Stupid propane tank problems..

R

ritzblitz

Joined
Dec 31, 2006
Messages
293
Lately my propane tank/hookup is being very fussy. The tank isn't putting out enough to forge with. My setup is very simple and isn't really the best, but I've had it working fine before. It goes like this: Propane tank > camp stove adapter > JTH7 torch.

I have narrowed the problem down to the propane tank and the adapter. For some reason it just doesn't want to put out max flow. So the problem is either in the valve on the propane tank, or the valve on the adapter hose.

Any ideas??

Thanks guys.
Alex
 
Get rid of the camp stove adapter, and go down to the heating and airconditioning store and buy yourself a proper regulator used for a furnace. Camp stove adapters do not provide the output you need, as they are designed to handle small burners that perhaps produce only 20,000 BTU/Hr. A good forge needs anywhere from 75,000 BTU or more.

A good single stage regulator will do a good job, but if the tank is far from the shop I would install a primary (high pressure) regulator at the tank, and then install a secondary (low pressure) regulator on the exterior wall of your shop.

This will provide your forge with a steady flow of propane without freezup problems in the regulator as may be happening now, causing lack of fuel flow.
 
Bufford said:
Get rid of the camp stove adapter, and go down to the heating and airconditioning store and buy yourself a proper regulator used for a furnace. Camp stove adapters do not provide the output you need, as they are designed to handle small burners that perhaps produce only 20,000 BTU/Hr. A good forge needs anywhere from 75,000 BTU or more.

A good single stage regulator will do a good job, but if the tank is far from the shop I would install a primary (high pressure) regulator at the tank, and then install a secondary (low pressure) regulator on the exterior wall of your shop.

This will provide your forge with a steady flow of propane without freezup problems in the regulator as may be happening now, causing lack of fuel flow.
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I've heard that too small a tank can freeze up if you draw too heavily, too.
 
Bufford said:
Get rid of the camp stove adapter, and go down to the heating and airconditioning store and buy yourself a proper regulator used for a furnace. .
Click to expand...
This is very good advice!

When I got my forge off the internet I just did not have any clue how to hook it up to the gas tank?

It sat there for about a week and I asked a bunch of questions but I didnt have any idea what people were talking about.
Then I took some advice and went down to the propane heating store and I had my forge in the trunk of the car.

The 3 sales men were very happy to learn what I was planning, and when I showed them the forge, all 3 got busy with fittings and a regulator and had the forge cooking right there in the parking lot!
 
Thank you, the camp stove adapter is temporary. Aren't there places that sell hook up kits with regulators and everything? I am not really sure what I need. If someone could make a list that would be awesome.

Thanks

Alex
 
Unhook all your valves and use a air holes to force air through the line. Sometime the lines can get cotton locked reducing gas flowing correctly. If that does not improve, than it maybe the adapter which could be plugged. Check all your fittings and make sure everything is tight. If you have a leak this will cause the same problem. Hope this was of help. -----------:thumbup:
 
As others have said, dump the camp stove regulator. An inexpensive alternative is a Turkey Fryer. Some of the burners put out more than 150,000 BTUs and I've bought the entire fryer kit for as little as $30.00 on sale at the end of the season.

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This burner puts out 185,000 BTUs and sells for $39.99 here:

http://www.directcampingstoves.com/product/sp10g
 
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