I need a propane expert

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badfrog

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
SMF Premier Member
Dec 10, 2009
398
10
Tennessee
I am connecting a Frigidaire gas range/oven to a propane tank for mobile cooking. the range has been converted to propane.
I have connected the tank to the range and I initially get a full blue flame on one burner but then it emmediately begins to drop and then goes out (takes 4-5 seconds). Turn it off and wait a few seconds and it will do the same again.
My theory: the regulator off of the tank is designed to output a lower pressure than is required for a home stove. I have researched this quite a bit online and I have found that most home appliances require "11 column inches" of pressure (how does that cross over to PSI??). I found one thread on the web where a guy did connect a bottle to a home stove using an adjustable regulator -
is anyone a certified propane mechanic??! I want to do this right and do it safely.
My goal is to connect the range, an outdoor grill and an RV water heater.

Thanks!
 
Are you taling about the small tanks that one uses for BBQ grills? If so, you may need to get yourself a 100# tank, those vertical ones about 16" diameter and about 4 feet tall. I dont know much about propane but I do know that the smaller tank wont provide the pressure I need for my propane torpedo furnace, minimum for that is the 100# tank.
 
I'm not a propane expert but I have run a 4 burner propane stove off a 30 lb cylinder in a pinch. I would think regulator or supply line size problem
 
Badfrog
I also am NOT an expert.

But in my old garage I had a gas oven/stove, a forced air furnace and one of my smokers hooked up to a 100 lb. propane tank. Off the propane tank I had a regulator that ran the LP to the garage, right before the line entered the garage I had a Tee in the line to go to another regulator and then the smoker. I was told the smoker which I had a side burner off of a bbq grill in for the smokers burner needed lower pressure than what was coming from the one regulator off of the LP tank for the oven/stove and the furnace. Was also told that a 20 lb. tank would not provide the pressure needed to run this set up.

Now after we have moved I am towards the end of additional gas mod's I am making on this smoker. One of the mod's to the smoker is electronic ignition and I could not get the pilot light to ignite using a 20 lb. tank and a regulator, I had to use a 100 lb. tank and a regulator.

Also, there is a difference in regulators; from what I am learning they have different ratings for different applications; I believe they are rated by letter symbols (example - C rated or D rated).

I suggest talking to a professional, I have found the best bet someone who works on gas furnaces and/or also a knowledgeable parts man at a wholesale supply for furnace parts (these guys sell to and work one on one with the furnace technicians).

Good luck on your project and please keep us up to date on your progress.
 
Update...
I am now the proud owner of a 100 gallon LP tank. I connected it to the Frigidaire oven/range using the regulator off of my turkey fryer. I can now light a burner and have a constant blue flame, but it is only about 1/4" tall flame. I think it is a regulator issue... not sure if I have a "C" or a "D" regulator! I want to find an adjustable reg...sort of like my cetylene reg on the gas welder! than I can set it to whatever works well! Hmmm....I wonder of I can connect my cetylene reg?! does anyone know what the pressure requirements are for a residential stove?
 
if there is a leak or you are trying to draw to much fuel out of the small style tanks the newer pig tail hoses from the tank to the regulator(like you would find on a travel trailer), will shut the fuel off. also to much plumbing or to fat of a fuel line will act as an acumelator causing the same condition. try empying the lines, and then turning on the gas valve at the tank very slowly keeping the spring valve in the pigtail from shutting of the gas flow. if this doesnt work you have the wrong combination of regulators or a faulty reg. be carefull of course and i assume no liability for any information posted.
 
Thanks for the tips! and of course I accept full responsibility for my actions!
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