Can old LP tank valves be upgraded to OPD valves?

[jimblacker]

I was told my propane tanks had the older, illegal valves and that I would need to get new tanks with OPD valves.
Is it possible to simply take off the old valves and install new OPD valves?
Thanks! Jim

[wkerfoot]

Jim,

Yes I had new valves installed on the original aluminum tanks on my 1979 Safari.

Bill

Originally Posted by jimblacker

I was told my propane tanks had the older, illegal valves and that I would need to get new tanks with OPD valves.
Is it possible to simply take off the old valves and install new OPD valves?
Thanks! Jim

[Minno]

Yes you can. Bring them to a propane dealer. They can re-certify your tanks and install OPD valves. We had that done to 30 LB aluminum tanks.

Chris

[idroba]

Yes, valves can be replaced by a propane dealer at their shop, and the tanks re certified at the same time. Cost will probably be in the $40 each range. Call first to be sure that the shop does that work. I have never had a problem finding someone to do it, but in other posts on the forum I have seen some people having a hard time finding a dealer who will change the valves.

BTW, it is not a do it yourself job. The exact right valve for the tank size must be used, and the equipment to hold the tank and unscrew the valve is not all that easy to come by. It is worth the professional's time. And again, the re certification can be done then too.

[mefly2]

Yes; around here they charge $10 for recertification of the tank and the cost of the new valve. Just had one done last summer ... a left over from 1970 !

[jimblacker]

Excellent! Thanks so much for all your replies on this; very helpful!

[woodfox45]

If you have aluminum tanks don't let them get replaced with steal ones . Like all the above have said have the opd valves installed , by a propane dealer .

[Ultradog]

I also had my valves replaced. I have two 30 lb aluminum tanks.
At first I thought I would just buy the valves and switch them myself.
The guy who sold me the valves said it was hard to get them out without the special wrench they use.
I tried it and found it was Much more difficult to remove the old valves than I expected without the tool.
I brought them back and he teased me a little but did it for me.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by idroba

BTW, it is not a do it yourself job. The exact right valve for the tank size must be used, and the equipment to hold the tank and unscrew the valve is not all that easy to come by. It is worth the professional's time. And again, the re certification can be done then too.

I've done it. You can order the correct valves, and purchase the wrench.

Whether it is worth it or not depends on your situation.