Quote:
Originally Posted by Emily1
Thanks everyone for the useful replies. I proceeded and bought a 12ft plastic hose with female flare to hook up the stove to propane and test it. Left burner ignited properly. When trying to ignite right burner, somewhat of an explosion occurred inside the stove. Taking it apart, there was soot on the bottom of the aluminum guard plate as a result of the explosion. This makes me wonder if there was some organic material blocking a conduit since the propane itself would not produce soot(?). Additionally, I tested connections with soapy water and found gas leaking from under the flare nut. I did not want to tighten it more, however, because I might decide on a foot or so of brass tubing inside the stove which would then be connected to the plastic hose and tank. Or buy a brand new stove just to be on the safe side. Any further comments based on this report most welcome.
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It's not brass tubing. It is copper tubing. Big difference.
What does leaking "under the flare nut" mean? At a different fitting, or the flare itself? If the flare is cracked, or the nut is cracked, it will leak, if not, it can be tightened a bit, or as mentioned earlier, a small smear of pipe dope on the male surface of the flare fitting will help it seal. A similar bit of teflon paste on the back side of the tube flare will lubricate the flare nut against the copper flare and give more clamping force per amount of torque on the nut. None is needed on the threads. This method is useful with delicate fittings.
An "explosion" can happen if the venturi area of the tube feeding the burner is clogged. Clogging is commonly found to be spider webs, dust, etc. Be sure both of the venturi tubes are clean clear to the burner, and the burner orifices are clear.
Of course, do not use plastic or rubber hose inside the stove for anything more than a quick test. It gets hot in there and you will have a much larger fire than you are ready for.