LP gas tank handle stuck in closed position

[flyingfishy]

Hello all, I am somewhat of a newbie to these forums. The on/off valve handle to one of my LP gas tanks is stuck in the closed position. I have tried with the tools that I have to dial it open but cannot. Does anyone have an idea what might be going on and/or what the fix might be. This happened once before and I had an airstream dealer open it, but I neglected to ask them how they did it. Any advice is appreciated!

[Mrjkq]

You might want to contact a propane seller & ask for advise.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by flyingfishy

The on/off valve handle to one of my LP gas tanks is stuck in the closed position. I have tried with the tools that I have to dial it open but cannot.

Originally Posted by Mrjkq

You might want to contact a propane seller & ask for advise.

You absolutely do not want to break anything trying to open it, so if you can't open it by hand, don't mess with it. Even an "empty" propane cylinder is full of vapor and makes an excellent bomb. A propane seller will have non-sparking tools to use on a stuck valve so the problem doesn't blow up in your face— literally.

[flyingfishy]

Thanks mrjkq, I will contact a propane dealer.

[eubank]

Not a bad idea to have somebody else do it. There is probably little chance that you'd create a leak. However, the valve stems on those valves are surprisingly small and made of brass: It isn't that hard to break the stem off. And then you do have a bit of a problem on your hands.

If this turns out to be a consistent problem hereafter, your best best may be simply to have your dealer replace the valve with a new one.

Lynn

[GEEEER]

Don't the off/on valves on prophane tanks turn in the opposite direction of most (waster spigot, etc.) valves? Could this be the problem?

[eubank]

Originally Posted by GEEEER

Don't the off/on valves on prophane tanks turn in the opposite direction of most (waster spigot, etc.) valves? Could this be the problem?

You may be thinking of the POL fittings on valves, which are left-hand threaded. (Note that the newer ACME fittings have the large, right-hand threads, but these valves also always include internal, left-hand threads as well.)

Acme or POL valve required for RV propane cylinders & cylinder re-certification - RV Basics .com


Lynn