Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:00:33 -0500
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: propane filler valve
In-Reply-To: <dbe71n00108X5Fr01be9sT>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
There is no tube from the fill valve to the bleeder valve, at least not external to the tank. mcneely
---- Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> If you still have the old auto-stop valve, get rid of it. If there is a tube connecting the 20% valve and the fill valve you have it.
>
> This is a common problem when the piston corrodes and sticks, which it eventually will. Replace it with a standard RV tank valve and 20% valve. Here is one source: http://www.anyrvparts.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=11652&SID=29&DID=45&CID=229&BID= I blew out a whole tank once when it stuck open after filling. Can never to back to that fill station.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dave Mcneely
> Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 2:48 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: propane filler valve
>
> Had my propane tank (1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile) filled this morning. An hour later I noticed a propane odor around the beast. A quick check revealed a wet cap and frost on the propane filler valve. Removal of the cap resulted in a slow stream of vapor, not with enough force to hiss, from the valve. Looking into the valve revealed a stem or other cylindrical piece of brass visible, not normal. I put the cap back on and took the van to the shop that filled the tank. This time, removal of the cap released propane under pressure, and a hiss from the valve, with vapor. Then it stopped. Let the van sit for 30 minutes, checked again, no evident leak. Used soap. No evident leak.
>
> Took the van to a shop that repairs and installs propane equipment. The staff there detected no leak. Shop foreman tapped on the valve with a ballpeen hammer. Then checked again. No leak. Looking into the valve with the cap off revealed normal appearance, no metal visible in the orifice where it should not be.
>
> I asked the shop foreman what he would do if he were about to drive several hundred miles and camp in the outback. He said he would go. I asked if he would replace the valve first. He said no. He suggested that if the same thing occurs again, I should tap on the valve as he did.
>
> He filled the tank, and it required less than 0.1 gallon, actually not measurable on his gauge.
>
> What say you guys? BTW, he refused any payment, saying come back and buy propane, or repairs if and when needed.
>
> David McNeely
--
David McNeely
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