[A/S] Re: Burst propane regulator

["nickcrowhurst <NickandSandra@xxxxxxxxxxx>" <NickandSandra@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Regarding my burst Marshall 254-00 regulator, I have spoken with Ed 
Lee (senior), at Marshall's Technical Department, phone 1 800 877 
2495, e-mail edlees@mgc-mbc.com .Mr Lees told me that last year a 
problem had arisen with one particular brand of fifth-wheel travel 
trailer, where one propane tank was a considerable distance from the 
regulator, and was connected by a metal pipe. This had caused 
condensation of perhaps water, drying alcohol, perfuming agent, or 
petroleum distillation products in cold weather. These condensates 
were running down to the regulator, causing it to fail. In the 
latter part of 2002, the design of the regulator was changed to deal 
with this condensation. He suspected that this was the cause of my 
failure, particularly when I told him that the Excellas of my 
vintage (1988) had the regulator mounted at the base of the tanks. 
He said that the 254-00 regulator should be mounted at the top of 
the tanks, so that any condensates will run back into the tanks. The 
failed regulator was manufactured in week 17 of 2001 (stamped on 
rear), and the warranty replacement was dated week 30 of 2002. Mr 
Lee said this was too close to the new design date to be sure I had 
the modified design, so he has now mailed me the latest design in 
exchange. I will now fit that regulator to the top of the threaded 
rod between the tanks, and fit two 15 inch ACME flexible pipes (with 
the pressure limiting and fire control features)from the tanks to 
the regulator. I tried to order the Airstream cast alloy bracket for 
just this task, but was told it was no longer available. I found one 
at a dealer in parts from wrecked trailers. When these new parts are 
fitted, I hope there will be a slight downhill run from the 
regulator to the tank valves, and that this will prevent a 
recurrence of this problem.  Nick.