Strong Propane Smell from Furnaces when Tank is Low

by Jim Stoltz

Jan 17, 2015

Is there a scientific explanation for this? When my RV's propane tank is nearing empty, I get a strong propane smell from the furnaces. It does this whether I'm using the frame-mounted tank or the 20 lb. cylinders. When I first noticed it last year, I nearly went nuts looking for a non-existent leak.

I was just out there goofing around with a couple of things and smelled propane. Checked the onboard tank monitor and saw it was nearing empty. Switched to a fresh 20 lb. cylinder and it's okay again - no smell. 

Is this "normal"?

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    Lakota Wolf

    The phenonomen of the smell is the additive they put in L.P.G. the old rotten egg smell.... When the tank nears empty the settled additive along with the actual **liquid propane is fill the gas lines. L.PG. is in the tank as a liquid *Gas. (Chemistry class) liquid gas. The gas is is heavier toward the bottom and flows heavier thru the lines and that pungent smell (safety additive) is more noticable. ( The science channel had an article on the same issue your having.. But this was on a cabin cruiser boat.It was also mentioned on the show that your fixing to run out of propane.
    1

    Jan 17, 2015

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      david craft

      Ethyl mercaptan. One pint per 10,000 gallons LP. Smelliest stuff on the planet they tell. Accumulates in older tanks in the oil left behind from evaporated LP. You can rinse the tank with alcohol and get some relief, though Im not sure how much.
      1

      Jan 18, 2015

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        Lakota Wolf

        Yea mercaptan, which I think they got from my son in laws socks. Usually when your tanks are refilled the *Purge helps remove some of it. But as long as it don't stink when there is gas in there I would use the stink as a warning your running low ( or my son in law is near by ).
        2

        Jan 18, 2015