Quote:
Originally Posted by KC8RXQ
Thanks to all for the suggestions and the warnings. Once the weather improves I'll ckeck all of the connections and fix whatever is wrong. I'm just thankful we weren't already travelling. You don't have to leave home to go on an adventure with an RV, regardless of the manufacturer!
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I think we found the answer to the propane leak.
I had a local mobile RV repair service come out to troubleshoot what I thought was a propane leak. He took out his "sniffer" and went all over the lines/fittings and the appliances and couldn't find anything. It wasn't until I started describing the problem that it dawned on us both; the blowing rain forced its way into the furnace compartment, and found its way under the circuut board - shorting out some of the "runs". The clicking I was describing was either the furnace trying to light, or the solenoid cycling, and in doing so was allowing the gas valve to open (or cycle open and close) and was leaking propane into the rig. I am so thankful that nothing ignited and torched the motorhome.
The technician removed the furnace cover and found water puddled under the board again as well as under the blower wheel but the gasket appeared to be sealing the cover like it should. He did find where Thor didn't seal behind the furnace mounting flange and he proceeded to clean/mask the area and then applied a bead of clear exterior caulk. We'll see if that helps. Also, he contacted Atwood and explained what he found, and made it a point to say we knew the motorhome was out of warranty and that we only wanted advice on how to make an effective and lasting repair. The Atwood tech got snotty with the guy thinking we were blaming Atwood but he repeadtedly told her we weren't trying to lay blame on anyone. Finally she got the hint and then said Atwood would send a board modification kit (including a new board) as a good will gesture; all I pay for is the labor which I would have done anyway but I'm thankful for the help.
I believe this will be the end of the tale for this problem but you sure learn a lot when it comes to troubleshooting these things. Hopefully once the repair is completed I will feel more comfortable about taking it down to the Alexandria, LA area in March.
Thank you all for your advice and your support, and maybe this will be of some help to someone else.