Thread: propane regulater-dangerous ?

If you want my $0.02 I would consider the regulator suspect for use with air at this time, as well. Unfortunately, if it had EP seals it is virtually guaranteed to be completely shot at this point. If the seals are CR maybe it'll be OK. If the seals are NBR I would question their design intent for the original purpose but it's likely fine. No real way to tell the difference between the three except by destructive testing so as I said, I'd consider the regulator suspect for any purpose without replacing the seals in it. No good deed unpunished.

If you want "frugal" you could have talked to my grandfather who grew up during the depression. To celebrate his 90th birthday, he and Nana went out to dinner. At Subway. And splurged to get footlong subs so they could have leftovers.

You sold the guy a forklift for $250, and he expects some sort or warranty after the sale?

I'm amazed at how people who have essentially NO understanding of propane fuel systems can muddle through them as they do, and not wind up blowing themselves and others, straight to the moon. The guy who bought your forklift is a danger... stay FAR FAR away from him, as he apparently believes he knows much more than he does.

NEVER, NEVER, ever use a non-fuel-gas regulator, with fuel-gas. Wether or not it seems like it works, it is not for fuel-gas for DOZENS of GOOD REASONS. When you get your 'loaned' regulator back, place it atop the flat surface on back side of your bench vise, and strike it really hard with a 4lb hammer, then deposit the remains in a scrap bucket. As noted, the flexible internals do NOT generally tolerate fuel-gas well.

A proper propane fuel system has several functions, each component in the system is responsible for a certain portion of that function AND... contains integrated safety features to make sure that all the bad things that COULD happen, are extremely minimized. That starts with the TANK, and goes all the way to the mixer, and includes controls to cut off fuel when not running. A propane fuel system... even if it's using GASEOUS withdrawl, can wind up being full of propane LIQUID, which when entrapped between devices, and then heated, expands like any other substance... it can hydrostatically crack open fittings and devices very easily.

If there ever was an appropriate demonstration of "knowing just enough to be dangerous'... PROPANE is an EXCELLENT platform for demonstrating the catastrophic result of ignorance.

A propane fuel system... even if it's using GASEOUS withdrawl, can wind up being full of propane LIQUID, which when entrapped between devices, and then heated, expands like any other substance... it can hydrostatically crack open fittings and devices very easily.

just for the sake of humor, this sounds like a good reason to use a regular air compressor regulator. it will bleed off the pressure in the event liquid gets trapped downstream and warms up.

I sense a Darwin award on the horizon.
There are certain situation where one needs say F the price and repair things correctly.

Originally Posted by DaveKamp

I'm amazed at how people who have essentially NO understanding of propane fuel systems can muddle through them as they do, and not wind up blowing themselves and others, straight to the moon. The guy who bought your forklift is a danger... stay FAR FAR away from him, as he apparently believes he knows much more than he does.

NEVER, NEVER, ever use a non-fuel-gas regulator, with fuel-gas. Wether or not it seems like it works, it is not for fuel-gas for DOZENS of GOOD REASONS. When you get your 'loaned' regulator back, place it atop the flat surface on back side of your bench vise, and strike it really hard with a 4lb hammer, then deposit the remains in a scrap bucket. As noted, the flexible internals do NOT generally tolerate fuel-gas well.

A proper propane fuel system has several functions, each component in the system is responsible for a certain portion of that function AND... contains integrated safety features to make sure that all the bad things that COULD happen, are extremely minimized. That starts with the TANK, and goes all the way to the mixer, and includes controls to cut off fuel when not running. A propane fuel system... even if it's using GASEOUS withdrawl, can wind up being full of propane LIQUID, which when entrapped between devices, and then heated, expands like any other substance... it can hydrostatically crack open fittings and devices very easily.

If there ever was an appropriate demonstration of "knowing just enough to be dangerous'... PROPANE is an EXCELLENT platform for demonstrating the catastrophic result of ignorance.

I've seen a forklift "blow up" due to a propane leak. It didn't hurt anybody but it was a pretty big boom, and I bet the operator had to change his pants afterwards. It blew him off the lift and blew the engine cover (the part you sit on) completely off. Luckily somebody was nearby with a fire extinguisher and promtly put it out. Didn't burn up anything but a few wires.

Originally Posted by Bluechipx

What could happen if he continued to use a regulater designed for air pressure?

Looks like someone found out:



If someone gets burned to a crisp because of an un-kosher modification then you can guess who the lawyers are going to come after. It's your word against his.

Originally Posted by m16ty

I've seen a forklift "blow up" due to a propane leak. It didn't hurt anybody but it was a pretty big boom, and I bet the operator had to change his pants afterwards. It blew him off the lift and blew the engine cover (the part you sit on) completely off. Luckily somebody was nearby with a fire extinguisher and promtly put it out. Didn't burn up anything but a few wires.

What was the extinguisher used on, the fork truck or "the part you sit on?" Or both....

But seriously if I were the seller/fixer here, I'd change my name and move to somewhere without an extradition treaty.