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Al and Missy · 09-12-2015, 03:23 PM

While at VHH a few months ago one of my propane tanks wouldn't take propane no matter what tricks they tried. I left it empty and came home. I tried a local supplier with the same results. When I checked getting the OPD replaced, it was almost as much as buying a new tank, so I decided to get a new tank but put off getting one because, hey, the manual says you can remove one tank and operate off of the remaining tank. I took the old tank off and recycled it.

We got ready to go out, so I was bleeding the lines to make sure the fridge would work. After turning on the remaining tank and going inside to light everything and finding it all working I came outside. As I passed the propane tank i smelled gas. On inspection, propane was spewing out of the unused hose.

My switchover valve had failed. So if you ever disconnect one tank, don't assume that your switchover valve is working properly. I put on a new valve and regulator and everything is fine now.

Al

xrvr · 09-12-2015, 03:51 PM

Thanks for the heads up.

Lily&Me · 09-12-2015, 06:52 PM

Yikes!

Glad you're okay.

Maggie

Jim & Susan · 09-12-2015, 07:10 PM

Yikes indeed!

Not to distract, but where/how did you recycle the old tank? I have a couple of old non-OPD tanks that I need to get rid of and I can't any place to take them????

Thanks for the heads-up.

Jim

**Hans627** · 09-12-2015, 07:38 PM

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is VHH and OPD?

Thanks!

ericpeltier · 09-12-2015, 07:52 PM

I would never have thought of that. Thanks for the tip!!

OPD is overfill prevention device

VHH is a mystery to me.

ERic

Jim & Susan · 09-12-2015, 07:55 PM

VHH--Isn't there a WBCCI campground called something like Virginia Highlands something or other??

CRH · 09-12-2015, 08:26 PM

Yes, Virginia Highlands Haven.

Airtandem · 09-12-2015, 08:40 PM

depending on what size of tanks one has, take them to an exchange place and switch for full ones. Here, they don't inspect the tanks.

Al and Missy · 09-12-2015, 09:40 PM

Yes, OPD = Overfill protection device (which can stick and prevent propane from coming out of or going into the tank)
VHH = Virginia Highland Haven Airstream Park ( a really pretty location and nice people)

As to the recycling, the town contracts with the county for recycling pickup in our neighborhood, but in addition there is a guy who drives around and picks up items to take to a local metal recycling plant. I think he got it, but not sure.

Al

ROBERT CROSS · 09-13-2015, 10:52 AM

The OPD handle broke off inside the valve on one of our 30# Worthington tanks. A local gas supply/welding shop refused to guarantee that they could replace it without damage to the aluminum tank threads.

I secured the tank to an Ash tree with a ratcheting cargo strap, heated the threads with the DW's hair dryer, removed the OPD, ordered a replacement valve, installed it and had the tank purged and filled at the local Camping World.
DIY

Bob

Tuco · 09-13-2015, 11:40 AM

Propane tanks are only certified for 12 years after manufacture. You can have them re-certified, but the certification only last 5 years (wash, rinse, repeat). We had our tanks re-certified, new valves installed and filled for ~$120 8 months ago (#40's). We had this done at an Amerigas distributor in SoCal. Just call ahead and make sure they can perform the work. The switch over valve is on the high pressure side of the system and was never designed to hold back tank pressure. If you need to have work performed on a tank use a spare in its place (or plug one line). The system has to be complete to work correctly.

sandlapper · 09-13-2015, 01:02 PM

Had one acting up on me once, it wouldn't take the refill. The propane dealer picked it up and thumped it down on the ground rather sharply. It knocked the stuck OPD loose and everything then was fine.

I have since done it myself on other tanks, including those that come from the exchange places.

cwf · 09-13-2015, 01:34 PM

I bought new valves and had them replaced then recertified at the "LP" dealer. one of the valves tore threads as it came out. LP dealer tried to remove the valve while there was still LP in tank.... I have a friend who is an 'experienced(old) plumber, former Navy Boiler operator... and he fixed the threads and installed new.. no problem..

Our 'new' LP hoses have a 'check valve' built in keeping LP from leaking out of the hose...

Tuco · 09-13-2015, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwf

I bought new valves and had them replaced then recertified at the "LP" dealer. one of the valves tore threads as it came out. LP dealer tried to remove the valve while there was still LP in tank.... I have a friend who is an 'experienced(old) plumber, former Navy Boiler operator... and he fixed the threads and installed new.. no problem..

Our 'new' LP hoses have a 'check valve' built in keeping LP from leaking out of the hose...

I don't mean to sound negative, but you should not trust a check valve to do the job of a standard valve.

cwf · 09-14-2015, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuco

I don't mean to sound negative, but you should not trust a check valve to do the job of a standard valve.

Thanks! Sorry, I may not have been clear. The "valves" I installed ARE the current technology. I appreciate keeping a watchful eye!

markdoane · 09-14-2015, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuco

Propane tanks are only certified for 12 years after manufacture. You can have them re-certified, but the certification only last 5 years (wash, rinse, repeat). . .

I tried this at a Full Service Propane Distributor on a recent trip. He didn't have any problem refilling an expired 20# tank. I think he was more concerned that I asked him to check the date stamp.

Tuco · 09-14-2015, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

I tried this at a Full Service Propane Distributor on a recent trip. He didn't have any problem refilling an expired 20# tank. I think he was more concerned that I asked him to check the date stamp.

I got away with out dated tanks till the o-rings failed! There are some park personnel that think they are prison guards and we are all inmates! They're the ones that tell you "ah ah ah..." bad boy, you're tanks are out of date! It's bathroom detail for you, no propane and NO SOUP! So upon arrival at the new campground I filled up...

cwf · 09-14-2015, 11:18 AM

"inspection" was basically visual for us, then stamped with a new date...

I was at a Florida campground where a member of the Military showed up with a 'rental' SOB from their 'base recreation' department. The thing was spewing LP gas! I helped disconnect the tank and we hauled it off into the surrounding woods where the prevailing wind could dissipate the gas..

When we contacted the 'keepers' at the park about that, they did not know what the proper procedure was ....

Not trying to derail the thread.... but, anyone have other 'suggestions' other than abandoning the area and letting it blow?

We tried several things to 'shut down' the flow, but it seemed the 'relief' in the valve was not sealable...

rmkrum · 09-14-2015, 12:29 PM

Had to deal with a leaker in a Scout Camporee. Get it well clear of any ignition sources, and let it dissipate is the only safe way. Remember that propane is heavier than air and will pool and flow to low spots. Ignition will flash back, so stay well clear of the area.

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