old propane tanks to new

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by ronstory

Just a quick price point back on topic. In the Portland Oregon area I just went to the local experts, Suburban Propane. Talked with a guy that corrected all my miss understanding about aluminum needed a different valve size and they put new OPD and recerted for <$40 per tank.

I've a happy customer.

Huh? The valve size is the same but the dip tube is different length. If I remember correctly, the aluminum tank is just a little taller than the same size steel tank. Correct me if I am wrong on this one.

[azflycaster]

Aluminum tanks are a few inches taller then the steel. Adjustments need to be made when changing from one to the other.

[davidz71]

Thanks Richard, I thought that was the case.

[ronstory]

Actually the guy at the shop said the difference was due to the shape of the top of tank between the aluminum and the steel version. I don't remember all the details, but it was something like the 40lb steel tank value would work with th 30lb aluminum tank will the loss of about a 0.2 gallon capacity. The plus is that it can be easily replaced at any propane shop.

[Dan@LED4RV]

Originally Posted by ronstory

the 40lb steel tank value would work with th 30lb aluminum tank will the loss of about a 0.2 gallon capacity.

The steel tank Valves are supose to be used on the steel tanks, and the aluminum valves are suppose to be used on the aluminum tanks.

If there is any lose, or improper use of an item, my guess is that it would not be leagal. The overfill protection device OPD is to keep the tank from being overfilled. It is important that the gas has room in the tank if it gets warm and needs to expand. If the gas can not expand then it will explode. It is important that the proper valve be used on the proper tank.

Here is a link to the 30 lbs aluminum valves

Here is a link to the 40 lbs aluminum valves

Dan

[ronstory]

Dan--

Thanks for the info... I'll ping the propane guys when I get back from vacation out of curiosity.

[davidz71]

You might as well get the valve with the correct length in order to use all the available space in the tank.

[ronstory]

Yes, the using the 40lb steel tank valve in the 30lb Al tank apparently reduces the usable capacity by 0.1 to 0.2 gallons but also gives you more margin of safety for expanding gas in hot climates. This is about a 2-3% reduction in capacity which based on my experience of "real-world feel" is not noticable... but measurabe for the curious.

[1956Safari]

I'm in the NY area and I have had no luck finding anyone to add the OPD valves and to certify the tanks. Anyone have a source here on the East coast? I've tried Paraco, Suburban Propane so far with no luck.

[Lothlorian]

I have the original aluminum tanks and I want to keep them. I have called every gas service, hardware store, and RV place around metro Atlanta and I have not found anybody willing to change the valves. Does anybody know where I can go to find a place to change out my valves in the atlanta area?

Lothlorian

Brian

[1956Safari]

Brian, I'm in the same boat. If I find a place, I'll let you know. If anyone knows a place, please post.

[eubank]

So you've found places that do valve changes, but nobody willing to do your cylinders? Or is it that you haven't found any places that do any valve changes?

If it's the former, then maybe you could order the valves and have them do the labor.

It is actually a fairly simple operation, and you could do it by yourself. The challenging part is to strap the cylinder in place so that you can do it.


Lynn

[1956Safari]

I have not been able to find anyone to change valves or to certify the tanks. I have the new valves that I purchased from Out-of-Doors Mart which I could install, but I would feel more comfortable if the tanks could be tested since they are probably close to 40 years old. They look good polished up!

[eubank]

Boy, it really isn't rocket science for a facility to recertifiy cylinders; it's done all the time. (I would do it here, but it does require a separate licence to do so in New Mexico.)

Testing won't be much. The most common recertification is visual, meaning that they'll look for corrosion, dents, and bent collars, any one of which could cause failure. If you have none of that, then it's just a matter of having the proper valve. A visually recertified cylinder will have new figures stamped into the collar, an "E" followed by new [month] and [year].

Get back to your yellow pages and keep on until you find somebody who can recertify small horizontal propane cylinders (#20, #30, #40, depending on your rig). THey'll probably also be able to exchange the valve for you.


Lynn

[Trackers]

Here is a link to the place that changed mine (30# tanks)over to the new type valves. You will have to contact them and see if you can ship them to them and have them fitted with new valves. I am sure they will not fill them and ship them back. You can get them filled at home or you can make an appointment and bring them in and wait I would guess. These are nice folks to deal with.
David
Home of Southwestern VA Gas Service Corp.

[1956Safari]

Thanks David,
I contacted them and will let you know what I find out. If it does not work out, I may have some 40 year old Aluminum tanks for sale, just in time for the holidays!

[easyride]

Originally Posted by 1956Safari

Thanks David,
I contacted them and will let you know what I find out. If it does not work out, I may have some 40 year old Aluminum tanks for sale, just in time for the holidays!

Just sell them the way they are and let the proud new owner do the work.Dave

[kooshka]

I would like to get the Fisher Propane Regulator that came with the original Airstream Trailers, working or not....Much appreciated....
Merry Xmas.

[ronstory]

You might want to start a new thread rather than hijack this one. Just remember that the lot of the 70's have RegO as well. ;^)