Don't Blow Up Your Boat! (Propane Installation)

Today on the Capable Cruising Guide, Clark helps you understand why having an exterior propane locker and solenoid is a good idea on a liveaboard boat. He also explains some misconceptions about pressure gauges.
IN THIS EPISODE
[00:18] Start
[00:44] Solenoid Overview
[02:08] Why We're Changing Solenoids
[03:44] Disassembly
[04:22] Parts of the System
[06:04] Changing the Solenoid
[07:20] Electrical Hookup
[09:00] Reassembly
[10:18] Testing for Leaks
[11:52] What Failure Looks Like
[12:27] Conclusion
VERDICT ON THE SOLENOID FLOW:
We have on demand propane hot water. With this new solenoid we can see a reduction in stove burner flame height when we fire the propane water heater but it's enough to not bother changing it out just now.
I think this solenoid would be fine for anyone running just a stove/oven.
I also think I might someday move it to before the regulator. On the high pressure side it would flow more then enough gas. It is rated to 1 mega pascal that's about 145psi I believe. I would prefer if it could handle the vapor pressure of propane at around 100 degrees F that's like 175 psi.
LINK TO THE SOLENOID: www.amazon.com...
These are available in different thread sizes. Get one that is same as your current solenoid so you can swap as easily as I did.
Have questions or comments? Leave them below! We do our best to read and answer all comments on our channel.
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[@allornothing7957]

The only thing that should be blowing up is your channel! 😇😇🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@stevesteel6066]

Glad to see that you are concentrating on sailing!

[@gordonbraithwaite9074]

You should be wrapping the teflon tape the same way as you screw on the fitting. Love you content!!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep. Sometimes hard to do things right on video

[@matatooie]

They have yellow teflon tape now for gas, Clark. It’s a bit thicker and easier to use and makes a better seal.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks

[@JohnnyDoe1977]

@@Clarks-Adventure it is better to wind the teflon tape the other way round, so with the threads when mounting the solenoid instead of against the threads as pictured in the video. A soapy solution works like a charm as well for leak detection, just a bit of dishwashing soap and water in a spray bottle or apply with a brush.

[@esling77]

Ty for sharing your knowledge

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome

[@billdomb]

Never trust solenoids that much. How big a deal would it be to just use the screw valve on the tank? What about a propane sniffer alarm?

[@MiQBohlin]

Brilliant and I'm thankful you didn't blow my mind or anything else 😅

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

Many people do not understand the relationship between pressure and boiling temperature. When explaining I always ask "How does a pressure cooker work?" It's a good start in an explanation. The cylinder pressure will change dependent on the ambient temperature (provided there is liquid there!) and you can know what it should be for a given temperature. Go really cold (Arctic) and you may find that the pressure is below atmospheric! So, no gas.

[@brianbell7117]

FYI, Picked up a box of similar connectors on Amazon but they have heat shrinkable ends to keep moisture out, all different sizes and inexpensive , good job guys.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Brian

[@pa4tim]

That hose looks like it needed a replacement a few decennia ago 🙂

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It's outer plastic coat has failed but it's still good hose.

[@hudaveluy]

that was my last project, I used a mechanical timer as a switch for the solenoid. This way, it's never forgotten in the open position.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Good idea. I've considered that but Emily has gotten better at turning it off.

[@caitlinterry3817]

Thanks for the tips on how to test for leaks using the pressure gauge! This was a super helpful video.

[@Siskiyous6]

On fishing boats we always mounted the tank right by the door, outside, and turned the valve on and off by hand, that way you could see the valve, even put a hand on it and check, easily. No need to trust an electrical component hid away in some hole.

[@SVHummingbird2]

You mentioned that you have propane hot water heater. What brand and type is it? I am finalizing the water systems on my new boat which will be electric drive so I don't have a diesel option, so it's either propane or electricity.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure. I'll have Emily put it in our Amazon "store" with the other things we use and like. Give her a day or so.

[@gulubdur]

Thanks for this. I'm going to check my propane for leaks today.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Cool. Hope your gauge doesn't move.

[@gulubdur]

@@Clarks-Adventure It was leaking and I found it with some soapy water. Some new thread seal seems to have stopped it. I always wondered what the gauge was for

[@Parsonshill2]

Thanks Clark, As always, your videos are interesting and informative.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you

[@tartansailor]

Good advice, thanks

[@richardmoore4194]

Thats a great testing procedure ! Two takeaways though 1 you have a sauna ??? 2 You did not rinse the soap oit of your eyes when doing emergency work because the water was too cold LoL

[@Clarks-Adventure]

On both points I set the boat up in Seattle! We now use the sauna room as tool storage.

