Date:         Fri, 24 Mar 2017 08:16:40 -0500
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Another propane leak!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

        All Propane regulators have an over pressure relief valve.  If the pressure in the system exceeds the set pressure it is released through the valve (small office) on the regulator.  This often happens when the tank has just been filled and the ambient temperature is above 80F.  Propane expands as it gets hot and if the tank was just filled it may have been filled a bit above the 80% level, a common error made by fillers, so the excess pressure is released through this valve in the regulator if the service valve is open and through the over pressure relief valve in the service valve, that’s what’s under the blue plastic cap on the service valve.  This is the reason why ALL Propane tanks should only be filled to 80% of their capacity, to allow for expansion when it gets hot outside.  I would not be concerned that the regulator is defective, as least not before having it checked out by a Propane specialist.  Even though it was new from 2009, it could have failed by now.  Remember all gadgets such as this have a service life !



> On Mar 23, 2017, at 7:38 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
> 
> After getting everything all fixed up over the last few days by replacing
> my leaking fill valve and installing a new bleed valve, I smelled a whiff
> of propane a few minutes ago. I applied soap spray expecting to see bubbles
> coming from somewhere on the new work but that was not the case. The
> bubbles are coming from the regulator, right where the tube out of the
> shutoff valve enters the square body of the regulator.
> 
> This regulator was new from Frank Condelli in 2009, and I was careful not
> to disturb it when installing the new stuff. There is always a stone guard
> on the tank, so I don't think it got hit unless the propane filler guy
> smacked it.
> 
> Can this be tightened, or do I need a new regulator?

      Please note that I will be away from my business travelling from December 01 until April 30, 2017.  Parts orders will be processed although not as quickly as usual.  I will always be available for contact by E-mail.  If you phone your call will be addressed by Steven and he will either call you back or advise you to contact me directly by E-mail.  

Cheers, 
   
Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale <http://frankcondelli.com/trainsal.htm>)
Frank Condelli & Associates <http://www.frankcondelli.com/> - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
BusFusion <http://www.busfusion.com/> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 08 ~ 11, 2017