LPG ignition failure

Larry F

Turning off at the tank would definitely cause the problem. Are the valves open when you get there to re-start? The only time the supplier would normally turn off would be in the event the tank was empty at the time of fill. If they did, the valve should still be off when you go back. It would be interesting to look at the fill ticket to see how much lp was put in or checking the gauge to see what percentage it shows after a fill. Wondering if they've been overfilling. If liquid lp flashes to vapor in the regulator I'm wondering if maybe the reg temporarily freezes up then goes back to normal after sitting awhile. The tank isn't supposed to be filled more than 80% although its not unusual to see suppliers go a tad over in cold weather maybe 85% max. Also, just curious why the ignition system retrofit?

Can Do

I was asked about this problem with this LPG boiler, since I am an apprentice working in the field. Recently a LPG boiler (10 years old)was fitted with an up to date electronic igniter, to replace the thermal couple that was there. It workd flawlessly except when a delivery of gas is made to the tank. Then the unit has to be manualy restarted when there is a demand for heat. It will keep restarting flawlessly until the next fill up. This has happened two times so far. The LPG is delivered on an auomatic delivery basis, and the tank should not be running out. My teacher at school suspects the delivery man is shutting the valve during fill up. What do you think it could be? I would apreciate any help. Thanks in advance

J.C.A._3

I wonder.....

If there might be some condensation in the line between the tank and the regulator....maybe with each delivery, it freezes and won't allow the gas to flow until it's been sitting for a while. Chris

Can Do

The valves are open, so I was told. The up grade was for eleaviating the problem of thermalcouplings burning out. It seemed the thermal couple was going several times per year.

S Ebels

Ditto and Ditto

He's either turning off the tank while filling or some liquid LP is splashing up into the pickup and "frosting" the regulator off. I had the identical problem with a two furnaces and it about had me bashing my head against a wall. Both of them would exhibit the problem after the gas guy cam and only occasionally then. I reasoned that the problem was obviously connected with the filling of the tank so the interrogatoin of the LP guy was long and extensive. We came to the realization that the problem only occured when the tank was filled WHILE the furnaces were running. It didn't happen when they were off. The solution was to have him wait to fill until the furnace wasn't running. As of this date the LP company has changed both tanks and the problem has never resurfaced.

SO....... The mystery remains as to why only these two systems were affected in this way as the same guy would fill other tanks while the appliances were running with no problems. I think it had to be either a little moisture in the tank or else something in the design of the gas pickup peculiar to those two tanks. Isn't it fun sometimes!!?

J.C.A._3

Can do,

The updates for these were not just for ridding them of problem thermocouples, they were to save the Homeowner some cake in fuel costs too. The fact that they are more reliable and cheaper to run in the long term makes it a win/win for both, the owner and the service company.

I'm still leaning toward a line freeze before the tank regulator. Most I've seen are "twirled" into a kind of pig tail, and I suspect the lowest point is the culprit. Chris

Can Do

Thanks for the input !

Can Do

Thanks alot! The low point makes alot of sense. Should the "Pig Tail" be taken out? I really like this web site, I've learned quite abit with the first couple of times I've been here.