Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Propane Tank Capacity (actual)
Page: 1, 2  Next
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Merian
Samba Member


Joined: January 04, 2014
Posts: 5212
Location: Orygun
Merian is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 2:06 pm    Post subject: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

I am curious what the actual capacity of the propane tank is. From GoWesty ads for bigger tanks, it appears that the stock tank holds 3.3 gallons.

But can you get all the propane out? And is there enough pressure for the last bits to make the propane usable?

Also, you can only fill it up to 80% of max., so is 3.3 gal. the real capacity or is it 0.8 * 3.3 ( = 2.64) gallons?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Timwhy
Samba Member


Joined: January 01, 2009
Posts: 3996
Location: Maine
Timwhy is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 2:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just had both tanks filled and the empty one got 3.4 gallons pumped into it.
_________________
'15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS


http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary

http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9895
Location: Orbiting San Diego
crazyvwvanman is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 6:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wouldn't put all that much trust in what a propane station pump says your tank took. In any case the certification plate on the tank should have a capacity stamped into it. There is a lot of confusing info on the plate but look for WC which stands for 'water capacity'. On ASME tanks used on VW camper vans it is typically given in gallons. The tank does not get filled all the way so the propane capacity is about 80% or .8 of that.

I just checked 3 different tanks and the 84 and 85 tanks were marked WC 3.2 while the replacement tank made in 1998 said 3.3 gals. Since they only get filed to 80% that means they should take 2.5 - 2.7 gals to fill when bone dry.

Mark
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ThankYouJerry
Samba Member


Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
ThankYouJerry is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 10:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wouldn't it be "technically against the law" for a propane vendor to charge you more than what the meter displayed? I'd trust the meter/pump (and Timwhy)... despite the fact that I might also buy into the very occasional conspiracy theory Wink.
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9895
Location: Orbiting San Diego
crazyvwvanman is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 3:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Around where I am some stations charge more than the pump displays quite often since they have a posted minimum charge of 5 gallons.

If you look at the certification plate on any propane tank you can see the maximum possible amount of liquid that could be forced into an overfilled tank. Propane tanks are designed to be filled to roughly 80% of that WC amount listed on the tank. If the pump says they pumped in much more than %80 of the WC number then either the tank was overfilled or the pump is optimistic.

I have had dozens of Westys tanks filled or topped off. I usually take a BBQ tank along so I don't pay for 5 gals while getting only less than 3.

I have an empty Westy tank that I plan to fill today. I installed a new valve in it yesterday so I know it is as empty as can be. It is marked WC 3.3 gals so we will see what the propane selling pirate most convenient to me says it takes.

Mark


ThankYouJerry wrote:
Wouldn't it be "technically against the law" for a propane vendor to charge you more than what the meter displayed? I'd trust the meter/pump (and Timwhy)... despite the fact that I might also buy into the very occasional conspiracy theory Wink.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Ahwahnee
Samba Member


Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9776
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
Ahwahnee is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 6:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've never used a place with a 5 gallon minimum charge... but I do feel bad when I make the guy crawl around and futz with that thing for a 2+ gallon purchase -- especially in very hot and very cold weather.

I always apologize for the small amount warning them in advance 'it holds less than 3 gallons when it is empty and it not quite empty'. Also good if you have something for them to lie on (sheet of cardboard, old rug. if the pavement is wet, icy, etc.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Navy_Flyer
Samba Member


Joined: January 08, 2012
Posts: 474
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Navy_Flyer is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 8:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just finished refurbishing my tank after the troublesome auto-shutoff valve failed. Installed new double-check valve fill valve, new 80% overflow/bleeder valve and new 2-stage regulator after wirebrushing the tank, and painting it up nice. So - went to the propane place, and it took 3.2 gal from complete empty, this with the 80% overflow/bleeder valve open during fill-up as per normal procedure, and everything closed and shut-down as soon as LP started to emerge from that overflow. AND - all this with no frown or look of confusion on the propane tech. He even did a purge, pressure check and leak test as this was the first time filling after new valves installed (with gas-rated thread seal compound). All is well - no more auto-stop valve woes.
_________________
1987 Westfalia, Automatic. EJ25 VANARU Conversion


Last edited by Navy_Flyer on Mon Apr 14, 2014 11:41 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ThankYouJerry
Samba Member


Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
ThankYouJerry is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 10:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ahwahnee wrote:
I've never used a place with a 5 gallon minimum charge... but I do feel bad when I make the guy crawl around and futz with that thing for a 2+ gallon purchase -- especially in very hot and very cold weather.

