New Modine HotDawg with Bad Regulator

[motorick]

Finally got my local propane company out to hook up to my new Modine HotDawg 35k. Turned the heater on and they detected a leak at the regulator, saying I'll need to get a new regulator before they can complete install. What a long haul to get this up and running! Have to use licensed HVAC to vent and then licensed plumber to run gas lines. Start to almost finish it's been over 2 months. Now I've got to see if either the retailer (QC Supply) or manufacturer (Modine) will help me get this replaced. Propane guys stated they see this a lot in new appliances lately. Kind of just venting (no pun intended). I'll keep you posted on outcomes for replacement.

Rick

 

[fitter30]

Regulator has a thin elastomer diaphragm ( neoprene or viton) that is the size of the top of the reg. Guess the diaphragm has a leak in it.

 

[PoorUB]

Now I've got to see if either the retailer (QC Supply) or manufacturer (Modine) will help me get this replaced.

It is not Modine's regulator, the supply house you bought it from should cover it.

 

[The Cobbler]

do you mean the gas valve is leaking ?

 

[motorick]

do you mean the gas valve is leaking ?

I believe it is both (?)

 

[PoorUB]

I believe it is both (?)

That would be the gas valve. Yes it regulates pressure, but it is called a gas valve. Call it a regulator and the guy at the wholesaler will be confused!

 

[motorick]

First contact w/ QC Supply tech support "Tom" and he wants information on propane test company's pressure test info. I believe he wants to infer that either the Propane Co. or the plumber put too much pressure through the gas valve causing the leak. Propane Co. got back to me with 11.5 to 14 "water columns" (???) which is pretty low, I believe. Waiting to hear back from the plumber (and "Tom").

 

[4x4Pete]

Sounds like the gas control valve is leaking through or passing. If they put the piping under a high pressure test without first isolating the gas control valve it would have been damaged. This requires either the gas supply capped off at the appliance (the safer way) or shutting off the manual gas valve at the appliance (not as good - if it passes it could damage the valve) then introducing a high pressure test , like 10 psi. Proving fault will be almost impossible. Tech support Tom is looking to pass the blame and void warranty. The high pressure test is pressure that far exceeds the 1/2 psi max that the gas valve is rated for. If they didn't install the piping and just did a gas tightness check, they would have checked with a manometer and regular propane supply pressure 11.5"-14". The propane company isn't taking blame either, they know to say the 11.5"-14", as to not hurt the gas control valve and take the blame. This *****, you may be paying for a new gas valve.

 

[motorick]

Just wanted to let everyone know that QC Supply (and Tom) came through for me and sent me a free replacement valve. With any luck I might have heat before the new year!

 

[brewchief]

We dealt with a propane company that would find every gas valve leaking, they weren't leaking but a trace amount of gas could be found at the regulator vent, we provided them with documentation from the valve manufacturer that a trace amount was acceptable and they still refused to connect a tank. I wouldn't be shocked if the replacement does the same thing.