LP gas regulator problem

[mobilrvn]

We're in Mexico and not planning to return to the US for another three months or I'd know what to do(get tech help), so if anyone has any input I'd like to hear. We always set out LP regulator to the tank we are using so we know when that tank has run dry. This just happened and switched to the full tank and everything seemed normal. Later that day discovered that gas was pouring out of the regulator. Turned off the full tank so we wouldn't blow up and then started trouble shooting. Regardless of which tank is selected, the regulator works as if "both" were selected, so can't haul off the empty tank without turning off the full tank. The regulator isn't leaking now, but it makes us nervous since we have to use the LP system. So far we haven't found anyone here who will touch it. Talked to some folks in the CG and they and their friends have experienced the same problems with the regulators on their 5Ws (newer rigs).

Thanks for any suggestions on what to look for or how to cripple by safely,

[Southstl]

Give these folks a call. They made the regulator used in 99% of all RV's.

Marshall Gas Controls
1000 Civic Center Loop
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Local512) 396-2257
Toll-Free800) 877-2495
Fax: (512) 396-3064
sales-info@mgc-mbc.com

[Montana_657]

The thing is a $45 dollar part.. swap it out. Someone down there must carry RV parts, or order one from the US.

[DHenry]

Order 2 so you can have a spare in case this happens again in the future when you are out of the US.

[mobilrvn]

Dear Southsti,

Thanks for the info on Marshall Gas Controls. I'll be able to order a part from them since there aren't any RV parts in Mexico. Usually I can come up with an end run of some kind (last year used a battery charger in lieu of a converter and installed an ac refrig. when ours died). Maybe one of these days they will develop a real RVing community. We do see a more Mexican rigs each year, but they are still few and far between.

[Southstl]

Your Welcome mobilrvn. I hope they get you taken care of.

Travel safely.

[uhftx]

Hi,

I had this same problem this past spring with a 2000 Forest River product. Marshall Gas Controls made the regulator also. I researched the propane regulator. It seemed as if the diaphram was leaking around the crimp of the housing in the selector area.

I researched this and I found the US Consusmer Product Safety Commission recalled / Many Many times.
See:
http://search.cpsc.gov/query.html?qt...rols&x=15&y=14

1995 recall pertaining to RV's:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/P.../95150org.html

I was debating sending this failed unit to the UnderWriters Labs since their approval appears on the unit. But I didn't. I still have the failed unit. A 2000 dual tank selector valve with built in regulator. (don't have it in front of me for more specific's)

I would Like to keep this thread alive and see how many people have issues with Marshall Gas Controls LP propane gas valves / regulators.

This isn't a minor problem / issue. People and pets lives are at stake. If and when the regulator fails releasing unburned propane gas into the atmosphere. One spark and its all over.

[Montana_3045]

We have a 2002 3295RK and have had to replace the regulator twice so far. The one we currently have installed will not turn red, it stays green all the time, so we have to check the tanks manually. Thanks for the info on Marshall Controls. Will call them on Monday.

[Montana_657]

How about www.mexonline.com/wahoorv.htm for your parts. You didn't say where in Mexico you are but these folks will ship.

[Virgil]

One good thing about propane is that it is heavier than air and will tend to settle low to the ground. I don't want to minimize the danger of propane though. You have to be careful. A propane leak is serious anywhere in the system.