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RicMcK 
Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2023
Posts: 227
Location: Seattle
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 Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2025 6:17 pm Post subject: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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I'm restoring a Westfailia propane tank. I'm going to get it pressure tested - recertified. I removed all the fittings and repainted the tank.
My questions are about the filling fitting and the articulating float thing. What's the function of the float? What orientation does it need to be in when installed? I'm asking because I don't see anything that it "controls" when it is moved through it's arc.
Please enlighten me.
Thanks
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Rick McK
Seattle
89 Westfalia-2.2L WBX "VINNY"
2006 TDI Jetta
1936 Ford Pick up
70 tin top, 700k mi when sold in 91
58 split window (first car)
58 split window bug - long gone. |
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Xevin
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Joined: January 08, 2014
Posts: 8650
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| Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2025 6:49 pm Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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This is not answering your question just wanted to share this website should you need.
https://www.vanavation.com/westy-propane-items.html
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crazyvwvanman
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Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 10379
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2025 8:09 pm Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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When the tank gets filled, liquid propane is pumped into it.
The liquid is only supposed to mostly fill the tank, leaving some space for expansion if the tank gets warmer and the liquid expands.
The float closes the filler port when the liquid level is at max.
It is a safety device to help prevent over filling of the tank.
It is only the last couple years of factory Westy tank that have that safety device.
Replacement tanks also have it.
Mark |
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RicMcK
Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2023
Posts: 227
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2025 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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Xeven. Thanks for the lead for the proper parts. Much appreciated. I will replace the filling fitting, at a minimum.
Is there a good way to test my existing regulator? Or do I just replace it?
_________________
Rick McK
Seattle
89 Westfalia-2.2L WBX "VINNY"
2006 TDI Jetta
1936 Ford Pick up
70 tin top, 700k mi when sold in 91
58 split window (first car)
58 split window bug - long gone. |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 5713
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 7:17 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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| RicMcK wrote: |
| I will replace the filling fitting, at a minimum. |
i was getting short fills with my new Manchester tank... the OPD, Overfill Prevention Device, would shut off before there was spray at the 80% valve and could only get about 2.2 gallons in an empty tank. this is NOT kosher, not suggesting anyone do it, but i replaced my OPD ACME valve with one without the OPD. now when i fill up, i get full fills until the spray is seen at the 80% valve.
OPDs were required because too many fill station operators did NOT heed or maybe even know about the function of the 80% valve and overfilled tanks. this can lead to tank rupture as well as liquid being forced into the regulator instead of vapor causing malfunction and flare ups. so. people were stupid, laws made to protect them.
OPDs on 20lb cylinders were likewise required because refillers did not observe the tare weight on the cylinder and would ram 20lbs into a partially full cylinder. here it makes a bit more sense as operators were required to have scales and do some maths to figure out how much propane to run in.
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-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 |
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jimf909
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Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8172
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 8:14 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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| RicMcK wrote: |
Is there a good way to test my existing regulator? Or do I just replace it? |
The only way I know to test a regulator is to install it and measure WC to see if it's working. Maybe a propane shop has a bench tester of some sort?
Regardless, regulators are wear items and should be replaced every 10 years or so. I believe the EU requires replacement every 10 years on RVs but that's a memory from some years back.
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- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
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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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 5713
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 8:21 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
The only way I know to test a regulator is to install it and measure WC to see if it's working. Maybe a propane shop has a bench tester of some sort? |
like this. or get a new regulator and stay ahead of the game.
_________________
-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 |
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RicMcK
Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2023
Posts: 227
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 8:29 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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Thanks. New regulator and filling fitting are on my list, as I don't know the history of the parts. After the tank is pressure tested and certification. 
_________________
Rick McK
Seattle
89 Westfalia-2.2L WBX "VINNY"
2006 TDI Jetta
1936 Ford Pick up
70 tin top, 700k mi when sold in 91
58 split window (first car)
58 split window bug - long gone. |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10639
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 8:35 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
| It is only the last couple years of factory Westy tank that have that safety device. |
My '90 has the thumbscrew.
The propane refill fellers have always looked for, and used the thumbscrew ( &port) as the full indicator.
Do you think my tank also has the floater (OPD) inside?
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'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb
Last edited by Sodo on Thu Jul 24, 2025 8:44 am; edited 1 time in total |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 5713
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 8:41 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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| Sodo wrote: |
| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
| It is only the last couple years of factory Westy tank that have that safety device. |
My '90 has the thumbscrew.
The propane refill fellers have always looked for, and used the thumbscrew ( &port) as the full indicator.
Do you think my tank also has the floater (OPD) inside? |
the 80% valve is on all RV tanks, regardless of the presence of the OPD. however, i'll bet a donut that if you can fill until the valve squirts, you don't have an OPD.
_________________
-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 |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10639
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 8:45 am Post subject: Re: Propane tank filling fitting-valve? |
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I'd go for the donut either way....
Rick I have this specialized tool. (part#jimf909)
Somewhere I read that you cannot install a regulator upside-down. I suppose the water-drain would not function properly?
Back when I replaced my regulator, folks were saying the Marshall MEGR-295 was the only replacement available.
If your regulator is set at 11" WC, you don't really need access to the adjustment screw.
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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