Date:         Thu, 21 Aug 2003 03:08:56 EDT
Reply-To:     Secor8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eli Secor <Secor8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Propane Valve
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hi All,

We're working on ironing out the kinks in our '85 Westy (I just finished
rebuilding the motor - my first!).... but the issue at hand today is that my wife
took "Hot Poop" (so-dubbed for her color and lack of AC) to fill up the
Propane.    I'd tried to fill-up at gas stations without any luck - no LP would go
into my tank - but she found someone who knew the Westy's and was able to fill
it.   The problem is that it all proceeded to leak out - over about 10 minutes
or so - and we get nothing at all to the stove now.

We've been told we need a new tank/valve/etc because the old valves are
illegal... which, of course, is a significant expense.

A few questions:
1.  Anyone know the trick to filling these tanks?  (I know the standard
routine with bleeder valves, etc)
2.  Is it true that the original tank/valves, etc are illegal now?
3.  Any good place to get used - but working - parts?
4.   Is there a way to add an auxiliary tank?   I'd like to be able to carry
extra capacity.   I've noticed a little elbow below the main valve - can I
hook-in an aux. tank here, or through the main valve?
5.  Any tricks to getting around a leaking valve?  (I assume it's the main
valve and not an o-ring on the bleeder or something.

Thanks for the help!!
Eli