Propane Questions - Regulator and Pressure relief

wolfej1

I removed my propane tank from the Westy and took it to a place where it was filled. Need some input on the following:

I think the guy over filled it a bit and excess gas came out of the pressure relief valve next to the Gas on/off valve. Obviously this is correct. However, 1 hour later there is still a faint amount of gas coming out of there. Is this normal?

Also, when I got home I opened the valve to make certain that I was getting gas out of both tubes (I am). However, there is a small hole in the regulator on the left side about a 1/3 of the way over equidistant between top and bottom in which gas comes out of when I opened the valve for the check I just described.

Is this hole supposed to be there? Is this normal?

Additionally, the guy told me the tank is in great shape - very good for 24 years old.

Thanks
Joe

wolfej1 · Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:34 am Post subject:

The more I think about this the more I have to think that the little hole in the regulator is not supposed to be there. Maybe the excess pressure blew it open when it was overfilled.

I will just epoxy it closed..

oldskewlsk8ter · Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:39 pm Post subject:

not too sure about the one on the westy(if you had a pic it would be easier to tell) but all regulators i have ever seen or installed have vent hole in them...size of vent hole depending on size of regulator...
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wolfej1 · Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:59 pm Post subject:

Heck with it...

I am just going to replace everything and be done with it. This stuff is 24 years old......

wolfej1 · Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 1:32 pm Post subject:

here is a picture of the regulator and the hole where it is leaking. It appears that the hole is supposed to be there, but enclosed by a piece of metal.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Regardless, propane is leaking out of there.

Additionally, gas is leaking slowly out of the fill valve - when i put the cap on and remove it you can hear the pressure.

And leaking out of the pressure relief valve.

Like I said, the RV guy put 3.5 gals in my tank. Maybe all the presure ruined some components.

Like I said, I do not know jack about propane systems..

Thanks

Mr Brown · Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 7:58 pm Post subject:

Same thing happened to me this summer when my tank was overfilled the first time. There is a secondary relief valve in the regulator that rarely reseals after opening due to an overfilling, especially after 20 years. Mine leaked liquid out until the tank fill level was correct and then leaked propane gas all the time, confirmed with soap and water. The only solution is a new regulator. Problem is, regulators that fit are hard to find. I bought a new regulator for the father in law's motorhome and took his old regulator in trade wich was identical to the original. I think GoWesty sells a regulator that when mounted on a Westy tank, has the vent pointed down. Good luck.

wolfej1 · Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 8:22 pm Post subject:

Yeah it sucks. Leaking from fill valve, pressure release valve, and regulator.

gotta replace all of it. wondering which regulator to get

r39o · Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 8:51 am Post subject:

Yes, certain parts will leak when they are old. Put new ones in. Not too much money. Far more peace of mind. Have the tank inspected and recertified while it is out. These are what the trade calls ASME tanks, I think, and only get a visual inspection because they are so tough. Look at the stickes about this, I think.
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wolfej1 · Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:52 pm Post subject:

Yes - as all of my gas leaked out last night from the pressure relief valve, I have decided that I am going to replace all of the valves. Has anyone done this on a pre 1984 tank? If so would you mind stating exactly what you bought and what modifications you had to make?

I would probably buy from here if possible and do it all myself:

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/lp-gas/propane-refill-adapter.htm

Thanks!
Joe

r39o · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:03 am Post subject:

New regulators at Van-Cafe:

http://www.van-cafe.com/vanagon_parts.jsp?pa=p&p=1478298034&pct=921225574&ct=649651682
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

wolfej1 · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:39 am Post subject:

kevinbassplayer · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:52 am Post subject:

The aftermarket propane regulators can be mounted in any position. The only downside to the vent being "up" would be the possibility of water entering, which I'm not sure would really hurt anything anyway. I just put a new regulator on mine and pointed the vent down at about a 45 degree angle.

wolfej1 · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 10:02 am Post subject:

Got lucky and found a place to fill my tank - 2 minutes from home, no questions or piss poor attitude about doing it. It is a petrol station that does LP and has a long hose connected to their tank. The guy there was actually familiar with the tank..

Nice break after all my hard work.... Very Happy


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