Date:         Wed, 31 Jan 2018 05:32:02 -0600
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Propane tank rust - how much is too much?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

        Shawn, I’ve written about this previously, but here goes again.  These tanks are made from 1/4” thick metal and the chance they may have rusted through is quite rare.  The most rusted area will be dead centre of where that data tag was welded on.  Take a straight edge and lay in on the length of the tank so that the straight edge does not touch the welds at the ends of the tank the check where the data tag was and see what the depression is where the tag was.  That will tell you approximately how thick the tank is at that area where the greatest rust occurs.  Usually this is minimal and not a problem.  You can then fit new valves and have the tank filled with Propane and see if there are any leaks.  If there are no leaks then the tank is good.  Empty the tank, remove the valves, sandblast the tank and paint.  I prefer POR-15 with a white top coat of beige rocker guard then a coat or two of white enamel.

> On Jan 30, 2018, at 11:00 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
> 
> On our last trip out, I was surprised to find the propane empty. I had left
> the tank valve open since the summer, but I last used the stove in
> November. I think the original regulator may leak when the tank pressure
> drops to near empty, slowly draining the tank.
> Anyway, I have a new regulator I bought years ago, so I decided to pull the
> tank while it's empty, clean it up, and install it. The tank is *really*
> rusty, as in the rectangular plate showing the certification is now hanging
> on by one corner, as the welds have rusted off the other corners. It seems
> solid enough, but should I get it pressure tested? A friend probably has
> necessary fittings to pressurize it with air and leave a gauge on it for a
> day or two. Or do I just paint it again and not worry?
> 
> '88 Westy with 450k kms, but it saw a lot of salt in the first 5 years and
> 300k kms of its life with original owner...

      Please note that I will be away from my business traveling from December 16 until April 30, 2018.  Parts orders will be processed once or twice a week as needed by Stephen.  I will always be available for contact by E-mail.  If you phone, your call will be addressed by Stephen 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 Parts & Service in the Ottawa Valley
BusFusion <http://www.busfusion.com/> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10, 2018