FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL
PROPANE GAS SYSTEMS
85
6. Never use a wrench to close the service or the 20% liquid level valve. If when closing by hand,
leaking occurs, have the valve repaired or replaced.
7. Drive at least one mile from the propane gas supplier before relighting pilot lights or
appliances. This will allow any minimal leakage which occurred while filling the tank to
dissipate. DO NOT light pilot lights if you continue to smell propane gas. Shut off the Supply
Valve. Allow the motor home to ventilate for 30 minutes. If you still detect propane odor, have
the source of the leak located and repaired.
Never use any other tank than the one furnished with the motor home. If the tank must be replaced,
check with your dealer for correct tank specifications and replacement procedure.
Propane Gas Regulator
NEVER ALTER THE POSITIONING OF THE REGULATOR. Propane gas regulators
must always be installed with the diaphragm vent facing downward. Also make
sure to keep the regulator cover in place to minimize vent blockage which could
result in excessive gas pressure causing fire or explosion. Do not rely upon
being able to smell propane gas leaks, as the odor may not be sufficiently strong
enough to detect.
The regulator reduces the pressure of the propane gas vapor from the pressure in the tank, to the pressure
required for use at the appliances. This reduction in pressure is performed by a two-stage regulator. Two
regulators are used in the same body to reduce the pressure of the propane gas in the tank for use by the
appliances in the motor home. The regulator seldom requires service, but it should always be protected from
the elements and extremes of hot and cold.
The high pressure regulator (first stage) is used to reduce the pressure to approximately 10 to
13 PSI before sending it along to the low pressure regulator (second stage). This second stage
regulator reduces the pressure further to 11 inches water column, or 6.35 ounces per square
inch. The two stages regulator does not have to work as hard since the second stage receives
consistent pressure rather than inlet pressure which varies. The result is an efficient safer system that helps to
eliminate problems such as freeze up and pilot outage.
The regulator has been preset by the manufacturer of the regulator, and adjustment should not be necessary.
If adjustment should be required however, DO NOT attempt to adjust it yourself. Adjustment must be made
with special equipment by a qualified propane gas service technician. Have the regulator checked annually, or
whenever you suspect a problem. The correct line pressure should be 6 ¼ oz. or 11 inches of water column.
Because air is required for proper operation of the regulator, it is very important that the regulator vent is kept
clean and free of dirt and debris. This is why it is necessary to keep the vent facing downward and the regulator
covered to protect if from contamination. A toothbrush can be used to clean the vent if it becomes clogged by
foreign matter.
Regulator Freeze-Up
During cold weather, it is important to keep ice from forming in the regulator, which will shut off the flow of
propane gas to the appliances. Have the supplier add a hydrous Methanol when filling the tank for use during
cold weather. Regulator freeze-up can occur in any weather if there is moisture in the tank, or if the tank has
been over-filled. Always use moisture-free propane gas, and make sure the tank has not been filled beyond
80% of capacity. If moisture has entered the tank, have the tank purged, or have hydrous methanol added by
an authorized propane gas supplier.
If you believe a regulator has been damaged or otherwise is not functioning, have it replaced by a qualified
propane gas service representative.
