04 LP Gas System
Liquid Propane (LP) Tank
The Wayfarer is equipped with an ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) approved propane gas (LP) tank which is equipped with an automatic pressure regulator. (Figure 39.1) This tank contains liquid petroleum fuel under high pressure.
A propane (LP) gas distribution system distributes the gas to those appliances using such in the motorhome. The "heart" of this propane (LP) gas distribution system is the regulator and it should only be adjusted and serviced by a qualified service technician. Most of the problems encountered in lighting the pilot lights of those appliances are caused by regulator miss adjustments.
The major component of the propane (LP) gas supply is a pipe which runs underneath the motorhome floor. The various propane (LP) gas appliances are connected by a rubber supply line.
As noted earlier in this manual, should any of the secondary tubings develop a leak, do not attempt to splice any of the lines. Instead, have a qualified service technician run a new length of tubing to the appliance of concern and have the lines leak tested before placing it in normal operation.
To remove, repair or replace any propane (LP) gas operated appliance, always close the main gas valve at the propane (LP) gas tank.
WARNING: When the motorhome is not being used, the main propane (LP) gas valve must be turned "OFF". Also turn "OFF" the main valve when the propane (LP) gas tank is to be refueled to avoid the possibility ignition fuel fumes by the pilot lights.
All gas valves on the propane (LP) gas operated appliances with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) should also be in the "OFF" position during refueling and/or maintenance operations.
DO NOT store propane (LP) gas, diesel fuel, regular fuel, butane or other flammable liquids inside of the motorhome as these represent a very real fire hazard and a threat to life
LP Tank Filling Practices
Any LP gas tank associated with the motorcoach must never be filled to more than 80 percent of its total capacity. Filling should always be done only when the motorhome is levelled. If the motorcoach is not level, the tank might be overfilled (i.e., more than 80 percent of capacity) and, thus, subject the motorcoach to possible fire or explosion from resultant uncontrolled gas flows
LP Gas Regulator
As noted earlier in this owner's manual, the propane (LP) gas regulator (Figure 39.1) is the "heart" of the propane (LP) gas distribution system. This regulator reduces and controls the pressure of the gas on the outlet end to provide a constant supply of gas at a constant pressure to the gas operated appliances.
The regulator has a vent to relieve excess pressure on the inlet side of the regulator. Should excess pressure develop in the gas tank and connecting gas line to the regulator inlet. The vent would normally release the excess propane (LP) gas to the atmosphere until the over pressurization condition is eliminated.
The vent should be regularly checked to assure that it is not clogged or obstructed. (This should be done by a qualified service technician). If the vent is blocked from normal operation, component or system failure may occur.
If a periodic visual inspection indicates any sign of corrosion or degradation, immediately contact a qualified service technician for repairs on the regulator and to inspect the rest of the propane (LP) gas system. DO NOT operate the propane (LP) gas system with any faulty component in place
WARNING: If a propane (LP) gas leak is detected or suspected, turn "OFF" the main propane gas (LP) valve and keep the propane (LP) gas system "OFF until the system is inspected by a qualified service technician. Do not delay in addressing any possible propane (LP) gas leaks with appropriate service because of the inherent hazards to safety.
LP Quick Connect
When assembling your propane (LP) gas quick connect line, rotate the shut off valve lever to the open position. (Red Arrow Figure 40.1) The lever should be in-line with the quick connect hose.
Next, pull back on the quick connect inlet lock, (Blue Arrow in Figure 40.1). After inserting, rotate shut the lever back into the locked position. After inserting the quick connect, release the quick connect lock and make sure of a tight connection.
When the propane (LP) quick connect is not is use, to ensure you don't have any leaks rotate the level valve into the closed position (Figure 40.2), the lever should be horizontal to the quick connect line.
WARNING: When a propane (LP) gas regulator is installed or re-installed, the regulator must always be installed with the gas diaphragm vent facing downwards. For more information, consult the manufacturer's literature in your Owner's Information Package that came with your motorhome.
Always keep the main valve to the propane (LP) gas tank closed when the system is not in use. When the propane (LP) gas tank is empty, keep the main valve closed until re-filling is to be performed; this process will keep any moisture laden air from back flowing into the propane (LP) gas system and trapping unwanted moisture in the propane (LP) gas tank.
If an empty propane (LP) gas tank has been exposed to the atmosphere for an extended period of time, let a qualified service technician purge the tank before the next time it is to be filled.
