For those on a HH with bulk propane, do you smell propane? [Archive]

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JenniferP

2007-12-15, 9:21am

I just got the hose and am switching to bulk propane tank 20 pounds. I hooked it all up, turned it on, smelled propane when I lit the torch. It kind of went away, but not very quickly.

When I used the mapp gas 1 pound cans it never smelled at all. If it did, it was just an occasional whiff when I screwed the torch on or off, and it went away quickly.

Is the propane smell normal? It's not leaking I checked. The tank is outside.

I am in the process of doing my ventillation with a squirrel cage fan set up, but need to know if you all smell the propane when you first light the torch.

Thanks very much!
Jennifer

Teena

2007-12-15, 9:50am

Hi Jennifer,
Probably when you hooked it up a little propane came out during hook up. But no its not normal to keep smelling propane. Good thing the tank is outside. Did you use soapy water around your fittings to see if there was any bubbles (leaks)?
I never smell propane when I first light the torch. I am using the Bar-B-Q tank size.
Teena

Dale M.

2007-12-15, 9:55am

Smelling propane indicates you may have a leak or poor ventilation... Check these things carefully.....

Dale

JenniferP

2007-12-15, 10:10am

Thank you. I was thinking that wasn't normal. The next time I hook it all up, I'll check again very carefully for leaks and tight connections. But that won't be until I get the ventillation squared away!

one hot beader

2007-12-15, 1:19pm

Are you using yellow teflon tape on all your screw threads?

you can get it at hardware stores and you wrap 3 turns around the threads before screwing them together...stops any minor leaks.

Dale M.

2007-12-15, 1:55pm

NO_NO_NO_....... Do not use Teflon tape on any HH, hose or tank connections...

IF you can not get a seal without tape, you have a problem with connection, FIX the problem!!!!, All these connections are designed to be used WITHOUT ANY add in sealers (tapes or goo)... They are designed with and include any seals or gaskets the connection requires...

Teflon tape is designed for use with tapered pipe thread connections where threads seal connection.... All the threads on HH/hose/tank threads are straight threads and connection is designed for metal to metal contact seal.

Dale

lunamoonshadow

2007-12-16, 10:50am

Check your connections *inside*. There is a rubber "o" gasket in the tank-end of the hose, & a cork gasket in the torch end. Make sure both are intact. If they're not, they need replacing--that could be preventing a tight seal & causing the leak as well as anything wrong in your threads.
~luna
(I keep extra "o" rings on hand for my hose-end @ the tank end--I go through a couple a year, as I never take apart my torch end, but always detach from the tank--that little "o" ring takes a lot of wear & tear from compression. 62 cents & I'm ready to go again!)

Listenup

2007-12-16, 11:09am

Where do you get your extra "o" rings from Lyn?

Holiday Hugs!

lunamoonshadow

2007-12-16, 11:19am

Oh, I get my "o" rings from the local True Value Hardware store (likely Ace, or anywhere with the "nuts/bolts/misc" drawers in the back will have them! You can prolly replace the cork ring with a rubber "flat" gasket as well if you can't get cork--they sell those too. (my cork has been ok so far!) I just brought in my first one when it broke & layed it on the cover of the box they had in the plumbing aisle to match the size & bought a dozen of them in the same size--I keep them in a little baggie in with my frit--so if I need one, I've got 'em on hand! (nothing worse than needing one @ 7pm on a Sunday night!)
~luna

Listenup

2007-12-16, 12:18pm

Thanks! I need to get a few to have on hand as well. Last time I needed one, I just used a different hose (had an extra one laying around).

one hot beader

2007-12-16, 2:52pm

glassbead

2007-12-16, 3:28pm

You know, the problem may be in your torch, too. Check that out with soapy water where the stem of the torch screws into the valve section. I had a hothead that, for some reason, started leaking there. After I talked to the manufacturer, I just went ahead and bought a new torch- one of the beauties of a hothead is that it is so affordable!

Dale M.

2007-12-16, 4:28pm

That's interesting. here in OZ I was informed that is its basically law (by the gas shop) that you have to tape any and all gas connections to prevent leaks.

How true this is I don't know, but it did stop my leaks...

ONLY PIPE THREAD fittings, the ones with tapered threads should tape be used on. Tapered threads are designed to wedge tighter as you tighten them causing a seal... The threads on HH and POL propane fitting are straight threads design to tighten up against a shoulder to put pressure on a metal to metal ( male bulb end onto a female socket) connection to seal ..

Tapered threads are like apples, propane (fuel gas) straight thread fittings are like oranges...

There is a difference....

Below is example of connector on oxygen tank (USA at least), and "seal" actually takes place where arrows points to (metal to metal). Threads in connector do not cause seal it only puts pressure in metal contact surfaces... This is a oxygen tank connector but theory holds true for a Propane tank connector (CGA-510).

2480

And also on the "B" style connector on welding hoses and oxy/propane torches...

20429

Here is another example of straight connectors associated with HH and propane tank connector...

39298

None of the above system require or need Teflon tape. Actually it causes more problems that it fixes as it contaminate the sealing surfaces its if trying to seal and will actually interfere with seal...

Dale

navarre

2007-12-17, 9:36pm

One Hot Beader - As a fellow Aussie I can tell you that the shop has its wires crossed - Imagine the hell we would have with all our barbies if that was the case, and we had to teflon all those connections.......
(no thats not a doll - its an outdoor cooking device for anyone who hasnt seen the Paul Hogan commercials).