1987MP W/Roof Sleeper
2003 TK
Re: Portable catalytic heater install in a 2003 T/K question.
Reply #1 –
Quote from: JohnF  - 

Problem is I am not finding a 4-way flare fitting(cross) that has two of the lines at ½” and the other two lines be 3/8” for sale anywhere.  All the fitting I have found for sale are the same size on all four flares.  I’ve checked online, at local home improvement stores, ace hardware, and even the loca  Anyone find a four-way cross flared fitting with two sides at ½” and 3/8” that will work for this? 

I have never seen such a fitting. You may have to install two tees in a row, with a coupling between them .
This will require cutting and flaring the cut tube.
Are you planning on adding a gas-rated shut-off valve?

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable catalytic heater install in a 2003 T/K question.
Reply #2 –
Hi John. You said you had two  gas rated shut offs?
   You will have to replace the 'T' with two new 'T's.    1/2" flare from the bottom, to a 1/2" flare out of the side. Out of the top is a 1/2" male pipe thread. MPT  BF108  here  Tee Male Flare (2) x Male Pipe Thread 
On top of that 'T',  thread another 'T',  BF103  3/8" FPT with a 3/8" flare coming out of the top, like your old 'T' x 3/8" flare
          and out of the side another 3/8" flare, turned to come straight at you. Tee Male Flare (2) x Female Pipe Thread     I assume you want that fitting to hook up to a fitting on your flexible hose. 
    Use gas rated pipe tape (yellow) on the threaded MPT to FPT junction.
    It appears you will have enough 'wiggle' room to the existing pipes to add that second 'T'.
       edit: the BF107 3/8" MPT will also work with the BF102 3/8" FPT

   I use one wrap of white pipe thread tape on the threaded parts as a dry lubricant to get more friction on the sealing surfaces inside the flare. The surfaces of the flare portion must be clean. The threads are not the sealing surfaces, (except for the MPT-FPT junction).       RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Portable catalytic heater install in a 2003 T/K question.
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
I have never seen such a fitting. You may have to install two tees in a row, with a coupling between them .
This will require cutting and flaring the cut tube.
Are you planning on adding a gas-rated shut-off valve?

Darn, I was hoping such a fitting existed.  If this requires cutting and flaring I will wait and do this at another time.  
The gas line I was going to add has two gas-rated shut-off's.  One before the rubber hose and one after before the quick-disconnect.  It was previously installed in my 87MP. 

JohnF  2003 T/K and 1987MP w/Roof Sleeper

2003 TK
Re: Portable catalytic heater install in a 2003 T/K question.
Reply #4 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
    It appears you will have enough 'wiggle' room to the existing pipes to add that second 'T'.
      edit: the BF107 3/8" MPT will also work with the BF102 3/8" FPT

Thanks Ron,  I may try the BF107 and BF102 combo together.  If I can get them to fit it with the existing pipe it will save a lot of work instead of cutting and flaring.

JohnF  2003T/K and 1987 MP w/Roof Sleeper
2003 TK