LP Issue: heater and stove won't light

[coldmark]

My 30# tank has plenty of propane and hooks up easily. I can't light either my heater or my cook stove. Can't smell propane either and it's not an issue with a shutoff. It's been in storage since March.

Do you think my line is blocked or is it a problem with the regulator? Thanks!

[harvey lee]

It could be just some air in the line. What I usually do if I have air in the line is craqck the nut by the burner and open the line to let the air out and gas fill the line. Then when you tighten the nut back up, let the gas fumes clear and lite the pilot.

[eyebjim]

I just had the same problem with mine last night. It took me a while to figure out. This may not be the problem with yours but it sounds the same. Ya know the temp sensor that the pilot light heats to maintain gas flow. This thing was so cold that it completely shut off the gas to the to pilot even with the knob pushed in that is supposed to let gas flow wheather it is cold or not. I heated the sensor up with a tourch and after that it started right away. You may need to purge air out as previously stated also.

[leechpouter04]

Same here. Last year my line froze completely up. Try warming it up. I also had the problem with a crack near the regulator. Got a new from ace and problem was fixed. You mentioned no smell though so this probably isn't the case.

[coldmark]

UPDATE: I unscrewed the gas line from the heater and left it alone for a couple of minutes with the gas turned on. Once I could smell a little gas, I hooked it back up. I then was able to light the heater and stove but they don't burn nearly as good as last year. If I turn all 4 burners on full throttle, they barely burn. It might have something to do with the regulator. My regulator has a tiny vent that is pushing out propane. If I put my finger over the vent, I can feel the flow and it makes a wisssshhh sound.

Any ideas what my problem is? I'll google it in the mean time. Thanks!

[ScottL]

You have a hole in the diaphram inside the regulator. Take your existing regulator and throw it in the garbage and buy a new one.

[coldmark]

Thanks Scott, will do.

[coldmark]

I replaced the regulator and everything works great again. It was a hole in the diaphram. The guy at the gas supply place said to be sure to cap the line in the off season. Bugs can get in there and do damage.

Thanks Scott and everyone else.