Propane stove testing

DulceSuerna · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-2010

We have an older Hillerange 3 burner propane oven/ stove. It appears to be in really good condition. I want to test it but am looking for advice or tips on what to look for. We plan to only have an on the deck or near the rail propane tank when traveling and not inside and turn the tank off when not in use. . The hose is more then long enough. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

jrd22 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-29-2010

Install a propane sniffer with two sensors if you don't have one already. I'm not familiar with the Hillerange but in general when you hook the propane hose to it and open the valve you should check each and every connection for leaks with soapy water.

jackdale · #3 (**permalink**) 12-29-2010

I am enough of a nervous nellie that I would have a licensed installer inspect it. I would also look at a more permanent installation; the hose fittings near the stove are not likely to be meant to be to repeatedly loosened and tightened.

WanderingStar · #4 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010

Hook up a tank, use your ears and nose to detect leaks (if any). Propane has an oderant added to it, you'll smell it if it leaks. My Shipmate stove is 42 years old, works great.

deniseO30 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010

A thick soap mixture like Dawn.. dabbed on all the joints in the piping, and the valve stems (you may have to remove the top to access the valves for the burner valves) the soap will make bubbles if the gas is leaking. Very low tech but it works very well. Also the burner tubes may have bugs or cobwebs in them if the stove has not been used in a very long time. The gas vapors mix with air in the tubes The orifices for propane burners are very small and can also be clogged by bugs, or even moisture residue. you would need a very very tiny diameter wire to clean them. Lastly. you may want to replace the regulator if it's really old, they have a rubber like diaphragm that can crack and leak gas.

capttb · #6 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010

Quote:

We plan to only have an on the deck or near the rail propane tank when traveling and not inside and turn the tank off when not in use. . The hose is more then long enough.

You are going to sail with a 3 burner stove/OVEN on the deck and move it into the salon with a long rubber hose when needed?
I'm either still asleep or I've had a stroke because I don't understand at all.

SailingGma · #7 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010

I think they mean that the propane tank is on the deck.

We have installed a solenoid valve that shuts off the propane at the tank when the stove is not in use. We turn it off first after using the stove, then turn off the stove so that the line into the cabin is clear of propane.
Sailboat Cruising in the 90s

DulceSuerna · #8 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010

Yup the stove only weighs 100lbs or so, np lol JK the tank will be on deck/ rail, (the hose is long enough to give us many tank mounting options. Stove will remain in its gimballed mount in the galley. We will turn off the tank when not in use.

capttb · #9 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010

Guess I was asleep

only tip I have is to keep a propane fireplace lighter handy for the oven pilot light, you'll burn your fingers otherwise.

IslanderGuy · #10 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010

While not answering your question at all, I have a tank on the aft deck, attached to the rail and it works well. Would prefer a locker to keep it out of sight, but oh-well, may be someday. The hose is run down a vent in the stern and up to the stove. The surveyor recommended padding the holes in where the hose runs through the bulkheads with a larger piece of hose so the propane hose will not chafe on the bulkheads. This goes for any spot the hose could chafe.

I will also second the solenoid value and sniffer option. We did not have one when we bought the boat, but installed one soon. The sniffer is good for safety of course, and the value is wonderful and makes it so much easier to practice the safety of turning the gas on and off at the tank. In the morning, to not have to go out on deck in the rain to make coffee is wonderful, especially since my girls sleep in the quarter births. But the best part of the solenoid valve is after you get all tucked into bed and warmed up and are just about to drift off to sleep, you think, shoot, did I shut off the gas last time? I think so.... but what if I didn't? Should I get up and check? Of course I SHOULD... Now I can just glance from the V-Birth to where I can see the control panel and see in the value is off. Ahhhhhh it's a great thing