Aging Propane Tank

[gunworks]

I have had several occurances of refusal to fill my propane tank on '95 LY due to it's age. Date on tank is "94. Has anyone had their tank replaced or re-certified recently. On recent trip through PA, helpfull Flying J attendant put a nick in the brass filler fitting and now tank cannot be filled as gas escapes around fitting. This really tightens my jaws, as I could deal with refusal to fill in a few locations, but now either fitting must be replaced and tank re-certified or tank replaced. Lewster, are you out there? Help!

[clancy_boy]

Look at the photo attached and see if your valve type matches the ones that are shown in need of replacement - if so there are plenty of places that do exchanges and you can also buy a new tank.

[InsideOut]

Relax...

To retrofit OPD valves, it's only about $40 or so. Definately worth it if your tanks are aluminum, up to you on steel tanks. Replacement steel tanks are readily available at Camping World for well under $100 a piece depending on the size whereas aluminum tanks are a couple of hundred each - much easier to just replace the valves. This can be done at most re-fill stations.

You may want to read a couple of threads in the Propane Tank section regarding OPD valves - in 2002/2003 it became law to have OPD valves installed and your tanks recertified periodically - everybody has to do it, no options.

OPD Propane Cylinder Valve Information

Shari

[thecatsandi]

your tank is over 12 years old. It will need to be re-certified and likely upgrade to OPD style valve

[cooperhawk]

Sorry folks, but the tanks on a Motorhome are not the same as on a trailer. In my 1985 345 the tank lies horizontal and is 38 gallons. The OPD device is already built in from the factory. I have never had a problem getting it filled either. I have no idea where one would get it re-certified.

[bobfowler]

Any propane facility that replaces valves should be able to receritfy the tank. Google for your area...

[Lumatic]

I have had 4 70s 30 and 40# tanks (bottle is the correct term) refitted with OPDs. No one ever mentioned having the bottles "recertified". This is the first I have heard of it. I never had a problem having these filled.

[HiHoAgRV]

Our horizontal in the long gone RV was never questioned. It was close to 20 years old when we got rid of the unit. As suggested I would go to a propane dealer that also sells stoves, waterheaters... ask for a refill and see what they say.
The only time I was questioned on anything was an annual refill of all of my tanks (I tend to run them all out then refill in mass). The guy wanted to know if I was was using propane to run a whiskey still..

[gunworks]

Sorry for the confusion,
This is an ASME tank, not bottle, permanently mounted, holds 31.1 gallons (full). I don't know how many pounds that translates to. The fill valve does not involve a shutoff like a normal bottle. The guy who put the nick in the brass fitting is the one who said he could not fill it due to age (after hooking up to it nicking it and finding the fill valve leaked). It was dark and I did not look at the tank until returning home. I have located a company to replace the fill valve and they will inspect the tank and re-certify. It is a steel tank and will have to be sanded and painted first. No big deal, but wanted to warn others of this potential problem. Keep an eye on those who attempt to fill your tanks!

[lewster]

Originally Posted by gunworks

Sorry for the confusion,
This is an ASME tank, not bottle, permanently mounted, holds 31.1 gallons (full). I don't know how many pounds that translates to. The fill valve does not involve a shutoff like a normal bottle. The guy who put the nick in the brass fitting is the one who said he could not fill it due to age (after hooking up to it nicking it and finding the fill valve leaked). It was dark and I did not look at the tank until returning home. I have located a company to replace the fill valve and they will inspect the tank and re-certify. It is a steel tank and will have to be sanded and painted first. No big deal, but wanted to warn others of this potential problem. Keep an eye on those who attempt to fill your tanks!

Gunworks,

ASME tanks need re-certification also, but on a different schedule than DOT tanks. I'm working a MoHo rally in NC for the next few days and all of my LP tank cert info is in my office in FL. I'll be back there on Sat. and will get the details to you.

Your defaced fill valve will have to be replaced at the minimum. If the company doing the work will do a re-cert also, you're golden . It should last for another 12 years or so, but I'l get you the regulations when I get back.

[Mike1997]

This is an older thread from 2007 but though I would add an update.

My 1997 LY diesel pusher has the 25 gal vertical propane tank mounted behind the right rear wheels. Had it filled multiple times while in Montana and no one has ever questioned the age. We did have one fill that seemed to leak. Considering it was 23 deg when we filled it, the tech pull his fill valve off at an angle. After 3 tries it sealed as it should. Outside temp may have been a factor but I think it was more the operator and fill valve. Never had the problem at other locations.

[israndy]

Odd that we have no official information on this. I went to Suburban this morning to ask about sanding and painting my tank and was told that you don't do that, just replace the tank as they are only good for 12 years.

Now this thread I discover says fixed tanks have longer lives than portable. I buy that as I have NEVER heard about 12 year tanks, and I am 3rd generation RV.

If anyone has more official information on tank certifications, or maybe just on sanding a tank full of explosive gas.

-Randy

[nrgtrakr]

It's not that complicated and thanks to the internet it's possible to start here:
http://www.propane101.com/propanecylinders.htm

[martin300662]

Actually probably better to start here as it is a tank, not a cylinder that the discussion is about.

http://www.propane101.com/understandingpropanetanks.htm

[0557]

I have 2 40lb horizontal tanks and have never been refused filling and they don't have OPD fittings.
Costco has the best price per gallon
Out there. Currently $1.33 gal.
The tank holds 10 gallons but I don't fill it past 9.
There is also an OPD exemption for any tanks installed prior to to 2003..
(Google "OPD exemption for Horizontal propane tanks")

http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product....ry&src=catalog

[israndy]

Hmmm... Well, looks like I am in the clear. I see nothing about the tanks aging out or needing re-certification. I'll go ahead and wire brush the flaking paint off, and put some rustoleum on.

-Randy

[Mvaug45]

Originally Posted by israndy

Odd that we have no official information on this. I went to Suburban this morning to ask about sanding and painting my tank and was told that you don't do that, just replace the tank as they are only good for 12 years.



Now this thread I discover says fixed tanks have longer lives than portable. I buy that as I have NEVER heard about 12 year tanks, and I am 3rd generation RV.



If anyone has more official information on tank certifications, or maybe just on sanding a tank full of explosive gas.



-Randy

I have 12 year old tanks that I just got recertification by Blue Star Gas in Santa Rosa, Ca. It's good for another 5 years. Took about 10 min and cost me $15.

[zagos24]

My 95 land yacht had a leak in the pressure relief valve on the 36 gal steel propane tank. The mayor propane shop took a BIG bar wrench and backed out the valve and put in a new one. Go to, a major propane dealer and they should be able change your filler valve with no problem. Here in Calif if your tank is permanently installed it does not have to be certified. That tank can be fixed at a propane dealer, not a filler place. Good Luck

[israndy]

Finally got going with the tank. I scrapped off the rust



But a LOT of the paint came off and started to show rust that I couldn't get to from the front. Started to think about having someone do it. My mechanic came and took the tank, that gave me easy access to the front side of the basement that apparently has had the protective spray worn off and rust formed.



I took the opportunity to spray Rust Reformer on the freshly scraped metal while the tank is out being repaired. I may even decide to put more undercoating on before taking the RV back out in the world.

-Randy

[LY007]

My local Southern States won't fill my aluminum tank, but the local propane distributor will.