[@richardmoore4194]

ahhh that makes sense Seattle reminded me of scotand with money. cold winters I guess

[@Clarks-Adventure]

And the diving was in 50f water all year around. Besides I was single. Saunas are an excuse to get naked

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

I feel a lot safer when I also have a combustible fume detector like Safe-T-alert. More than one is better. The sensor should be mounted in the lowest area of the boat where fumes can actually get to. If that’s the bilge mount it just above where any bilge water would ever be anticipated. Sensors usually have a life expectancy and a date should be written down for replacement.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I have found that these things have too many false alarms to be useful. Expensive garbage. Glad you are having better luck.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

@@Clarks-Adventure Some are junk. Mine never went off so I tested it with butane. Thought the damned thing would never shut off.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Good to hear. Maybe they are better now. When they first became available you would hear alarms as you walked down docks all the time. It all sounds scary but in practice there are few propane incidents out here.

[@jansmit4628]

Tape placed counter clockwise, but valve mounted clockwise. Should that not be in clockwise direction for both to avoid curling up of the tape leading up to a possible leak?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I've never had a problem either way. The tape becomes a pretty uniform layer either way. I would probably have taped the other way if there wasn't a camera in my face.

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

This has been very informative. I am definitely getting a pressure gauge. I love these videos

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes it's a really good idea.

[@marcelop9377]

Great video Clark. Is there any rason you place your solenoid on the low pressure side? I installed mine (appropriate for HP) on the HP side, regulators are know to fail.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

My new solenoid is only rated for 1Mpa that's just shy of 150psi I think. Propane vapor pressure at 100f is about 175psi. Though I'm sure it would work fine and as I say in the description if I want more flow I'll move it.

[@RH-lz3om]

Do you have experience with CNG? What are your thoughts about buying a boat in the U.S. NE. with CNG vs LPG. Is CNG a pain to refill? Cheers!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I'd stick with propane. It's available all over the world (with adapters). And you can put a LOT more in the same sized bottle

[@Liszkalaw]

Hi clark, thank you for making this video!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Hi Zachary, Thanks. Hope you enjoy our other videos as well. You might like our playlist on capable cruising.

[@sollasollew3208]

Another great video - thanks guys.

[@stephanfebruary]

Thanks ! Great tips especially on the pressure gauge. I'll have to add in one of those. My propane tank shares space with my chain locker, so it's pretty salty up there. Do you foresee any issues with corrosion on the pressure gauge ?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It should do ok for a while. It's mostly brass. But you might want a spare or a plug

[@gefginn3699]

Great post Clark. Always happy to tune in to your newest post. I'm always learning valuable tips for my own future adventures. 🌞🌴⛵

[@cardinhamkilligrew9712]

curious about a few things. Is it fine to have a propane locker inside your cockpit locker? What is the rule for venting? Also, while inconvieniet is is extra safe to hand turn on and off the actual tank? just to feel extra safe?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure every valve in series is "safer" but I personally trust the electric valve. You can put the propane tank anywhere as long as it vents (think drains as propane is heavy) overboard. Consider what happens if you have a burst disk failure and the whole tank vented. Your drain needs to be large and your locker should probably seal. I prefer lockers that naturally drain overboard.

[@webheadusa9377]

Clark, I noticed you placed the teflon tape on the male threads in a counterclockwise direction, and then screwed the male thread into the white solenoid valve female connection in a clockwise direction. When attaching my garden hose onto the hose bibb valve (hose spigot valve), I always placate teflon tape on the male hose valve threads in the clockwise direction, the same direction that I attach the femaie hose connection onto the hose bibb. This same direction seems to help keep the Teflon tape onto the male connection. Does the direction of the teflon tape placement on the male thread really matter? Thanks, :¬) Webhead USA

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Not as much as you would think. As long as you put it on tight.

[@bryrensexton4618]

👍!!!

[@bronwynncrosby6681]

Other than comfort so you dont have to manually open and close the valve at the bottle, is there a benefit to having a solenoid? Mine went out on my boat and i already manually open and close the valve on the bottle before and after use along with closing the electric solenoid. I was just thinking about doing away with the electric solenoid altogether since i am use to manually doing it anyway.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure if you close the valve no reason you have two valves I guess. If you have a leak you would get just a bit more gas in the boat as the high pressure side of the regulator has a bunch of propane in the hose but I expect it wouldn't be an issue once diluted with all the air in the boat

[@SADIK19631963]

🧿👍

[@SalingSamantas]

Using the pressure gauge sure beats soap and water on all your joints.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes you can never know if you checked every possible leak. Better to test for a negative ,(not leaking) then to try to test against all the possible positives.

[@adriennef1770]

Yellow tape not white. White for water.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Ok

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

Very thorough walk-through and explanation and very helpful. All applicable to RVs as well. All of the engineer’s knowledge without the typical engineer’s attitude and insider vernacular. Refreshing……. Thanks

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you

[@kennyparrish3156]

Sorry you need to use the orange color tape for gas !

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure except I've had no leaks in over 30 years And back then there was no orange tape

[@KickStandsandKeyboards]

I don't understand how they measure the thread on the solenoid the only options are 1/4" or 1/8" female, when I measure the diameter of the male connector it looks more like 3/8". oh and I tried looking for the one you have on the link in the description, but I can't seem to find it in your faves.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Google thread sizes. There are tables that show the major thread dimensions for each thread size. I forget but back then I think the link is likely in the description. Always read the description of my videos. That's where I can correct things I got wrong

[@KickStandsandKeyboards]

@@Clarks-Adventure Thanks guys keep up the great work!

