Date:         Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:57:42 -0700
Reply-To:     David Vickery <david_vickery@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Vickery <david_vickery@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: testing westy prop tank w/o propane?
In-Reply-To:  <0F3E505D-E91B-44EA-896F-FC9836CE8C38@eoni.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I think that is a Marshall 290. And it seems like only Van Cafe has the correct one with the vent pointing downward which is a requirement.  They make a 290A or something that others sell and they call it a 290, but I just replaced mine and got the right one this time.  If you look at RV catelogs the ones with the "horizontal" vent from out perspective, say they are for verticle tanks, 
Whether the horizontal vent helped damage it when it got ice and water on it, I don't know, but it was less than a year old.  I guess don't let them get slush all over them and freeze.  I didn't have the cover on it, but it wouldn't have helped with the vent facing the front wheel.
 
As far as testing, just get a gallon of propane in there and spray some 409 type stuff on every joint/seam.  It will bubble up with even the slightest leak.  Could be a connection which you can just tighten, or maybe the regulator.  You can drain the propane out in a safe open area, I don't think it is a big deal. And I agree it is probably not the tank.

--- On Thu, 3/15/12, Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM> wrote:

Probably not the tank. Regulator leaks are fairly common. Replace with
a Marshall 260.

Jim

On Mar 15, 2012, at 2:28 PM, Spencer Allen wrote:

> I have a propane leak at some point in my 85 westy. Is there a way
> to fill with just compressed air to look for leak? It has the
> original tank and fittings. Thanks all.
> Spencer
> 85 Westy