Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2001 06:27:35 EDT
Reply-To: RAlanen@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Pressure testing the Propane tank on a westy
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
Steve, I do not know what pressure. BUT, you can fill it and check
for leaks with soapy water spray. No leaks then tank is good. These tanks
are made from very thick metal, 1/4", about. The usual place for major
deterioration is BEHIND the data plate. Since it was welded on in only the
four corners the tanks tend to rust badly behind this plate. New tanks from
Manchester Tank, the OEM manufactured of these tanks, have the data plate
welded on solidly all around, guess they know there was a problem, DUH ! I
highly recommend that you remove the data plate by cutting through the welds
with a hack saw. Do not use a grinder or any implement that will make sparks
while cutting the welds. Once the tag is removed clean the surface of the
tank well with a wire brush and check that the surface of the tank where the
data plate was is solid and not leaking. Small pinholes develop here first.
If no leaks are found then you can clean the rest of the tank with a wire
brush or by sand blasting then prime and paint with good automotive rust
preventative primer and paint. Then top coat with paintable rubberised
rocker guard. This will extend the life of your tank for a few more years.
Best is to check it now and then for paint loss and further rusting. It is
in a very hostile environment under the vehicle getting constantly
sandblasted by road debris.
Cheers
Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper event in Almonte, June 7-10
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: <A HREF="http://www.vanagon.com/">Vanagon List</A>, <A HREF="http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/">LiMBO</A>, <A HREF="http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/CIW_English.asp">IWCCC</A> & Capital City VW Club
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm">STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers</A>
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html">Frank Condelli & Associates</A> or http://frankcondelli.com
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