Club 80-90 Forums

hi

we are just getting our little smokey ready for vanfest!!!!

and we noticed a date on the gas bottle rubber pipe, it is dated 2001.

googled this and a few websites say, it needs to be replaced.

can this be done by anyone or do you need a specialist gas fitter to do the work?

the pipe goes from the gas bottle regulator onto a brass pipe, and then before it reaches the gas cooker, then into a rubber pipe for the cooker and fridge.

what do you think, safe to do yourself or get someone else to do it?

don't fancy being blown into next year at vanfest, don't think the neighbours would appreciate it!!


surfkat

As long as the correct clips are used the gas pipe is available from caravan shops

Yes! It should be replaced. B&Q do patio heater pipe (orange ) which is better than the black stuff, you will need clips to fit as well

Headley18 wrote:Yes! It should be replaced. B&Q do patio heater pipe (orange ) which is better than the black stuff, you will need clips to fit as well

I take it must disconnect the regulator from the gas bottle etc. Should get some new clips as well? How do I check for leaks after I done the new pipes? Obviously, not using a naked flame!!


surfkat

The orange hose is high pressure hose and has a service life of 5 years.
The black hose is low pressure hose and has a service life of 2or3 years BUT best practice is to change it annually.
In my experience the orange hose is far more prone to perishing than the black hose.
The date is when the hose was made , could be a year or more before it is sold and fitted - this dosnt matter , its the gas that attacks the hose.

Use new clips , check for leaks using soapy water or leak detector spray .(Washing up liquid has salt in it , so makes corosive soapy water !)

http://www.gaslow.co.uk/

click on gaslow products

Thanks for all the advice.

I have changed the pipes and found no leaks. Used a soap solution recommended by local camping/caravan shop.

I have a question about the regulator. When I start the hob, it makes a funny whooshing noise, almost like it is leaking gas, although, it isn't could not smell or see it using the soapy solution. Is this noise normal?

rob

Hi,
Thoughts/observations on your gas query.
All that you need can be purchased on line from Calor.
It is generally stated that the only piece of rubber/flexible piping is the bit between the gas bottle regulator and the gas shut off valves. After that it should all be in rigid piping, usually copper.
You say you have brass pipe in your supply line. Brass is harder than copper and hence more brittle. Might it be an idea to check this out.
Putting a new hose on using jubilee clips is generally accepted as a DIY job. All other work is supposed to be carried out by a CORGI registered (lpg) fitter, although a way round this is to do the work yourself and then get it passed.
However I think you will find that the regulations say that all lpg work in motorcaravans that are hired out to the public must be carried out by a CORGI registered person BUT work done on privately owned/used vans can to be done by a 'competent' person. The regulations do not define what competant means.
Hope this helps not hinders.

kentishvanman wrote:Hi,
Thoughts/observations on your gas query.
All that you need can be purchased on line from Calor.
It is generally stated that the only piece of rubber/flexible piping is the bit between the gas bottle regulator and the gas shut off valves. After that it should all be in rigid piping, usually copper.
You say you have brass pipe in your supply line. Brass is harder than copper and hence more brittle. Might it be an idea to check this out.
Putting a new hose on using jubilee clips is generally accepted as a DIY job. All other work is supposed to be carried out by a CORGI registered (lpg) fitter, although a way round this is to do the work yourself and then get it passed.
However I think you will find that the regulations say that all lpg work in motorcaravans that are hired out to the public must be carried out by a CORGI registered person BUT work done on privately owned/used vans can to be done by a 'competent' person. The regulations do not define what competant means.
Hope this helps not hinders.

hi

thanks for the reply.


I did actually mean it is copper pipes, this is definately DIY!!!

My concern is that I have 2 flexiblw hoses. One from the tank, and then another from a cut off valve that goes to the stove (Grill and two gas rings).

I'm off to vanfest this weekend, so I'll get it checked out once i get back.

If there are any gas fitters around at Vanfest, I'd be happy to pay for a quick test of the system.


see you all laters


rob

Thanks to kentishvanman for the tip about the Calor website. Here's the link to the caravan equipment section of their online shop:

http://www.caravanning-online.co.uk/acatalog/

Tony