I always apologize for the small amount warning them in advance 'it holds less than 3 gallons when it is empty and it not quite empty'. Also good if you have something for them to lie on (sheet of cardboard, old rug. if the pavement is wet, icy, etc.


TK sells a handy dandy extension pipe that makes filling much easier.
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Typhon2222
Samba Member


Joined: October 24, 2009
Posts: 363
Location: Berkeley, CA --> Berlin, Germany
Typhon2222 is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 1:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ahwahnee wrote:
I've never used a place with a 5 gallon minimum charge... but I do feel bad when I make the guy crawl around and futz with that thing for a 2+ gallon purchase -- especially in very hot and very cold weather.

I always apologize for the small amount warning them in advance 'it holds less than 3 gallons when it is empty and it not quite empty'. Also good if you have something for them to lie on (sheet of cardboard, old rug. if the pavement is wet, icy, etc.

I hear you. I often felt badly about that too.

Then we took our Westy with us to Europe, where LPG is super-easy to find, and where the customer simply pulls up to a LPG pump and pumps it himself, just as if he were pumping gasoline. I love it. Yet another thing that makes life as a camper here so much easier than in the U.S.
_________________
Basil — '88 Dove Blue Westy.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Classifieds Feedback
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9895
Location: Orbiting San Diego
crazyvwvanman is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 3:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ok, I just filled my empty Westy tank. I replaced a sometimes weepy 80% valve on it yesterday so zero propane remained in the tank.
It took 2.6 gals indicated on the stations pump. The tank is marked WC 3.3 gals. Since 80% of 3.3 is 2.64, I got the expected amount of propane to fill it to the 80% safe limit.

To verify the accuracy of the stations pump I took with me an empty 5 gal BBQ style tank. Before I left I carefully weighed it 5 times, getting 17.2 lbs each time. (the tank is marked TW 17.0 lbs) After I got it back it weighed 36.0 lbs checked 5 times in a row. So they put 18.8 lbs of propane into it. Propane weighs about 4.2 lbs per gallon so I got about 4.5 gals of propane and their pump indicated 4.6 gals. The BBQ tank is marked with a WC equal to 5.7 gals. Since tanks get filled to 80%, and 80% of 5.7 = 4.56 gal, I got the expected amount of propane in the BBQ tank to fill it to 80%.

Bottom line, my stations pump looks to be pretty accurate. I am getting the amount of propane I am being charged for and the tanks are filled to the max safe level. The pump shut off automatically for both fills. Both tanks are modern types with OPD fill valves and they are designed to stop when full.

The price I paid today was $28.80 which is $4.00 gal times 7.2 gals.

The 'Westy' tank I filled is a replacement tank built in 1998 according to the ID plate, by Manchester Tank who also built the original tanks.

Mark
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
70coupyel
Samba Member


Joined: September 06, 2006
Posts: 1657
Location: So.Cal
70coupyel is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 4:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I fill up at to begining of trips. I did 2.6 gals one time. I was surprised my reefer was still working at the end of that trip. Maybe Timmy has the larger tank? Confused
_________________
TheAndante wrote:
Saying that specs are different than dimensions doesn't make sense. Porsche specs/VW specs/engineering specs are nothing but a series of dimensions,sizes,percentages,measurements, etc.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=338946&highlight=
70 KG Coup
83 Westy Waterboxer
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
kamzcab86
Samba Moderator


Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7892
Location: Arizona
kamzcab86 is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 5:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

crazyvwvanman wrote:
It took 2.6 gals indicated on the stations pump. The tank is marked WC 3.3 gals. Since 80% of 3.3 is 2.64, I got the expected amount of propane to fill it to the 80% safe limit.


My new tank (built in 2013), is marked simply "Gal 3.3" with no "WC" anywhere on the label. After the RV shop installed the fresh-out-of-the-box tank they also filled it; the 80% stop fill device stopped at exactly 3 gallons.

The old original tank, when empty (albeit not bone-dry empty), took 2.9 gallons at U-Haul (bleeder valve properly functioning). How accurate the local U-Haul is, don't know.

The owner's manual states the original tank has a capacity of 3 gallons, but does not stipulate if that is 80%.

Perhaps a call to Manchester is in order? http://www.mantank.com/contact/index.htm Laughing
_________________
~Kamz Anxious
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
Blue Vanagon 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jimf909 Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7402
Location: WA/ID
jimf909 is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 2019 12:43 pm    Post subject: Re: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

I just filled mine today and got 2.6 gallons (the expected amt for my 3.3 gallon tank) before LP came out the overflow valve. The tank still had a small amount of propane from my fill of two green 1 lb bottles last week and the propex was still running during some pre-winter testing I'm doing).

