Hi folks, a little gas puzzle going on in our 20 years old Compass Corona caravan....
I've never had an issue with gas in the van for 2.5 years (I live in it full time). I changed the gas bottle a week ago: 47kg Flogas propane. The gas regulator was new at last change about 8 months.
Curiously, since the change, our Truma gas heater has been blowing out between 20-60 minutes after turning on. Initially the gas hob was working fine BUT today that started going out and now also won't light.
Everything was fine before the change which makes me think it's an issue with the gas bottle - we've tried refitting the regulator in case is leaks but to no avail.
The gas is definitely full.
Initially I thought it was a heater issue and watched 3 million YouTube tutorials but now that the gas hob isn't working, I figure it's not that.
Any suggestions or ideas are welcome.
Thank you in advance 🙏🏽
It could be plasticiser that's leached from the rubber pipe, its like a oily substance that blocks jets etc, one of the reasons that lpg pipe should be replaced regularly.
It could even be contaminates from the gas bottle, probably not but its not unknown
Another one and the more than likely one is water in the bottle regulator, this will freeze when using the gas and give you the symptoms that you've described, try a new regulator and make sure the little hole is at the bottom and cover the regulator with something water proof I used a small bucket.
If living in a van, the gas regulator is likely getting a lot of use, so more prone to failure than just occasional holiday use.
20 year old van, I'm guessing it's a cylinder mounted regulator not a fixed bulkhead one, if so they are only a few pounds and worth changing to eliminate from possible causes.
How old is the flexible pigtail hose! They deteriorate over time/use, and should routinely be changed at 5 years old, it's not unknow for them to crumble and introduce debris into the pipes/jets!
Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 15/2/2025
If living in a van, the gas regulator is likely getting a lot of use, so more prone to failure than just occasional holiday use.
20 year old van, I'm guessing it's a cylinder mounted regulator not a fixed bulkhead one, if so they are only a few pounds and worth changing to eliminate from possible causes.
How old is the flexible pigtail hose! They deteriorate over time/use, and should routinely be changed at 5 years old, it's not unknow for them to crumble and introduce debris into the pipes/jets!
Thank you Monty15 for suggestions - good point about the constant use on the regulator, we will change it.
I'm not sure what cylinder mounted means but here's a picture of what ours looks like:
I'll have to look for the pigtail hose (have just googled what that means) and take a look.
We've just changed the whole cylinder just in case it was a dodgy one. Will update
Quote: Originally posted by CluelessCaravaner on 15/2/2025
Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 15/2/2025
If living in a van, the gas regulator is likely getting a lot of use, so more prone to failure than just occasional holiday use.
20 year old van, I'm guessing it's a cylinder mounted regulator not a fixed bulkhead one, if so they are only a few pounds and worth changing to eliminate from possible causes.
How old is the flexible pigtail hose! They deteriorate over time/use, and should routinely be changed at 5 years old, it's not unknow for them to crumble and introduce debris into the pipes/jets!
Thank you Monty15 for suggestions - good point about the constant use on the regulator, we will change it.
I'm not sure what cylinder mounted means but here's a picture of what ours looks like:
I'll have to look for the pigtail hose (have just googled what that means) and take a look.
We've just changed the whole cylinder just in case it was a dodgy one. Will update
A 'cylinder mounted' regulator is as your photo, it attaches direct to the cylinder valve.
Newer caravans are fitted with a 'bulkhead' (back wall of the gas locker) mounted regulator, with a simple pigtail (flexible hose) connecting it to the cylinder. Fair bit more expensive, and a fixed pipe (as well as flexible hose) to disconnect/reconnect to change it over!
Paul, when you say water in the "bottle regulator" what exactly do you mean?
Water as in water, condensation or rain etc
I had a spare regulator with quick release couplings in the house when I had a LPG cooker, this was due to the water freezing the regulator when cooking, when it froze and the gas stopped so I'd swap it for the dry one.
Water will come out of the little hole if you shake it, as said a bucket or some sort of cover over the regulator helps.
PS
If it is water it will be ok when the weather gets above about 5℃
If you are using a 47 k bottle then I suspect that it is outside and open to the elements. If so then it needs a cover because water will be getting in the vent hole.
DaveS1
Hi everyone, a little update 3+ weeks on and also a summary for any future people reading the post with a similar issue.
Before trying any of the above tips, we changed the entire gas bottle to a new one. We've had no issues since🫡 This is obviously great because it suggests there's no problems with our van but it means we've wasted the other new bottle of gas (£90).
Also, there's no reason why the other gas bottle didn't work. The seller - who has always been very reliable - said that because the bottle was sold over a year ago, anything could have happened and that we should try and see if it works on a friend's van.
I wanted to summarise all the things suggested above that people could try if they encounter the same issue, plus ideas I found when researching:
1. Try a new gas regulator - check that the little hole is not blocked and cover the regulator safely
2. Replace the gas rubber pipe in case any substances have leached into the pipe
3. Change the flexible pigtail hose if you have one: this should be fine every 5 years (or not often if you live in your van)
4. If your heater keeps blowing out and you've done all of the above, try the reset switch if you have one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUXFkZxTPJs
5. Clean the flue outside
6. It's possible your pilot light isn't working so the gas isn't catching, here's a tutorial on the common reasons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiCmfW1rTRY
7. Check the gas valves in your van are all aligned so the gas is getting through
Thank you very much everyone who commented above to help us out, always much appreciated.
(4. If your heater keeps blowing out and you've done all of the above, try the reset switch if you have one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUXFkZxTPJs
5. Clean the flue outside
6. It's possible your pilot light isn't working so the gas isn't catching, here's a tutorial on the common reasons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiCmfW1rTRY
7. Check the gas valves in your van are all aligned so the gas is getting through)
A 4ft length of awning skirt in the channel under the heater and another length of skirt (about the same size) in the front awning rail to baffle the wind coming around the corner, this bit needs a channel sowing into it for a windbreak pole.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Gas not working properly to heater and ho
via mobile 14/2/2025 at 10:11pm
