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jocoman
Samba Member
Joined: August 11, 2016
Posts: 497
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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 Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 9:43 am Post subject: Propane service valve replacement |
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Hi folks.
I'm getting ready to replace the service valve on my propane tank.
Can I do this without removing the tank?
Here is a pic of my setup.
Can I just back off the male fitting that I am pointing to with the red arrow, then unscrew the shut off valve from the tank?
Is this doable like this?
txs
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'86 Westfalia 2.0L Zetec
'97 Volvo 850 AWD Turbo
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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 18774
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 10:20 am Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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From the gallery.
If you are going to the trouble, the regulator's do fail.
I removed my tank to refurbish it. In answer to your question, if you can disconnect the regulator from the on off valve, you should be able to remove the valve. They are pretty tight and of course the tank should be empty.
My valve leaks between off and full on. Hasn't been a problem because I either have it closed or full open. |
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jocoman
Samba Member
Joined: August 11, 2016
Posts: 497
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 11:24 am Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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Interesting. mine exhibits the same characteristic at full on and full off.
I have bought the valve already, but I still have a lot of propane in the tank.
I guess I'll try running like you at full off and full on, till the tank drains.
Thanks
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'86 Westfalia 2.0L Zetec
'97 Volvo 850 AWD Turbo
" The fun never stops" |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8462
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 11:31 am Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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| jocoman wrote: |
I'm getting ready to replace the service valve on my propane tank.
Can I do this without removing the tank? |
If your valve is anything like my valve, which wasn't that old (newer replacement tank), it takes a breaker bar to loosen it; you'll at the very least need the van up in the air. I had a propane place to do the job and they removed the tank, saying it would be far easier.
I had a new valve on-hand (same one as mentioned here on The Samba), but they said it's not wise to use it as it's a different style valve. They took the old one apart, replaced the busted O-ring(s), reinstalled it with said breaker bar, reinstalled the tank, filled it, and leak-tested it... all for $100. Worth it. 
| MarkWard wrote: |
| My valve leaks between off and full on. Hasn't been a problem because I either have it closed or full open. |
They should be full-on or full-off, never left in between because of the type of valve. Mine began doing the same, but then leaked even at full-on. When the tank finally ran dry, I had the valve repaired.
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1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
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jocoman
Samba Member
Joined: August 11, 2016
Posts: 497
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 11:40 am Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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Ok. if a breaker bar is required than yeah, the tank should come out!
Thanks (no short cut for me ...darn...
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'97 Volvo 850 AWD Turbo
" The fun never stops" |
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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 18774
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 11:41 am Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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| Quote: |
They should be full-on or full-off, never left in between because of the type of valve. Mine began doing the same, but then leaked even at full-on. When the tank finally ran dry, I had the valve repaired. |
Correct. I try to turn my gas off before the attendant gets there to fill. I open after they are gone. Less embarrasing. It's more of an annoyance, but not enough to deal with. |
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jocoman
Samba Member
Joined: August 11, 2016
Posts: 497
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 12:04 pm Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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Do you drive around with your tank at full on?
I have been turning off to drive and only turn on when I get to the campsite, but I like your way better!
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'97 Volvo 850 AWD Turbo
" The fun never stops" |
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brickster
Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2004
Posts: 593
Location: CO, USA
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 12:08 pm Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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I was able to replace everything using Jim's Vanavation kit (recommended!) on the ground. I think I chickened out because of hoses in the way, but can't remember...?
All went well, but it did require some careful maneuvering and additional, repeated wrench removal/replacement due to limited space.
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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 18774
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 12:24 pm Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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| jocoman wrote: |
Do you drive around with your tank at full on?
I have been turning off to drive and only turn on when I get to the campsite, but I like your way better! |
When traveling, I am running our Dometic on propane. I've read the risks, but feel comfortable using it this way. |
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jocoman
Samba Member
Joined: August 11, 2016
Posts: 497
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2024 1:05 pm Post subject: Re: Propane service valve replacement |
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That's true, when I'm using the fridge I leave it on too.
Lately, because I got a yeti cooler I have not been using the fridge
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'97 Volvo 850 AWD Turbo
" The fun never stops" |
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