Regulator freeze up solution

[bopper4]

I had posted on another thread earlier last week about this and I misinformed anyone that read it. We dump methanol not ethanol into our gas lines if they freeze up. It dries up any moisture in the regulator and usually fixes the problem. We were up last weekend in -30 degrees and it worked like a gem.

I just wanted to make sure I gave accurate information.

[Boar]

Methonal? is that similar to isopropyl or seafoam? Boar

[stealth3350]

yeah were u get methaynol? i was up last weekend allso and had that happen.. i just switched tanks to one i had inside and it was fine.. then i had to do it 1 more time

[bopper4]

I dont know exactly where a guy would find it. We got ours from a gentleman we know that works for the local propane company. I am assuming they have it in bulk because we just have a clear gallon jug full. Next time I see him I will ask him where one can purchase it.

I faintly remember him saying that isopropyl would work as well but I have not tried it and I dont want to be held responsible if it doesnt work properly so try it at your own risk.

Lastly, it seemed as if my propane was liquifying so I put it in a rubber made tub and pointed my generated exaust in. It seemed to create enough heat to keep the tanks running well.

[Boar]

I recently had a propane question on the expert info thread. an the got quite a response about tanks loosing pressure an said that i wraped my tank in insulation an that that was a bad idea, an that keeping the tank on the sunny side with out insulation is best, tyring to keep it warm was working against itself. check it out, it, s under propane question on the expert info thread. I think that seafoam would work the same, it absorbs moister an burns thru your car, lawnmower ect.. Boar

[Marlonb]

Ethanol would work the same as methanol. Ethanol absorbs moisture also. I would think one could use E85 (85% Ethanol)and get the same results as the methanol.

[1968]

Ethanol would work the same as methanol. Ethanol absorbs moisture also. I would think one could use E85 (85% Ethanol)and get the same results as the methanol.

Might not be a good idea with up to 40% gasoline. E85 doesn't always mean 85%. In the winter that ratio can go down so cold cars will start in winter temps. Not sure how any residual gasoline would react in a propane heater system.

I've also heard of racers that build for alcohol complaining that the percentage is hardly ever 85%.

[phillyfacks]

I've been having this problem as well. I have two 20 lbs tanks on my permanent shack, it seems as if when the propane tanks get cold it causes my heater to shut off. I'm no expert on propane so how would you go about getting the methonal through the regulator and propane line? Would larger tanks be less likely to have freezing issues then the 20 lbs tanks? Any suggestions other than bringing the tanks inside the shack to warm up?

[Boar]

I do know that my heater should be run with a 40 lber, these 20 lbers arnt really ment 4 most heaters out there, i've just never had an issue with a 20 lber until i started using it in realy cold temps, like below 0. I guesse youd just have to wrench open the line connection to regulater an pour a little in. Boar

[WhiskeyWoods]

Isoheet (iso alcohol) works just as well as drying the lines...also make sure there are not too many "bellies" and twists in gas lines otherwise acts like a distiller and the moisture builids there...

[kfk]

Butane from one of those squirt bottles works well too.