Fill from 1 lb disposable bottles...
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9190413#9190413
_________________
- Jim

Abscate wrote:
Do not get killed, do not kill others.


Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.

Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
E1
Samba Member


Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6374
Location: Westfalia, Earth
E1 is online now 

PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 4:30 pm    Post subject: Re: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

The only two times we've run them dry, both our last two fills from dead empty took exactly 2.6 gallons.

The latter one was done at our favorite propane shop and they said the overflow came out exactly as it should (A&A Propane, Wheat Ridge, CO).

Don't EVER fill these tanks past 2.7 gallons (!). Our auto-bleed valve failed on an original tank last year, tank took 3.3, and started a fatal and immediate leak.

The best method is to crack the bleeder valve and let propane jet out. The sight and sound of success.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."

— Colin Chapman
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dgbeatty
Samba Member


Joined: October 26, 2006
Posts: 702
Location: Sacramento
dgbeatty is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 5:25 pm    Post subject: Re: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

It is a middle school math problem. Calculate the volume. Multiply by 80%. Done.
_________________
Schau in das Buch
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
E1
Samba Member


Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6374
Location: Westfalia, Earth
E1 is online now 

PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 5:52 pm    Post subject: Re: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

Thanks for straightening that out. Wink
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."

— Colin Chapman
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
msinabottle
Samba Member


Joined: September 20, 2005
Posts: 3492
Location: Denver Area, Colorado
msinabottle is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Oct 24, 2019 4:31 pm    Post subject: Re: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

Quote:
The latter one was done at our favorite propane shop and they said the overflow came out exactly as it should (A&A Propane, Wheat Ridge, CO).


LOVE those guys, particularly Tim Glover. They rigged my low-cost gear to run Winston's stove and fridge off propane cylinders. Ecce:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=353952

Did have to put some dope on the threaded fittings after some years went by. I've been known to tip obliging tank fillers. I need to have Winston's tank and guard bead-blasted and powder coated.

Best!
_________________
'Winston,' '84 1.9 WBX Westy
Vanagon Poet Laureate: "I have suffered in
many ways, but never, never, never in silence."
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
DanHoug
Samba Member


Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 4715
Location: Bemidji, MN
DanHoug is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 6:02 am    Post subject: Re: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

i have a newish Manchester 3.3 gallon tank from GoWesty and got tired of getting short filled typically 2.0-2.2 gallons because the OPD valve would shut off before it squirted liquid out the bleeder, i removed my fairly new Acme fill valve with the OPD float and installed a new Marshal Excelsior ME601-6 Double Check Fill Valve 1-3/4" x3/4". this valve has no fill-stop mechanism, is dead reliable, and relies on the 80% vent to be opened and observed for the liquid squirt. filled the tank and got 2.6 gallons in, 80% of the 3.3 gallon tank. this is a 20% increase in volume over some of the short fills i've gotten. happy camper.

the valves are commonly available and not very expensive. to turn the old one out while the tank was still in the van i put a floor jack under the wrench and gently lifted/turned the valve out. easy peasy.
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jimf909 Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7402
Location: WA/ID
jimf909 is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 7:49 am    Post subject: Re: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

Good advice. 20 some years ago when my OPD valve started leaking the propane guy in the New Mexico outback (somewhere between ABQ and Shiprock) replaced it with a simple valve and it worked just fine for years.
_________________
- Jim

Abscate wrote:
Do not get killed, do not kill others.


Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.

Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Red Ryder
Samba Member


Joined: June 26, 2021
Posts: 942
Location: Northern California
Red Ryder is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:41 am    Post subject: Re: Propane Tank Capacity (actual) Reply with quote

dgbeatty wrote:
It is a middle school math problem. Calculate the volume. Multiply by 80%. Done.

Yep, calculate the volume of a cylinder of known dimensions, and here’s a bonus — no Algebra is involved!😉
But for the OCD engineers among us there is still the pesky problem of calculating the volume of those convex cylinder ends…
Laughing
_________________
“Most everyone’s mad here. You may have noticed I am not quite all there myself.” — Cheshire Cat, Adventures of Alice in Wonderland

“Scarlett” — 1990 Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg Edition
Tornado Red


Last edited by Red Ryder on Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:12 am; edited 2 times in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.