Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 06:23:10 EDT
Reply-To: RAlanen@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Yet another rusty propane tanks question...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
In a message dated 31/07/2007 2:31:15 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
Hey everyone,
I've searched the archives, but I need a bit more specific advice on what to
do about the LP tank on my 87 westy. Let me preface this by saying that I
have relatively little experience with propane tanks - nothing more than
exchanging tanks for my barbeque. I purchased the vehicle at the beginning
of this year. The LP tank definitely looks questionable to the naked eye,
but from reading list entries, that doesn't seem too out of the ordinary.
It still has propane in it, and the stove lights easily. It looks as though
someone tried to spray paint it at some point and sprayed over a pressure
gauge and any stickers/id plates/certification markings that may have been
on the tanks.
So, I decided I would take it in to the local AmeriGas place. The attendant
took one look at the tank and told me it was "junk". Apparently the type of
rust he saw, which he described as "pitting", led him to believe it was
done. The entire exchange lasted about 20 seconds and he was less than
enthusiastic about having a look at it for me, so I'm not certain how much
stock I should put in his diagnosis, and am hoping to get a second opinion.
So, here are some questions:
1) How can I tell if the rust on this tank is cosmetic surface rust or
something to be concerned about?
2) Where are the certification markings and ID plates of importance
generally located. I see a couple stickers (peeling off and painted over)
and what looks like a plate on the top of the tank in the middle.
3) What do I need to do to prepare the tank for removal? I'm assuming all
of the LP needs to be bled out, but does anyone have instructions for doing
this safely and for removing the tank from start to finish?
4) Once it is removed, what is the best way to recondition it? I've heard
sandblasting (I don't have one, will try manual sanding) and
repainting/sealing with rustoleum. Any other suggestions?
5) Once it has been cosmetically reconditioned, I am still planning on
having it tested by an LP shop. I just don't want it dismissed right away
due to the rusty exterior. What should I expect an LP professional to do to
test a tank that "looks" okay? Pressure tests?
6) Any other general suggestions/information?
I am aware of the new tank available from GW, but I want to be sure that
this one is no good before I spend over $300 to buy one that I probably will
be unable to install myself.
Thanks for your help!
Jake, your making a mountain out of a molehill. If the tank is holding
propane and not leaking then it's good to go. Leaks are obvious as Propane
freezes up as it hits the atmosphere so you will see a white frost at the point of
the leak. To remove the tank from the vehicle it does not need to be
emptied. Just close the service valve, remove the skid plate, disconnect the two
copper lines from the regulator, put a floor jack under the tank, remove the
four nuts holding the tank to the frame and lower the tank on the floor jack.
Now take the tank outside and remove the regulator then open the service
valve and let the tank empty itself overnight. Then remove all the valves and
plug the holes with threaded bungs available from any good hardware store.
Remove the data tag if it the sort that welded on in the four corners. If
it's the sort welded on with a continuous weld, leave it be. Now find yourself
someone in you area that does sandblasting and have the tank sandblasted.
Get a _POR-15_ (http://www.por15.com/) kit in black or silver, your choice and
follow the instructions for coating the tank with POR-15. The tank will
never, ever rust again and be better than a new one which will rust again unless
you follow the above instructions before installing it. Install new valves,
standard fill valve, spit valve and service valve and regulator to be on the
safe side then put it back on your Westy, fill the tank and you will never
ever have to worry about that tank again. If you cannot find the valves and
regulator at a RV Propane service facility near you I have them, see my
_Vanagon Items Forsale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm) website under
the "Westfalia Camper Parts" listing. BTW, I just POR-15ed two tanks
yesterday.
Cheers,
Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli & Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
- Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm) a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10, 2007
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