Gas leak

[Michael Minta]

Hi all
Last time We were away we smelt gas and so before I go away next weekend I thought I’d see what the problem is. ahoweever I’m notnentire,y sure how to work it out. The canister is party full and the connect points it didn’t leak. However when I connected the regulator and tuned it on, it was clear we have leak...but how to identify the exact issue please and who to go to?

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[bigmac77]

With the gas on put some water and soap in a spray bottle and spray all the connections, wait a few mins and look for bubbles.

 

[Michael Minta]

Thanks. Just tried that but showed absolutely nothing!

just wondering I’d the regulator is faulty in some way....

 

[GSX1300R]

Thanks. Just tried that but showed absolutely nothing!

just wondering I’d the regulator is faulty in some way....

If there is a leak the water and washing up liquid method will eventually show it. The smell of gas will always linger a long time after you have replaced a bottle or valve..

 

[Michael Minta]

If there is a leak the water and washing up liquid method will eventually show it. The smell of gas will always linger a long time after you have replaced a bottle or valve..

Thanks. I’ll give it another go...unfortunately it was getting stronger as time went on...

 

[GSX1300R]

Thanks. I’ll give it another go...unfortunately it was getting stronger as time went on...

Needless to say the lighted match method is definitely NOT recommended..lol..

 

[Michael Minta]

Needless to say the lighted match method is definitely NOT recommended..lol..

No, Very true, but....it is amazing what ideas go through your mind....

 

[Michael Minta]

Thinking the regulator is missing an o ring. Does anyone know the size I’d need please...?

 

[Jodalo]

Thinking the regulator is missing an o ring. Does anyone know the size I’d need please...?

Did you test the regulator with your soapy water? If it’s leaking you would have seen it bubble up straight away. Ensure your Gaz bottle valve is open before you test it and have all doors open.

 

[Michael Minta]

Did you test the regulator with your soapy water? If it’s leaking you would have seen it bubble up straight away. Ensure your Gaz bottle valve is open before you test it and have all doors open.

I did...and saw nothing. Will try again I think but also wondering if the regulator is missing an o ring...

 

[Jodalo]

I did...and saw nothing. Will try again I think but also wondering if the regulator is missing an o ring...

See pics below; there is a washer in the Gaz bottle valve union. Don’t forget it’s a left hand thread.

 

[Michael Minta]

See pics below; there is a washer in the Gaz bottle valve union. Don’t forget it’s a left hand thread.View attachment 64885View attachment 64884

Thank you, that’s incredibly helpful...so I now know I am not missing one where I thought I might be...back to the drawing board... thanks again

 

[Michael Minta]

Nope not the canister once connected! Back to square one!

 

[marchugo]

Michael,

Don't know how old your van is, but after ten years the regulator should be changed for a new one.
BTW even a brand new regulator can leak, as I experienced this spring after changing the thing.

Other places to look for a leak:
is the regulator tight enough connected to the bottle itself (test it by closing the black knob);
test the underside of the regulator with soap;
does the little yellow knob leak;
is the hose punched anywhere;
try soap at the other end of the hose (in the plastic wall);
go to a dealer or camping shop and try/buy another regulator.

Regards from Amsterdam,

Marc.

 

[Hotel California]

If you follow the rules you need to change the rubber seal when changing the botlle , the rubber seal does wear .
And overtighning can cause leakage as you damage the rubber seal.

 

[California4x4]

You might be interested in having a read of these two threads for some alternative ideas for regulators?

Loose gas connection

Hi I had a situation at the weekend when I checked and turned on the gas when on the camp site (everything working well) thenther next day drove up the road with gas tap still open (yes I know this is not best advised) and the connection between the regulator and tap had come loose and gas was...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Reserve gas supply

Ok we’ve all been there. Run out of gas for the hob. Obvs it never runs out as you’re driving down the road but just as you’re finishing off the jus for the steak. When that happens you’ll get “the look” from the Mrs. Nobody wants that. ! Here’s the solution. Strap in. As ever, based on a 4...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Michael Minta]

Michael,

Don't know how old your van is, but after ten years the regulator should be changed for a new one.
BTW even a brand new regulator can leak, as I experienced this spring after changing the thing.

Other places to look for a leak:
is the regulator tight enough connected to the bottle itself (test it by closing the black knob);
test the underside of the regulator with soap;
does the little yellow knob leak;
is the hose punched anywhere;
try soap at the other end of the hose (in the plastic wall);
go to a dealer or camping shop and try/buy another regulator.

Regards from Amsterdam,

Marc.

Thank you, very helpful...it is indeed 10 years old this year. The soap test didn’t show any other leaks so will try the replacement idea. Thanks

 

[Michael Minta]

If you follow the rules you need to change the rubber seal when changing the botlle , the rubber seal does wear .
And overtighning can cause leakage as you damage the rubber seal.

Ah, that’s interesting, thank you . I bought the van in January so just put my Own bottle in...so I assume changing the regulator sorts this out Too?

 

[Michael Minta]

You might be interested in having a read of these two threads for some alternative ideas for regulators?

Loose gas connection

Hi I had a situation at the weekend when I checked and turned on the gas when on the camp site (everything working well) thenther next day drove up the road with gas tap still open (yes I know this is not best advised) and the connection between the regulator and tap had come loose and gas was...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Reserve gas supply

Ok we’ve all been there. Run out of gas for the hob. Obvs it never runs out as you’re driving down the road but just as you’re finishing off the jus for the steak. When that happens you’ll get “the look” from the Mrs. Nobody wants that. ! Here’s the solution. Strap in. As ever, based on a 4...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Thank you, will do that now.

 

[themagician]

So we have been smelling gas since being away since Friday. We have put some washing up liquid and water on and found the leak. Found a black washer in the bottom of the gas bottle holder. Have put this on and unless it’s so so tight it still leaks. The flow into the van at the cooker is producing minimal flame too. There does sound to be gas in the bottle (I’ve shaken it). Do I seem to be missing anything here? Any suggestions welcome. I’m thinking the low flame at the cooker isn’t due to lack of gas as when I shake the bottle I can hear it. Help - we need a cup of tea!!! The bubbles were coming from the screw on part.

 

[themagician]

The flame I’m now getting is tiny…

 

[ArunAlec]

The flame I’m now getting is tiny…

View attachment 80954

 

[ArunAlec]

I don’t think you can get replacement washers for the leaking cylinder tap, so I would replace the tap (I got one from club shop).
Have you checked that the shut off valve under the work top is fully open?

 

[themagician]

I don’t think you can get replacement washers for the leaking cylinder tap, so I would replace the tap (I got one from club shop).
Have you checked that the shut off valve under the work top is fully open?

By fully open you mean in line with the pipes. It is - it’s either on or off is that right?

 

[ArunAlec]

By fully open you mean in line with the pipes. It is - it’s either on or off is that right?

Yep, in line with pipe = open.
As a test to see if the leaky washer is related to poor flame, you could try a temporary seal using PTF tape to pack out the washer seal, but only as a test.
As others have said, the regulator could be worth changing.
You are happy that the cylinder has plenty of gas in it? The flame does weaken as the cylinder gets low.