Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2006 21:19:35 -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: LP tank valve? problems...
Content-Type: multipart/mixed;
Bill:
If you have the original AutoStop fill valve, you should
replace it with an ordinary fill valve and a bleeder
valve. Most propane guys do not know how to fill a tank
with an AutoStop since one action is counter to normal.
That is, with a normal setup, one opens the bleeder valve
a little and start filling the tank. When liquid propane
starts to squirt from the bleeder, the tank is full, one
shuts off the filling, etc. But for the AutoStop to work,
the valve that seems to be a bleeder valve (but isn't
exactly) needs to be open ALL THE WAY, for the AutoStop
to sense liquid propane and shut off. So most propane
guys get it wrong. Plus after all these years, the AutoStop
probably needs rebuilding, which you can't do generally.
A new fill valve and bleeder valve should cost <$40-50. You
can install them yourself or have an RV dealer do it. Then
you are ready for any doofus to fill you tank. ;-)
As for your situation now, a good RV dealer should quickly
be able to figure it out. BUT, you need to show them the
manual on the AutoStop, since they will make the wrong
assumption on how to deal with it. If you keep the AutoStop,
you should always make sure when filling that the propane
guy understand how to "operate" the AutoStop.
While you are at it, replace the shutoff valve and the
regulator, since they are probably ready. Don't let anybody
tell you to get a new tank. The tank is bomb-proof and
does not have to be "re-certified", etc. Tell them it is
an ASME tank and see the file I'm attaching. If you have to
have anew regulator installed, make sure they check it to put out
11" water pressure; a good RV shop will normally do this. This
might be the sign of a "good" RV shop....
A general rule is that a full tank (2.5 gal of propane) will
last two weeks of camping--fridge and cooking.
Richard A Jones
Boulder, Colorado
In the USA, the National Fire Protection Association code is generally used,
although any state may impose additional conditions on anything forming part
of a motor vehicle. The NFPA code requires that any container showing
serious denting, bulging, gouging or excessive corrosion be removed from
service. Tanks must be marked in accordance with DOT, ASME or API-ASME
codes. If marked with either of the ASME codes, requalification is
required only if involved in a fire. If marked with a DOT code, it is
good for 12 years from the date of the manufacturer's mark. A DOT
container may be requalified for 12 years if fully hydrostatically
tested (tank expansion measured), for 7 years with a simple hydrostatic
test to twice working pressure, or for 5 years with a "carefully made
and duly recorded visual examinatio
n by a competent person". The visual inspection can cost as little as
$4 - it's the way to go.
http://www.sankey.ws/rvwinter.html
| 
