Airstream Excella 1975 Owner's Manual page 60

L.EG. System
Your Airstream is equipped with two tanks
for LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas). LPG burns
with a clean blue flame and produces more
heat than natural gas. There are two basic
types of LPG in common usage: Butane and
Propane. Butane is widely used where temper¬
atures are normally above freezing the year
round and Propane is used where subfreezing
temperatures are common, since Butane
freezes at 32°F as compared to -40°F for
Propane. All of the orifices in your Airstream
LPG appliances are of the universal type
which will bum either fuel.
How long a full tank of gas will last is
dependent on usage. In cold weather when
you are using the furnace, large amounts of
hot water, and are doing extensive cooking,
you will naturally use more than you will in
warm weather when you may do limited
cooking. On the average, with normal cooking
and other appliance use, you can probably
count on three weeks service from each 28-lb.
tank.
International models are equipped with an
automatic gas regulator. Both tanks are con¬
nected to this regulator and are turned on.
Gas is drawn from only one tank at a time
and when the tank being used is depleted the
regulator automatically switches to the full
tank. An indicator on the regulator points
toward the tank being used to give you a
visual reminder when one tank is empty. The
empty tank can be removed for refilling
without disturbing the tank being used.
Simply close the tank valve, disconnect it,
have it filled and reconnect.
To remove the gas tanks, disconnect the
tubing nut with a wrench and loosen the bar
handle which holds the tanks in place. The
tubing nut has a left hand thread so be sure to
always turn it clockwise to loosen and
counterclockwise to tighten. When replacing a
tank, connect and tighten the tubing nut
before clamping it in place.
If you have allowed both tanks to run out, air
may have gotten into the lines. In this event,
the air must be forced out through the lines
by gas pressure before you will be able to
light the pilots. Hold a match to the pilot of
the appliance closest to the tanks until it
lights and stays lit. Then move to the next
closest, etc. For complete appliance operating
instructions, refer to pages 53-60 .
Gas lines should be checked periodically for
leaks with soapy water. Do not use open
flame.
Additional tests may be performed by shut¬
ting off all pilots and valves. Then close gas
tank shut-off valves. If red flag, on automatic
regulator, appears within 10 minutes a leak
exists. Have LPG System serviced at your
Airstream Service Center.
Note: In some states it is illegal to leave the
gas tanks turned on while towing a trailer.
Automatic Gas Regulator
52