Propex Problem

Post by **Rockhopper66** » 02 Mar 2006, 11:23

I have a 1990 Autohomes Komet with a propex heater. When bought the van I tried the heater out and it seemed to work fine. However, the other day when out tour the highways and byways of Dorset, I stopped for a cuppa. Feeling the chill getting to my aged bones I decided to put the heater on. Unfortunately, it refused to light. I could hear the sound of the igntion trying to fire up but no warm air. Everything else works fine i.e. the fridge and the hob but not my heater.
Are they dependent on gas pressure as I am unsure of the amount of gas left in the bottle?
Any ideas before I freeze to death?

Post by **T'Onion** » 02 Mar 2006, 11:48

Is the gas switched on ?

Post by **Rockhopper66** » 02 Mar 2006, 12:32

Gas is on as verified via the hob and fridge. Also the valves are switched to the on position.

Post by **T2Andy** » 02 Mar 2006, 12:38

Don't know if the Propex's are affected by gas pressure, but I had an old Truma gas blown heater and that certainly was.

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 02 Mar 2006, 13:14

propex wont light if pressure is too low, get a refill and try again. Also if your running blue bottle (butane) this doesn't like the cold so wont light. ( Only solution is to warm the bottle (I've heard of people taking it into the shower with them on campsites!) or upgrade to propane (red bottles) you'll need to change the regulator too. I have an autohomes and the red bottle wont stand up in the cupboard so lie it down when not in use and secure it some how for driving.

Post by **kevtherev** » 02 Mar 2006, 16:27

This happened to me at dubfreeze.....now then, my battery checked out ok 13v
My gas checked out ok (new bottle)and not cold enough to affect butane
Still cutting out...
OK enter t'onion..he arced the leisure battery with the the propex switched on, after about four off..on's propex lit and stayed lit..a sticky gas solenoid was the diagnosis...

maybe thats your problem?

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 03 Mar 2006, 12:44

OK enter t'onion..he arced the leisure battery

can you explain what he did in a little more detail for the Wiki thanks.

Post by **kevtherev** » 07 Mar 2006, 18:29

Yes ....er... that sounds rather brutal, But disconnecting and reconnecting the leisure battery...er...rapidly..unstuck the solenoid,

no it's not recommended ...it's a bodge that worked!

Post by **Martin** » 09 Mar 2006, 06:52

check your leisure battery voltage then check the earth from the propex.

Post by **NOT ANOTHER LEAK** » 09 Mar 2006, 20:20

ive got a propex in my van and under no circumstances will it fire up if the van is on a incline