[C320-list] Seward 2 Burner Stove Not Lighting

[Chris Burti]

I concur with Jeff's summary on all points and add that some of us have been successful in removing the sag in the propane locker vent hose by shortening it slightly.

This discussion presents a good opportunity to recommend considering the installation of a propane detector low in the galley and possibly in the port cockpit locker. 

Best Regards,
Chris Burti
Statewide Title, Inc.  

> On Jun 7, 2017, at 7:55 AM, Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Dave,
> 
> I assume you have gotten all the info you need, but I'll just summarize our experience.
> 
> Rick Sulewski and Chris Burti's comments and those similar I believe are accurate.  You'll only get propane flow with the breaker on (of course), the knob turned and pressed in and held until the flame sensor is heated sufficiently.  
> 
> Propane settling to the bottom of the tank is not a thing.  Propane in the tank is mostly in liquid form under pressure and liquid lives at the bottom of the tank.  The new OPD valve ensures that there is enough of a layer of vapor at the top of the tank to prevent liquid propane from feeding into the regulator.  In fact, the tank valves have a check valve to allow propane vapor to pass and prevent liquid propane from getting to the regulator (the kind we have anyway).  That's why vertical tanks like ours must not be used horizontally and horizontal tanks should not be used vertically.
> 
> So, lighting the stove:
> 
> Flip on the breaker and you should hear a good loud click.  Listen carefully when the knob is pressed.  You should hear a hiss.  It may or may not light at this point, but if it does, *it will go out* in a second or two.  Keep holding the knob listening to the hiss.  If it lit, this was just some residual propane in the line.  If you're the nervous type, you can press the sparker every 2 seconds so often or hold a lighter near.  After a few seconds though, the hiss will have a very distinctive change in tone, now you're getting propane.  It should now light, but you have to *keep holding the knob* for about 10 seconds until the flame detector heats enough to not shut off the propane flow when you release the knob.  Release the knob too soon and it'll go out.
> 
> If you find that you aren't getting any hiss, then you simply need to replace the regulator.  If you don’t hear a solid click when you turn on and off the breaker after replacing the regulator, or you still don't get any propane flow, replace the solenoid next.  I do not suspect that's the issue though.
> 
> Regulator:  http://a.co/1ZsYArO   $11
> 
> In our case, the solenoid clicked but the regulator didn't feed any (or enough) propane to the stove.  We replaced ours in 2012.
> 
> It's generally a good idea to shut off the breaker when not using the stove so that the solenoid doesn't have to stay energized. It does get a bit warm and draws a bit of current.
> 
> The propane drain line on the Catalina 320 is a joke.  It will rarely work as intended the way it was plumbed from the factory.  It exits through at fitting on the angled edge of the transom. Since the fitting is at an angle and the hose has a downward dip before heading up to the propane tank, any rain or sea water that collects in there will form a water trap and prevent propane from draining venting out. Don’t worry about that too much.  It's not a big deal because the propane locker itself is very small and there isn't room for much propane to collect in there anyway.  Often times it will evaporate after a while and fill up sailing or during rain.
> 
> My $.02
> 
> Good luck!
> -Jeff Hare
> #809 Woodbine II
> Newburyport / Boston, MA 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Dave Hupe
> Sent: Monday, June 5, 2017 9:23 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Seward 2 Burner Stove Not Lighting
> 
> I can't get my burners lit.....anyone have suggestions?  
> 
> The gauge on the propane tank is reading about 110 lbs. (so I assume there is enough propane to operate).  The system is holding pressure (no leaks).
> 
> My solenoid clicks when I turn the breaker switch on at the electric panel (so I assume the solenoid is opening to feed propane to the stove).  
> 
> I have tried to light the burners using the electrode spark (although it may not be aligned properly).  I also have tried using a lighter without success.  
> 
> Dave Hupe, 94 (hull #32), Holland, MI
> 
> 
>