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bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 08:42 AM

A chilly greeting from western Wisconsin. We were hit with a typical autumn taste of winter storm a couple days ago that included driving rain followed by snow and plummeting temps. It was 4 above this AM. The propane tank that I was drawing off of ran empty and when I attepted to switch tanks at the regulator valve I found I could not do so because it was "frozen", I think.

My first inclination was to get out my torch and heat it up to free it. Fortunately, I saw the error of my thinking and I refrained. However, that still left me with the problem. Ultimate solution was tapping with a hammer to move it but this is not acceptable either and although it did the job in a pinch, I need to solve this problem before the next tank switch.

Is this regulator valve amenable to the use of a drying agent/lubricant as simple as WD 40? Am I correct that banging on it with a hammer to move it is asking for trouble?

Thanks in advance and also thanks again for all the previous excellent advice I have received.

balrgn · 11-17-2005, 08:55 AM

Do you think is it frozen from temperature? Or corrosion? Percussion adustments are always a last resort. Have you tried a heating pad?

bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 09:05 AM

I concurr with your assessment of concussion therapy, hence my quest for a feasable alternative. The last time I switched tanks, which had been required about every two weeks with the nightly temps in the 20-30s, it worked fine and has done so since I first aquired the coach.

Heating pad, hmmm... the thought of potentially loose electrons in the neighborhood of that propane gives me further pause. Also, if I have to change tanks more often now I don't want to do anything other than go out to the headend of the trailer and turn the valve.

I wonder if it might make sense to order a small ground tank from a local energy company. Anyone have any idea how small they come?

Rivetedude · 11-17-2005, 09:30 AM

How bout a hair dryer? That should be safe enough.

bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 09:37 AM

A hairdrier just might work but that will be a real pain in the gluteus maximus to deal with in the middle of the night with a north wind howling down on me in my PJs.

No, I want to be able to just run out there and turn the valve.

balrgn · 11-17-2005, 09:40 AM

Or maybe Heat tape if this is a reocurring problem..........

I have seen at Home Depot, up to 100 Lb Propane bottles you can buy....

Good Luck

crazylev · 11-17-2005, 09:42 AM

I'd still be careful with the hair dryer approach...electricity, heating element in hairdryer could be a potential hazard.

Can you disconnect the regulator, bring inside someplace to thaw and or clean?

Jonathan

uwe · 11-17-2005, 09:50 AM

How about the gel type heating pads that you can boil in the oven or microwave, and then use for medicinal purposes? You could heat one up, wrap it over the valve for a few minutes, and loosen the worst of the frost, anyways.
Another good option might be to make sure the regulator is dry during the day, and then cover it with a suitable hood type device, that does not allow the regulator to condensate and freeze. It will still get cold, of course, but if there's little or no moisture, then it can't freeze, right? Just remove the cover, switch over, and replace the cover.
But what do I know - living in SoCAl for over 20 years, frost is only on TV.

bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 10:02 AM

I definitely think I should cover the hardware to keep the moisture out and that might solve the problem in the long run. In the short run, does anyone think that WD 40 might help to make it easier to turn?

balrgn · 11-17-2005, 10:11 AM

WD should help, or you can get a silicone spray, I use that more often now, seems to last longer. Is it the original regulator?

bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 10:20 AM

Yes, well, I'm not sure. It has that "original" look, meaning old and contemporary for the 70s. It was on the trailer when I got it three years ago.

I think I will try the WD 40 first, since I have some on hand. I just don't want to do anything stupid.

balrgn · 11-17-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhsl8

Yes, well, I'm not sure. It has that "original" look, meaning old and contemporary for the 70s. It was on the trailer when I got it three years ago.

I think I will try the WD 40 first, since I have some on hand. I just don't want to do anything stupid.

Well if it makes you feel better, I just removed a bunch of fittings and the refrigerator to my 73, including the isolation valves. They all were extreemly hard to operate. I used some WD to free them up then silicone as well, they operate fine. We pressure tested them (at work) and hold like new. Good luck and STAY Warm!

PS Fridge works on gas now I have it all back together!

bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 10:35 AM

Excellent, then that is my plan. Thanks all, for your suggestions.

By the way, were the 100 lb propane bottles to which you refered, steel or aluminum and do you recall the price?

john hd · 11-17-2005, 10:43 AM

brouck

just call your local coop they will loan you the tanks and even hook it up for you.

can't remember who it is in stevens point, land of lakes coop perhaps...

john

balrgn · 11-17-2005, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhsl8

Excellent, then that is my plan. Thanks all, for your suggestions.

By the way, were the 100 lb propane bottles to which you refered, steel or aluminum and do you recall the price?

Steel, painted white, but John has a good point, a local propane dealer would most likely set you up! (for a fee)

bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 11:01 AM

Hey John, that makes a lot of sense and I will explore it tomorrow. I like the idea of them doing the work.

Good luck hunting. Where do you go? I gave it up after the last time I went out I saw so much orange, I thought I was at a Denver Broncos football game.

Buttercup · 11-17-2005, 11:08 AM

If you do choose to lubricate, do not use a petroleum based lubricant because it may deteriorate the rubber in the regulator. Silicone should be no problem.

bhsl8 · 11-17-2005, 12:27 PM

That would rule out WD 40 then , would it not? Thanks for the tip.

john hd · 11-17-2005, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhsl8

Hey John, that makes a lot of sense and I will explore it tomorrow. I like the idea of them doing the work.

Good luck hunting. Where do you go? I gave it up after the last time I went out I saw so much orange, I thought I was at a Denver Broncos football game.

elroy/new lisbon area... not too many hunters up that way yet...

why don't you wait and have the propane guy look at your regulator when they are there.

rickstream got his brand new fisher regulator for about 60 bucks from the coop. (yes the exact one that everyone else says is no longer available and charge 200 bucks for!!!)

let a pro handle it.

john

3Ms75Argosy · 11-17-2005, 01:00 PM

don't the orginal Fischer valves come with an automatic switchover? I.E. - one tank empties, and the other comes online? My new Fischer does this, and gives me an empty flag on the tank that emptied (that the selector is pointing too).

That should save you the trips in the night too.
Marc