LP/Propane gas pressure test - using a manometer

[Graham]

Sent: 6/11/2003

Hi all,

I read in a library book about RV maintenance - (forgotten which one, duh!) that the water column pressure of the LP system should be 11". It showed you how to make a water gauge (manometer??) using a vertical board marked horizontally in inches, with a clear plastic tube attached to the board in a U-shape.

I made such a device and poured in some water, then connected one end of the tube to a gas valve on the stove (after removing the burner).

When I turned the valve on, the water blew out of the other end of the tube. A lot of fun but not very scientific!

What am I doing wrong? Should the other end of the tube be plugged? Does the gas have to blow out the air in the tube first? Will the LP gas bubble through the water?

Maybe I should take it to a dealer to check but the device looked and sounded OK??

I haven't checked the hot water system yet. Does it feed off the fresh water tank or the city water or both? I assume it should be full before firing it up. I think it is a Bowen 6 gallon unit. How long should it take to heat up and is there a thermostat or if not, what temperature should the water reach?

Many thanks and God bless,
Graham

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Sent: 6/11/2003

Graham,
The gauge is called a manometer.  Here is the information on how to build and use a manometer.

http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/manometer.html

Dave

[MSN Member]

From: Graham   
Sent: 6/12/2003

Thanks for the info Dave and for the site - lots of useful stuff.

Cheers and God bless,
Graham