Suburban SDS2 LP Leak Cooktop Owners

[skyfree]

Since Escape now knows about this problem, they pretty much have to address it or they are taking a huge risk. Even just defending yourself against an injury lawsuit can cost hundreds of thousands.

If I knowingly use a defective part in my product that ends up injuring someone, is it my fault or the manufacturer of the part? Would I be willing to take that chance? Not likely.

[casita68]

Don’t know if our problem is the the stove top but our propane leak detector went off this morning. Called Dustin, haven’t heard back yet.

[LeonW]

Originally Posted by casita68

Don’t know if our problem is the the stove top but our propane leak detector went off this morning. Called Dustin, haven’t heard back yet.

We don’t have the Suburban cooktop, but we do have a 21 which had an issue with the propane detector going off. I am not sure if it was the age of the detector or the batteries off gassing. We replaced the propane detector and replaced the batteries with sealed AGM batteries. No issues since then.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by casita68

Don’t know if our problem is the the stove top but our propane leak detector went off this morning. Called Dustin, haven’t heard back yet.

Start by vacuuming the face plate of the detector, or wiping it with a damp cloth. That may fix it, but your trailer is 2016 so it could need replacing.

[casita68]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Start by vacuuming the face plate of the detector, or wiping it with a damp cloth. That may fix it, but your trailer is 2016 so it could need replacing.

Great Idea, we do have a couple of puppers. Wie will give that a try.

[LoonCall]

We have had propane smell in the cabinet below our Suburban Cooktop SDS2 for over a year (2020 Escape 5.0 TA). We have had 3 Suburban approved repair technicians diagnose for a leak. None have identified a leak thru soap suds on the appliance. None have used a propane detector.

I repeatedly have detected propane with a handheld detector at the end of the rigid tube below the controls. Unable so far to reach AirXcel. Are handheld propane detectors reliable? I have not been able to confirm with soap suds. Video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEFIUn6FJyI

Edit: AirXcel recommended going to an authorized service center (fourth inspection)

[RangerMan]

Originally Posted by LoonCall

We have had propane smell in the cabinet below our Suburban Cooktop SDS2 for over a year (2020 Escape 5.0 TA). We have had 3 Suburban approved repair technicians diagnose for a leak. None have identified a leak thru soap suds on the appliance. None have used a propane detector.

I repeatedly have detected propane with a handheld detector at the end of the rigid tube below the controls. Unable so far to reach AirXcel. Are handheld propane detectors reliable? I have not been able to confirm with soap suds. (Unable to post video)
Edit: AirXcel recommended going to an authorized service center (fourth inspection)

Our 'sniffers' are old but I tested the one I use with an open unlit burner and got the alarm. Sounds like an old Geiger counter we once had. Turned the burner off and tested again (after a few minutes). No alarm. So I 'assume' it is working properly.

[Eggscape]

Keep in mind that the problem being discussed can only be detected if the burner valve is on and the burner on as the tube that splits is between the two.
If a dealer tests without both burners on...they will miss the problem.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by LoonCall

We have had propane smell in the cabinet below our Suburban Cooktop SDS2 for over a year (2020 Escape 5.0 TA). We have had 3 Suburban approved repair technicians diagnose for a leak. None have identified a leak thru soap suds on the appliance. None have used a propane detector.

I repeatedly have detected propane with a handheld detector at the end of the rigid tube below the controls. Unable so far to reach AirXcel. Are handheld propane detectors reliable? I have not been able to confirm with soap suds. Video here:

Edit: AirXcel recommended going to an authorized service center (fourth inspection)

The problem usually happens at the pointer. In your picture the spots I see on each pipe could be a shadow or the start of a problem. I just worry that one of the dealers found the nuts loose and tighten them without letting you know and there has been damage/crack.

[Bobbie54]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Keep in mind that the problem being discussed can only be detected if the burner valve is on and the burner on as the tube that splits is between the two.
If a dealer tests without both burners on...they will miss the problem.

Why both burners?

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

Why both burners?

Personally I would test one burner first, after checking turn off the gas to that burner, and then check the other burner. I'm sure Eggscape meant this too.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by Perryb67

Personally I would test one burner first, after checking turn off the gas to that burner, and then check the other burner. I'm sure Eggscape meant this too.

Enjoy,

Perry

Yup.

[kpreston]

You can add me to the list - 2018 Escape 19 delivered in May 2018. Smelled odor under the sink and found loose/broken gas pipe at connection to burner. The nut under the left dial was almost completely undone.

