| Sand it or ditch it ? |
| Sand it, it'll last another 5 to 10 years |
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72% |
[ 18 ] |
| Ditch it, I see holes and gas leaks and imminent death by BBQ |
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28% |
[ 7 ] |
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| Total Votes : 25 |
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| Author |
Message |
thebigben
Samba Member
Joined: October 22, 2020
Posts: 94
Location: California
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 Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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I have a tank that is in much better condition than the ones posted here, but recently sprung a leak.
The GoWesty article on the matter really seems to suggest I should not bother repairing it. But if I replace the fill valve, bleeder valve, and regulator, and the tank is in structurally good condition, is there really a big difference?
_________________
Ben
'85 2WD Westy w/ Peloquin TBD + 2.2 Subi (Kurt Vannegut) |
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jimf909 
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7477
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2021 10:31 pm Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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Apparently, tanks can be safely tested...
| jimf909 wrote: |
Holy Toledo!
| Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
You have been warned.
Link
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A simple test to reduce the likelihood of a failure like this is possible at home...
Link
Where the rabbit hole took me...
Here's a test to failure with an LPG tank. I never imagined that and LPG tank would balloon to nearly a sphere before failing (and the soundtrack is awesome).
Link
If you're impatient, advance the video to 1:00
One more for fun...
Link
Search YouTube for "lpg cylinder burst test" for more. |
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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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). |
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Fiddlestyx
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2015
Posts: 401
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2021 4:59 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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| thebigben wrote: |
The GoWesty article on the matter really seems to suggest I should not bother repairing it. |
That's because GoWesty is trying to sell you something.
_________________
1983 Vanagon Westfalia Air-cooled
1973 Super Beetle |
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Vanagon914
Samba Member
Joined: April 22, 2019
Posts: 139
Location: FL
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| Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2021 5:34 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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| I converted to the 16oz camping bottles. the original is a pain to get filled. the small bottles last a long time and are easy to get. just my opinion. |
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Vanuber
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 411
Location: Virginia
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| Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2021 9:30 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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| thebigben wrote: |
I have a tank that is in much better condition than the ones posted here, but recently sprung a leak.
The GoWesty article on the matter really seems to suggest I should not bother repairing it. But if I replace the fill valve, bleeder valve, and regulator, and the tank is in structurally good condition, is there really a big difference? |
I am facing the same dilemma - great tank with leaking shut-off valve. I would like to refurb with this valve kit on Ebay (currently sold out) - https://www.ebay.com/itm/184341023650
But my wife runs a bit anxious and is terrified of a 35 year-old propane tank. I am going to spring for a new one to enjoy future camping trips and sell mine on the classifieds. Not sure what it is worth, but is in great condition with only minimal corrosion around the ID plate.
Any guesses on what a good used tank is worth?
_________________
'85 Westfalia 1.9L
'72 BMW R75/5
'71 BMW R75/5
'02 Subaru Forester 2.5L |
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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 3054
Location: MD
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| Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:06 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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I'll buy it for $5.
_________________
'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
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dabaron
Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 2561
Location: Philly, mang
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| Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:36 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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| 4Gears4Tires wrote: |
| I'll buy it for $5. |
i'll go as high as $22.73 
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo
BiWerks Design, LLC |
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Vanuber
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020
Posts: 411
Location: Virginia
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| Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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Some very enticing offers so far!
_________________
'85 Westfalia 1.9L
'72 BMW R75/5
'71 BMW R75/5
'02 Subaru Forester 2.5L |
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thatbaldwinlife
Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2011
Posts: 777
Location: Out exploring
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| Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:54 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank - refurbish it or ditch it ? |
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We converted ours to use refillable 1lb propane bottles. We keep two on hand. One on the line at all times and one extra. I fill them at home with our 20lb bottle but can fill them on the road using our small 2 gallon(ish) bottle we use for our propane fire pit.
Out tank was leaking as well and it didn't seem worth replacing. We cook a lot outside the van in the summer and use the 1lb refillable bottle on our camp stove as well.
nate
_________________
1987 Westy
Insta: @Thatbaldwinlife
Vanagon Adventure and DIY videos:
That Baldwin Life YouTube Channel |
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