Propane Regulator Problem

[Col]

I live in Ohio and as we know it's cold here. Yesterday when I turned on my propane tank the regulator went crazy, all the way past 30 psi, I can't seem to get it down past that. Is it the cold? I did read something that said put a plastic bucket over the regulator, which I did yesterday and today it is still going up 30 psi. It worked on Monday, but not the next day, could the diaphgram be shot? I have a BBQ size propane tank, regulator and flashback T grade hose going thru a window.

The tank does have gas because I can still light the torch (Nortell Minor Burner). I have had this set up since Sept. At first I had the propane regulator at 4, oxy con at 4 1/2, have since read that propane regulator should be between 5-10 and changed to that, oxy con still at 4 1/2.

[Puddy Tat Glass]

Hmmmm, when it was getting below freezing here in Oregon my husband wrapped mine in a lot of insulation and then put a big old comforter over it. I'm still keeping the insulation on it even though our temps are up because they do drop down into the low 30's at night. Maybe your regulator froze and something inside broke. This past summer the regulator we use for cooking crabs quit holding pressure so we had to replace it. My hubby said if you take it back to a propane/welding place they might be able to repair it depending on what's wrong...but most likely you'll just have to replace it.

[Col]

Thanks Bonnie, I'll deal with after NYE.

[Starrr]

Have you tried turning off the propane at the tank and then burning off the propane in your lines at the torch? That should bring the needle on the regulator down to zero. I've had this happen in the cold also and sometimes I just give the regulator a tap and the needle unfreezes.

[Col]

Did that but when I turn it back on it goes back up.

[ArtcoInc]

Did you try re-adjusting the regulator, setting it to a new pressure?

Also, do you run the regulator down to zero psi when you shut down at night, or just close the tank, and leave the regulator set where it's at?

Malcolm

[Col]

Hi Malcom,


(Sorry I didn't get right back with you, I was away for a few days and just got back.)

I just close down the tank and leave the regulatore where it was set. I took a private class and the woman said you should never have to reset your regulator just turn the propane off at the tank.

[Dale M.]

And the woman did not understand the inrush of 125 psi fuel every time you open tank valve eventually will damage regulator to point it either needs to be repaired or replaced.......

Always close down tank valve, burn off fuel, and back off regulator when quitting....

Do not assume just because a person is teaching in a studio that they really know all about safety....... Lot in self taught people out there have not a clues to laws governing plumbing in fuel gases or what constitutes good safe ventilation, they are just lucky they have never had a problem....

Dale

[Col]

:kiss:Just wanted to let everyone know that problem with regulator has been resolved. It was apparently frozen, brought it in and warmed it up and it's working fine. I CAN MAKE beads again.

Also THANKS to everyone who responded and I will do things correctly from here on in.

Thanks.

[Patty Lakinsmith]

This is good to know. I always bleed my propane from the hoses after a session, but didn't know I needed to turn the regulator all the way down after that. I guess I should have my regulator checked out - I just posted over in the "Oxygen blows out flame" thread, thinking I had an oxycon problem. This is much easier to deal with.

Thanks!