Message Forums

Hi all merry christmas , well i went to the van the other day put heating on shut off fire left gas on went back in the house returned to the van hour later and had a strong smell of gas, found the problem and it's the gas inlet valve, i turned off gas and tryed to tighten it back up that worked , i then turned fire back on and it leaked again,I assume that you cannot clean fix the valve as it's one unit, this side of christmas and the weather need advice ASAP can this be fixed or does it need a new valve, i will have a qualified gas fitter to sort this out i was wondering if the unit can be fixed instead of new one being fitted and anybody had this problem.

It's a 1800 carver heater in a 91avondale addonis. k thanks..chris

Well Tim you beat me to it, gas feed pipes where they lead out under the van is the most common source of leaks. The valve itself does not normally leak but it is possible.

As it seems it does not leak when the valve in the off position then the leak must be on the output side, also as it smells 'in' the van then this does suggest the leak is inside the van

First check the thinner burner feed pipe at the valve and then where it turns sharply into the burner under the van, this holes first on the inside of the bend so it's very hard to see, but any sign of deep pitting on the pipe in general when you scrape it with a sharp knife will show it needs replacing pronto.

I have all 1800 series pipes should you need them but I only sell in pairs, not worth just changing one. I also have most 1800 valves including this one.

Hi great checked the thinner pipe, it's gone green so i shall check it in morning when i can see it in good light.me and wife thought just shut it off and use electric one.but then again a waste not to have a gas fire i say...let you know and thanks for the info...chris

Umm...it's meant to be green!!!

Originally they were plain zinc plated, (silver), but later ones were painted an olive green colour for added corrosion resistance

Hi done the on off thing when ii first found the problem, tightened it up, did not turn it on and it's fine now, thanks for your help when the weather changes next year i will remove it and send it on to you can you pm me please. again merry xmas all..

Can you pm on this site? I've never found out how!

You can ring me though using number under 'outfit'

The thermocouple can be replaced but I've never needed to!

First check the flame as you look at it through the viewing window is bright blue and 'dancing' gently on the burner tops. Any lazy yellow flame like a candle is wrong and it won't hold the thermocouple on, the fire will need to come out for a service. Next check the thermocouples 'cold' connection is tight in the bottom of the gas valve, (8mm brass nut), it's quite common for it to come loose and just needs 'nipping' tight. If that doesn't work, unscrew it, clean the tip, put it back and try again.

To remove the fires front to do all this, pull off the control knob and loosen the nut underneath, also unscrew the little dome nut at the other end. This will allow the top to come up a little and the fire front to come out and off it's location pegs at the bottom.

Also while your at it, most important to carefully check the steel gas pipes under the floor, any thick rust or pitting and they need replacing.