20 gallon Horizontal Propane Tank Can't be Filled

[DonD]

1987 Fleetwood Southwind 28' class A. 20 gal. Manchester (1986 dated)horizontal tank will not take propane. When trying to fill, gas comes out of a "weep?" hole on the underside of the fill valve. There's instr. on the tank that says push a red reset button if no fill, did that w/o success.

I wonder if a later model fill valve assy can be fitted on this tank?

I will take pics if needed.

Thoughts?

[HandyDan]

Perhaps this pdf document could shed some light on the situation.  What you are observing may not be abnormal.  Go to this website:

http://allpropanemowers.indigofiles.com/perc/Dispensing_Propane_Safely.pdf

It is quite a long instruction sheet.  Type in 49 in the PDF page box or go to page 43 of the document.  It is all about filling motorhome tanks. 

[DonD]

Thanks...There's a weep hole (kinda like one on a water pump) that passes all the gas and none is going into the tank. I tried to fill at an RV dealer (same one I usually go to) and the head gas guy came over to eval the situation. Told me the vavle was indeed defective. They don't service the tanks/valves so he had no need to try to sell me something.

I have a message to a local propane guy, waiting for response.

[Oz]

Just to clarify the type of tank.  This horizontal tank is one of two which look like upright tanks but are mounted on their side and can be removed, not a permanently affixed tank?

In a junk yard, I actually found 4 full, or almost full horizontal tanks still in the vehicles (30 lb though).  I bought them for $20 each and used them, upright, in my '74 Indian.  The point being, you may be able to find a relatively inexpensive replacement, if necessary, if you are within reasonable access to an RV junkyard.

[DonD]

Matter resloved.
I went to propane distributor and got it filled no problem. I guess the RV dealer didn't have the right adaptor? I stopped by there after my fill up and gave them an FYI, can't hurt. I have filled there before but...
Thanks guys!!

[DonD]

Mine is a perm. mount tank. 23 gals/92lbs full.

[RockwoodMike]

I was on a trip and needed propane and stopped at a large gas/ convenience store. They tried to fill it and it wouldn't fill..

At the campground where we stayed,they had propane and they were able to fill it without any problem..the trick..

the screw that is loosened to let the gas out wasn't loosened enough..the guy said that you don't just crack it open..that you need to open it 2 or 3 turns and then the valve mechanism will let the propane in..if it is not open enough, it just hisses with no propane flow..

[DonD]

Thanks Mike, I will remember that!!