LPG woes

[js4fn]

Filter would likely freeze up.
Is this first year with tank. Could be your problem who knows how long tank sat empty collection condensation

[FishHog]

Agreed that its a regulator issues, which is either a faulty regulator, or condensate. I've use propane down to -35C, and yes its lower pressure at that cold, but the temps like you mentioned stuff should still work.

[Bushmoose]

I'd be more apt to crank the burners and oven from the stove you mention, on before I used a buddy heater.

[impact]

The system was installed by professionals, but I will have a look and try some heat on the regulator to see if that solves the problem. If it does, the installer will be getting a call from me.

Edit: based on the info in the link in the above post, I don't think it's the regulator freezing that is the problem. If that were the case, there would be no flow at all - the ice would completely plug the orifice. As I mentioned, I did verify that there was some gas flow. Anyway, I'll try heating the regulator a bit, but I suspect that won't resolve the issue.

I reread your first post and now wondering if you have 2 separate issues.
Your buddy heater, does it have a built in regulator? Not a good idea to run 2 of them back to back.
Same with generator?

You would need unregulated pressure to both of them,

[dean.f]

As for the generator, in my experience any dual fuel equipment seems to be hard starting on propane at sub zero temps, usually I will start the engine and warm it up on gasoline and then switch to propane and it does the job. (Typically on forklifts, manlifts, welding machines)

Did you get the buddy heater to burn on high before turning it to low?

[rf2]

For the Big Buddy heater - I bought the filter. It is to be used only when you run high pressure LPG (for example, from an unregulated 20 lb cylinder) though a rubber/plastic line to the regulator on the buddy heater. This regulator then brings the pressure down to operating pressure of the heater. The reason you need the filter is because the high pressure LPG in the rubber/plastic line apparently causes plasticizer to leach out of the line, which then can clog the fuel supply lines in the heater. I will use this filter for my Plan B - which is to run LPG to the heater from a 20 lb cylinder.
The Big Buddy heater also has a second connection option, which is to run low pressure LPG (like from my central LPG system) directly to a quick connect on the heater. This bypasses the regulators on the heater and doesn't require the use of the filter. This was Plan A, so that I would not have to lug 20 lb cylinders into the cottage on a sled using snowshoes.

I too thought that my connection scheme to the heater might have been the issue. That's why I decided to try to run the generator off the central LPG system, since it was working fine in the summer and fall. The generator does not have a separate regulator built in. It came with a short LPG hose and a regulator, but I don't use that when connecting to the central LPG system, since it is already regulated down to the required pressure. Since I could not get the generator going either on the central LPG system, I've concluded that the central LPG system is probably the issue.

[rf2]

Filter would likely freeze up.
Is this first year with tank. Could be your problem who knows how long tank sat empty collection condensation

The tank was new when I had it installed in the summer - it's still on the first fill. I own the tank, but I'm hoping that the installer will be reasonable if I call them up and tell them that I'm having an issue with the product they sold me and installed. They also supplied me with the LPG.

[rf2]

I'd be more apt to crank the burners and oven from the stove you mention, on before I used a buddy heater.

I didn't try lighting the stove, but I won't be surprised if it won't light either. I considered using the stove instead of buying the heater, but that seemed sketchy. Anyway, I ran the heater on the little 1 lb cylinders, and it works really well - puts out 18000 btu. I also have the option to run it on a 20 lb cylinder.

[rf2]

As for the generator, in my experience any dual fuel equipment seems to be hard starting on propane at sub zero temps, usually I will start the engine and warm it up on gasoline and then switch to propane and it does the job. (Typically on forklifts, manlifts, welding machines)

Did you get the buddy heater to burn on high before turning it to low?

The second time I was there this winter I tried running it on gasoline, then switching. At first I thought that solved the problem, but as soon as the gasoline in the carb finished burning, the generator died. I tried pull starting it again when hooked up to the LPG, and it wouldn't go.

Regarding the heater, all I can do when connected to the central LPG is get the pilot light on, and sometimes not even that. As soon as I switch to any other setting it pretty much just dies. I think one time I was able to get it lit on low, then when I switched to med, it flamed out. The proper procedure to use the heater is to light it on low, then med or high.

[impact]

Hey Rob, I just bounced this off a licensed G1 tech and he said your regulator has gone bad. Needs to be replaced.
Yes, he knows its new but...
There is an adjustment screw under a cap on them that can be tweaked but without a manometer gauge it would be difficult for you to get the proper pressure setting. The spec is usually 5 to 14 inches water column at the appliance listed on the data plate.