Date:         Thu, 19 May 2005 07:20:14 -0600
Reply-To:     Richard A Jones <jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard A Jones <jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Subject:      Re: what is a POL valve
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

> I can't speak of the FILL valve, but the place that goes to the
> REGULATOR on a Westy tank uses a POL connector (as I found out today
> when I stopped by my local Propane place for parts.) This is apparently
> a standard type of connection, with reverse threads (screws in
> counter-clockwise, instead of clockwise). Not something to find at Home
> Despot.

POL stands for Prest-O-Lite....

This from
http://rvbasics.com/techtips/propanevalves.html
........................................................................
"The Federal government will prohibit the sale and use of POL valves
found on most older DoT type propane cylinders. (POL is an abbreviation
for Prest-O-Lite, for the company that first produced the valve). These
valves have the familiar female left-hand-thread in the valve and are
the type most of us currently have. Cylinders with this type valve may
not be sold beginning in the year 2000, and may not be refilled
beginning in 2002.

The old POL valves are being replaced with a new Acme type which uses a
QCC (Quick Closing Coupling) connector. This connector has an external
(male) right-hand thread on the valve. A pigtail hose can be connected
and disconnected by hand... no wrench required. These valves also have
the old-style POL internal left-hand thread, so they can be used
directly in place of the old valves without modifying your RV. If you
like the no-tools convenience of new style connector you may want to
replace your pigtail hoses with new ones having the QCC connectors."
....................................................................

This change-over doesn't really affect Westy tanks, since the
regulator is connected and never removed, in contrast to a BBQ
tank where you disconnect it when you take to to be refilled.

                                Richard A Jones
                                Boulder, Colorado