In a message dated 26/08/2008 10:08:09 P.M. Central Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

        Wes, see my _VW Vanagon Westfalia Dometic  Fridge Maintenace_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/fridge.htm)  to get your fridge working again.  It
should stay lit  while driving, if not there is a leak in the intake / exhaust /
firebox  system.  The service valve can only leak at the stem or the over
pressure  relief valve.  If it's leaking any where at full open or full closed it
is  defective and needs replaced.  The regulator has an over pressure relief
valve and they sometime stick open and leak so the regulator needs to be
replaced.  These parts are readily available from most any good RV parts
department that services propane on an RV.  I always have them in  stock.  See my
_Vanagon  Items Forsale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm)  "Westfalia
Camper Parts" Propane service parts" webpage >

Filler Valve, standard - $37.95
Service outlet valve,  AS11C  - $59.95
Bleeder valve  -  $9.95
Regulator  - $26.95

>>>>>>>>We just got back from a cross country  trip (see separate email) and
had to
run the fridge on DC while driving  since it wouldn't stay lit on propane
while moving, even though it used  to.  I had recently carried out some
fridge maintenance (air pump  upgrade, clean combustion chamber, and install
bigger and quieter fan), and  so I assumed I must have messed something up,
and would have to remove the  fridge again to try some trial-and-error
troubleshooting.

But then,  we ran out of propane, and when we went to fill up, the propane
attendant  said it only took 1.1 gallons or so.  Our tank has a  manual
fill+bleeder valve system.  I knew this was low but he said he  was sure it
was full, so I drove off puzzled.  Then, I got concerned,  as I started
getting the distinct whiff some propane while driving.   When I pulled over
to check it out, I found that the emergency vent on the  propane shutoff
valve (not the regulator) was leaking in spurts, especially  while driving.
It continued to do this for a while, but after while it  quieted down and
seemed not to leak to much more.  Here is my wild  theory about how all of
this fits together:

Obviously, the vent is  bad.  I'm thinking that maybe it is defective in a
way that makes it  unable to hold back liquid propane.  So, whenever the
propane guy had  put in enough propane that liquid was at the level of the
shutoff valve,  lots of stuff started coming out.  Maybe this happened around
1.1  gallons, and he mistook it for liquid coming out of the bleeder valve,
and  decided the tank was full.

If this is the case, then the idea is that  when driving around, the liquid
sloshes, and whenever it gets up against  the vent, the vent opens for a
second and lots of propane escapes.   I'm thinking that maybe this venting
creates enough of a pressure drop that  the fridge flame goes out.

So what do people think... sounds  plausible?

In any case, I think the vent is bad, so I need to replace  this shutoff
valve.  Anybody know where I can get one without buying a  whole new
tank?<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
- Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/exhaust.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15,  2008