[@marktullis1175]

Wrapped the tape against code! Wrap in the same direction that the fitting turns to install😊

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah I know. It's so hard to do things right with a camera on you

[@marktullis1175]

@@Clarks-Adventure Yes, I am very familiar with the hard way, sometimes more than once on the same project🤪 I commend you are a very informative video!

[@StephenWalkerAhoy-Boats]

Another excellent and useful video. Thanks guys.

[@leandroflaherty]

Great vid as always.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you Leandro

[@uncommonsense9395]

Educate me.. at 6:30 ish I saw you putting on the Teflon tape. I was taught to put it the other way around meaning wrap it the direction of tightening the nut. Was I taught wrong or doesn't it matter or maybe the video is reversed?

[@allornothing7957]

You are right! Watched the actually tightening of the solenoid and the video isn't reversed, everyone makes mistakes! He tested for leaks so I'm sure it was fine

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It doesn't seem to really matter as long as you put it on tight. I usually do it the way you suggest but things happen differently when a camera is in your face. As long as the Teflon doesn't "snag" on the starting threads and get pushed out of the way all is well.

[@michaeldowneast]

Thanks for your thorough videos on boat maintenance. It's greatly appreciated. Mike

[@rodneyz4856]

Excellent safety advice. Now I finally know what the gauge is for! Thanks

[@projecttrawler]

Do you have plans to paint inside of the locker?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Possibly. Have to make sure we don't have any large water puddles that form first. Flat floor project

[@Flembgemb]

"Used but good!" Good idea to date it also so you know how long it has been sitting as a backup. Only trust it if it is your own hand writing though 🤣.

[@Allen-by6ci]

Good tips on testing the lines. Nice job guys

[@Garryck-1]

Good episode! I have a different but very simple system to avoid blowing up the boat. No propane/butane/LPG and no petrol allowed on the boat. All propulsion, cooking and heating done with diesel and/or electricity only.

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

My Rule 3 - always be paranoid about fire!

[@Kevin-xs6oj]

Worthwhile?? You’re wonderful! I learn so much from your fine work. Thank you

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you Kevin

[@ookulelewess]

Excellent tips! 8^)

[@ctndiaye1]

This further convinces me that I don't want to have propane on the boat but the SO insists it's safe and the best fuel option.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I get it. But it's really convenient. We all take risks in life. Let's just say if you go sailing propane won't be your biggest one.

[@braithmiller]

How do you keep from forgetting to turn off the solenoid? Thoughts on the modern electronic sniffer shutoff system?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sniffers always fail. They have been around for like 30 years. When they first came out lots of people bought them. You could always hear an alarm as you walked down the docks. Always false alarms. Use a very bright indicator light and make leaving the switch on a spanking offense.

[@johnchilds4156]

The gauge is a great idea. Would you also spray soapy water on the connections for leaks also?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

If the gauge shows a leak, yes use soap to find the leak. But if the system looses no gas over an extended period with the tank off you have no leak. If you try with soap and you don't "see" bubbles you "might" not have a leak. So let it sit for an hour or more and if there is no loss rest assured your system is tight.

[@mathieut3197]

Another great video with quality content - love you guys!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you Mathieu

[@ecnaruaL]

i'm inclined to think Emily and Clark should be inline for Knighthoods/Damehoods. There is really no other sailing channel can match the evident integrity or the succinctness with which these sermons are delivered. They really are _the_ resource for practical cruising advice these days. Worthy successors to the Pardy´s in fact - perhaps the highest compliment any cruising couple could be paid in my view.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks. Tell your friends!

[@ecnaruaL]

@@Clarks-Adventure I did of course, but genius is lost on some😐

[@edweikal5857]

You have hose clamps at the cylinder which is not allowed!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Not allowed by who?

[@edweikal5857]

Coast guard for one and any certified marine mechanic! Don't believe me, check it out for yourself!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I'm not in the US. Poseidon isn't so "big brother" as the US coasties. It's a safe and in a vented locker if something we're to fail.

[@RappinIggyG]

Brilliant. Thanks guys!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you

[@Roly679]

Cheers for the info, always interesting to see variations around the world. On propane or butane systems in the UK we have the regulator screwing on to the bottle, think I like that more because there is no pipes at high pressure. In houses we test for leaks with a manometer, and call it a 'drop test', same principle as you described.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Hard to get those bottles filled out and about. Just helped a guy (viewer) in the bay with that last week.

[@Roly679]

@@Clarks-Adventure true

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Good to make a converter so you can get your bottles filled from the American style if you are headed this way.

[@stevesteel6066]

Great videos regarding air conditioning however, poor investment advice and product promotion of charging of lithium & iron, very weak in my opinion. Not a hater! Keep to sailing and KZbin and enjoy your massive income fund and stop marketing bs to your subscribers. Good luck to you and your beautiful wife ❤️

[@FatDaddyG]

Learned… Thanks!

[@earthman3000]

Thank you, much appreciated.