Frozen LP tank leaking??

chessie4905 · January 03, 2018, 03:56:29 AM

You've got a lot of systems that are showing their age. You recently repaired furnace. Just exchange or repair tanks and regulator too. Those are cheap and diaphragms get old and leak. After doing this, you could can then move on to the next system that breaks down due to age. Just part of having an older conversion. We'll, just part of having any RV.

scanzel · January 03, 2018, 04:21:29 AM

Spend a little money and have the system checked and updated if necessary. You don't want a leak and then have some ignition source light up the propane with an explosion especially in that enclosed area. If you have a fire or explosion you will be changing more than just the tanks. Safety first when dealing with propane or gasoline.

gumpy · January 03, 2018, 05:54:22 AM

I would replace them with two 40 pound portable tanks and an automatic switchover regulator. While you're at it, get an LP detector for inside which includes an electronic solenoid shutoff.

Prevost45 · January 03, 2018, 07:36:33 AM

Those tanks look like standard forklift tanks..
The only way to fill them is standing vertical out of the vehicle.
I don't think there is a vapor valve either, most are a liquid tap.
Move on and install a proper permanent vapor tank designed for a RV.

Fred Mc · January 03, 2018, 09:31:14 AM

They look like forklift tanks. I had a problem with mine last year in that it was 25 years old and had to be recertified. I use it for my generator at the house. I took it to the people that test tanks(propane, oxygen ,acetylene) and thet inspected it and recertified it.I think is was about $25. Your tanks probalby either need recertifing now or will in the near future so I would take them to the tester, tell him the problem and they can replace the valves if necessary. The process for inspection involves taking off all the valves and fittings and inspecting the inside with a camera. That way you can be sure of what you have. Propane is great. I have it in my bus and did have a truck on propane. The generator runs on propane as well and is better than gas (or diesel) in that it doesn't go stale when not used for a long period of time. But, like gasoline, you have to treat it with respect.

richard5933 · January 03, 2018, 10:39:31 AM

Just got back from the propane dealer in town, one that I trust.

The valve is apparently leaking. Obviously it shouldn't be. Once the weather warms to the point I can work outside for at least a few minutes (still in single digit temps here) I will pull the two tanks and take them in for repair/inspection/etc. I'll bring the regulator along with me so that it can be inspected as well.

If necessary, I will replace with something else. By the way, these tanks do have a vapor tap and based on how the plumbing is connected I'd guess were designed to be refilled in place (not removed for filling). Not sure how that worked, and not sure if it can still be done that way.

I suppose that the two horizontal tanks could be replaced with two vertical tanks if necessary. I'll have to take measurements to be sure and bring them along with me when I take the tanks in in case we go that route.

Oh - the joy of old machinery! If I didn't love it so much this would be a real pain.

Fred Mc · January 03, 2018, 01:00:14 PM

I have a permanen t 50 gal propane tank in the bus. Its filled with a hose designed for cars/trucks. Works fine but if I had to do it over I would put in 2 vertical tanks that you can remove for filling.Also I see one of the tanks has a solid copper line and the other has a rubber hose.I would replace the copper line with hose.Less chance of cracking.

That would also allow you to pull both tanks out for filling. Pretty hard to get the connection with a solid line.

buswarrior · January 03, 2018, 03:14:45 PM

There is no need to re-configure your tank install and change to vertical tanks.

Those "forklift" style tanks that you already have can be either/both liquid or vapour delivery while lying on their correct side. The pipe plug in the picture is where the other valve would be installed.
There is internal piping that is bent to feed from the appropriate side of the tank. That is why mounting orientation is very important.

The level indicator is a float arrangement that rides on the liquid, and gets you pretty close to knowing...

These on-the-side tanks are a blessing for a busnut. Tightly packaged, free access to the fittings, easily visible tank gauge.

For the fastening clamp, fabricate yourself a large wingnut with a large washer welded to the bolt head, and they'll pop right out when it comes time to fill/service/exchange.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

richard5933 · January 03, 2018, 04:07:50 PM

Quote from: buswarrior on January 03, 2018, 03:14:45 PM
There is no need to re-configure your tank install and change to vertical tanks.

Those "forklift" style tanks that you already have can be either/both liquid or vapour delivery while lying on their correct side. The pipe plug in the picture is where the other valve would be installed.
There is internal piping that is bent to feed from the appropriate side of the tank. That is why mounting orientation is very important.

The level indicator is a float arrangement that rides on the liquid, and gets you pretty close to knowing...

These on-the-side tanks are a blessing for a busnut. Tightly packaged, free access to the fittings, easily visible tank gauge.

For the fastening clamp, fabricate yourself a large wingnut with a large washer welded to the bolt head, and they'll pop right out when it comes time to fill/service/exchange.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

I agree - there are two taps on these and one is clearly labeled as 'vapor'. I hope that the propane dealer is able to get the valve changed out and fill the tank. He was only going from photos at this point, but he did indicate that it would be possible to do the necessary work without issue. He was unwilling (of course) to be committal at this point since he hasn't examined the tanks for safety issues though. I'll pull the tanks once I can stand to be outside long enough to do it.

Do you think I'll have any problems with the regulator? I was considering having it swapped out while I've got things apart. Same with the hard copper line on the upper tank. Makes more sense to me to have a flex rubber line on it.

PP · January 03, 2018, 04:23:01 PM

I have an 8 foot flexible hose on the auxiliary tank so I can lift it out of the bay before having to disconnect, but that one is upright making it impossible to access the valve without removing it. I also have a length of rubber hose connected to the blow off port and routed down through the floor in the bay because like Bus Warrior stated, LP increases in pressure with higher temps and if it's going to blow off, I want that gas going outside.
Good luck with your project, Will

Tony LEE · January 03, 2018, 06:07:23 PM

You can buy an auxiliary fill port adaptor which solves your problem. It has a female large Acme thread on one end which screws on to your ACME fill port, and a check valve similar to the one that is leaking, then a male ACME thread the same as your fill port.

Could be a permanent fix for your problem.

Iceni John · January 03, 2018, 06:27:30 PM

Definitely get rid of that copper tube! I had my local propane dealer make me some high-pressure hoses from Parker 7132 hose with crimped-on fittings, and I have some MB Sturgis 5LPN quick-connect gas fittings on the unregulated high-pressure side. I've protected all the HP hoses inside split-loom, and I put a marine stainless louver vent in the propane compartment's door to ensure that any vapor dissipates safely.

John

eagle19952 · January 03, 2018, 07:44:41 PM

Quote from: Iceni John on January 03, 2018, 06:27:30 PM
Definitely get rid of that copper tube!

John

for sure.

richard5933 · January 09, 2018, 01:43:41 PM

I got the two tanks taken to the propane dealer today. The tech said that they are in need of updating (and of course repair to the leaky valve). They are still in good condition overall and will not take too much to get up to snuff so that they are safe to continue using. After the repair/upgrades they'll fill them so I can just reinstall and be done.

Regarding the hoses/regulator...

The propane dealer sent me to another shop in town that does LP equipment, hoses, etc. I'm going over there on Thursday to have two new hoses made up to the correct length to replace the current rubber hose and the hard copper tube. I'll also upgrade to a new 2-stage regulator.

After all this things should be good to go. Sure is nice to have local shops that can get this stuff taken care of.

Fred Mc · January 09, 2018, 02:07:33 PM

Keep ion mind that when full those tanks are heavy and it appears as though you will have to lift them to mount them.You might think of putting them in empty and then getting them filled.