Date:         Thu, 7 Oct 1999 19:36:16 -0600
Reply-To:     Alfred Bagdan <abagdan@POWERSURFR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alfred Bagdan <abagdan@POWERSURFR.COM>
Organization: self
Subject:      Re: 85 Westy 10% valve stuck - which way to open?
Comments: To: Todd Guttman <tguttman@COLUMBUS.RR.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <015901bf1125$b6d2e580$703f5f18@gray-havens.columbus.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello Todd,

Thursday, October 07, 1999, 6:40:26 PM, you wrote:

TG> Allo -

TG> At long last we finally took our 'new' 85 Westy for his (we checked
TG> underneath)  inaugural camping trip this past weekend.  It was as great as
TG> we'd hoped.  After years of tent camping (while lusting for a Westy), to
TG> pull into a site, pop the top and start dinner all within 10 minutes -
TG> despite darkness and downpour - wunderbar!

TG> Now for the problem - we ran out of propane despite the previous owner's
TG> assurances he'd filled the tank 'recently'.  We did find a local RV dealer
TG> this week who agreed to fill the tank despite it being "outdated and
TG> unsafe."  Unfortunately, the "10% valve" is rusted stuck and the dealer only
TG> agreed to fill the tank if we could open the valve.

TG> I've dutifully applied nearly a can of liquid wrench and I'm ready to attack
TG> the screw with my vice grips and either open it or do some major damage.
TG> Now, just to make sure, the question for the list - does the 10% valve/screw
TG> have a 'normal' thread - that is, do I turn it counter-clockwise to open it?

TG> Thanks for your help.

TG> Todd, Barb and kids in Columbus, OH
TG> 85 Westy 'Wolf'


Hello Todd

I have a 85 Westy and I wrestled with the same valve problem for
years.  Finally I installed a regular propane valve and
never had difficulties filling the propane tank.  While
filling, the operator opens the bleed valve, and when
liquid propane comes out of it the tank is 90% full(or
is it 80%?).  A RV place or a propane shop will
do it for you fairly cheap.


Best regards,
 Alfred                            mailto:abagdan@powersurfr.com