Gas Problem on Ace Jubilee

[MikeAce]

Hi all,

I have a 2004 Ace Jubilee and the gas is playing up, the fire works fine on gas as do the hobs, however, the cooker takes an ice age to cook 12 minute chips (it failed to cook them on gas mark 7 in over an hour) and i cant get the fridge to work on gas either.

I disconnected the gas supply to the rear of the fridge and the pressure was almost non existant. (I am a certified gas installer so dont all shout at me for dabbling)

My question is this, do you think its the regulator or the gas manifold in the cupboard? I aim to fix it this weekend so would love some advice, its due for a service next month but I dont think fitters take as much care as an owner who loves his caravan.

 

[Icemaker]

can't see it being the regulater if the fire and hob are working fine allthough the new regulaters are known to be troublesome. the isolater taps for the oven and fridge on my van are at the end of the isolation manifold so i would look at this area as a possible source of blockage. small problems like this as well as some big ones are the reason i have just got rid of our 2005 ace twin axle losing a load of money but allso getting rid of a big headache. good luck.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Mike,

You will probably be aware that LPG's have different charateristics to NG. Containment and seals have to be of the correct form and material to withstand the hydrocarbons effect on many materials that are suitable for NG. If in doubt refer to an LPG specialist.

I concure with Icemaker regarding the regulator, however I have come across touring installations where the pipes have become infested with a sticky oily susbstance. There is some debate about the source of this goo, but having questioned the owners it is often associated with Butane, used at low temperatures (at or around zero Celcius) AND the bottle having been stored or transported on it side. Others belive it is the gas disolving flexible pipes and diaphrams.

This goo tends to collect at the lowest points in the pipework, and it affects the appliances that have low consumption - e.g. fridges, water heaters. Ovens have a thermoststat which has a narrow pasage for pilot setting. They also have a moving shuttle that reacts to the thermostat's temperature sensor. I would not be surprised if the thermostst has not been affected.

The goo can be softened and washed out from the pipe work with a flushing solution, but if it has affected the appliance valves, then I would be very warey of attempting internal cleaning as it would also wash out the manufactures deliberate lubrication and sealing greases. - Replacement valves are the logical and safest repair.

If in doubt refer to an LPG specialist

 

[cris_408518]

Dirt or blockage sounds to be the problem.

Get and air line and blast out the jets and vents before taking it all apart.

If you increase the level to mark 7 with no difference I would assume you are not getting increased flow of gas to provide the extra heat.

If you have a clean flame and no black soot it would suggest to me you have air flow but have gas flow and supply problem re the gas.

If you have excess black sooty deposits you have air flow blocked

Check for squashed/kinked supply pipes as well.