Has anyone found a replacement pipe or some sort of retrofit? Suburban will not sell a separate replacement part. I have driven all over town (Calgary) looking for something that might work. Probably been to a dozen different plumbing/HVAC/Hydraulic suppliers and nothing. Seems like it should be a fairly easy fix?

[rubicon327]

Is anyone else concerned that there is still no announcement from Escape or word of possible recall on these cooktops? I didn’t even get a response to my online inquiry to Suburban/Airxcel. With more and more of these stoves being found with loose components this is no longer an isolated issue as some had wished. Now this is getting complicated by the fact that some owners are modifying their own stoves in an attempt to resolve the issue.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Is anyone else concerned that there is still no announcement from Escape or word of possible recall on these cooktops? I didn’t even get a response to my online inquiry to Suburban/Airxcel. With more and more of these stoves being found with loose components this is no longer an isolated issue as some had wished. Now this is getting complicated by the fact that some owners are modifying their own stoves in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Yup…they spend a lot of time making videos about fluff and stuff but will not even mention what people have found wrong with their stoves. They say that they are concerned and send out all important information by email, but nothing yet.
I understand that there is a process but from what I can see they are doing nothing to gather the facts, question, support or deny the information package I sent them.
Someone going to get seriously hurt and I am not impressed.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by kpreston

You can add me to the list - 2018 Escape 19 delivered in May 2018. Smelled odor under the sink and found loose/broken gas pipe at connection to burner. The nut under the left dial was almost completely undone.

Has anyone found a replacement pipe or some sort of retrofit? Suburban will not sell a separate replacement part. I have driven all over town (Calgary) looking for something that might work. Probably been to a dozen different plumbing/HVAC/Hydraulic suppliers and nothing. Seems like it should be a fairly easy fix?

You need to go to an automotive shop or store that will make tubes with the proper flares. I am no flare expert but from what I can see it is the same as used on some GM fuel lines. It can be made but requires an expensive flaring tool and the expertise in using it. Then there is the case of the correct dia of tubing. Both are very important in getting a correct seal. You don’t want to use just any flare or it will not seat correctly and could leak.
Here is your picture of the flare type and the GM type.

[LoonCall]

I received notification from Dustin at ETI that they will be sending a replacement stove. I appreciate all the helpful comments from fellow Escapees on this thread. I also encourage all owners to consider a handheld detector for early detection of any propane issues. Follow Rangerman's suggestion of 'testing' the tester by first testing on open flame.

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Is anyone else concerned that there is still no announcement from Escape or word of possible recall on these cooktops?

I know how business works and it's not like those here expect. I will be concerned if we don't hear something by the middle of July-August. There are many items that need to be checked off before we hear anything, it's called due diligence.

Wikipedia states: "Due diligence is the investigation or exercise of care that a reasonable business or person is normally expected to take before entering into an agreement or contract with another party or an act with a certain standard of care."

Enjoy,

Perry

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Perryb67

I know how business works and it's not like those here expect. I will be concerned if we don't hear something by the middle of July-August. There are many items that need to be checked off before we hear anything, it's called due diligence.

There is no reason that Escape cannot issue a warning out to all owners with this cooktop that simply states to stop using it while a proper investigation is conducted and they work with the manufacturer on a resolution. It's not convenient for owners but its the right thing to do. I think most owners would just be happy to know that Escape cares enough to warn them of a potential hazard. Instead this plods along and the chance of additional explosions is real! The liability for the companies involved is huge if they know there is a problem and don't advise customers as soon as reasonable. I just hope that no one else gets hurt.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

You need to go to an automotive shop or store that will make tubes with the proper flares. I am no flare expert but from what I can see it is the same as used on some GM fuel lines. It can be made but requires an expensive flaring tool and the expertise in using it. Then there is the case of the correct dia of tubing. Both are very important in getting a correct seal. You don’t want to use just any flare or it will not seat correctly and could leak.
Here is your picture of the flare type and the GM type.

I agree that the right flare is important, but it looks more like a bubble flare (with extra length beyond the flare) to me. Of course anyone with the original parts in hand can try the likely candidates on replacement tubing and see which one matches properly in all aspects of the shape.

I wouldn't count on an average automotive shop being competent in making flares, since flared lines in vehicles (which are used mostly for brakes) are now normally purchased as complete assemblies (flared, with nuts)... and that, of course, would be the preferred method in this case if the part were available.