LP/propane Gas Leak? Emptying tanks

[Ksnarf]

Sent: 1/14/2004

So, it's been awhile since I've posted everything, the restore has been going pretty well *Knocks wood*

When i first tested the LP system after i picked it up. I turned on the valve and went inside to check it. I got the stove working and was pretty happy. I went to turn the Fridge on LP when i smelled gas. Now i had the door open, which is right next to the LP tank. I quickly turned it off.

When I picked it up, the LP tank says it's full. so here are my two questions. does anyone know of a way to empty a LP tank (without leaving stuff running)? does anyone else smell LP gas in front of the tank as they use it?

it's a 83 Itasca Suncruiser

thanks everyone.

[denisondc]

Sent: 1/14/2004

I finally replaced my old original pressure regulator after smelling gas close to the box the propane bottles lived in. I had already replaced the hoses to each tank, just because they looked pretty moldy. I only noticed the smell when it was non-windy. Mine is a 72.
Also I think you need to open the valves all the way or they might leak at the gland. I have noticed the smell very faintly if I am just turning the tanks on or off and the valve is not at the fully seated or fully open position.
Why would you want to empty an LP tank except by use? denison

[ned]

Sent: 1/14/2004

Two things that leaked gas from the LP in my 1984 Chieftain:

(1).  The hose connections (metal plumbing fittings) in the LP tank compartment.  Where the metal and rubber meet (i.e., when you have a rubber hose terminated with metal fittings), you have the potential for wear because the metal end stays rigid while the rubber bounces around.  I had one of these that I caught when I smelled gas in the LP compartment.  I wanted to fix it right away, but the Ferrelgas and Suburban (commercial gas utility companies) places were closed, so I went to a barbecue supply store and had them assemble a few fittings on the end of a metal flex pipe to replace the leaking rubber hose.  I didn't notice until I was installing it that the flex pipe has a warning on it not to use it on moving vehicles, as vibration is it's enemy.  Anyway, I got a new rubber hose instead.  Also, the metal-to-metal connections seem to me to "work" with road vibration and changes in temperature, so you might only need to tighten them up, or seal them.  My local RV parts store says to seal the threads with plumber's putty.

(2).  Valves.  My refrigerator's propane shut-off valve (On/Off valve, not a spigot thing like on the tank) is in line with the copper gas line inside the access hatch (get to it from outside).  Mine leaked enough that the previous owner smelled it sometimes, and shut down his entire LP appliance system.  The valve has a spring in it to tension the valve body against an o-ring seal.  The o-ring was worn, allowed leakage.

The usual test for leaks is open the gas so the system is pressurized, get a squirt bottle of soapy water, and squirt it on the system, one connection or area at a time, and watch for bubbles signifying a gas leak.

RV repair shops will work on the LP system, but my local ones wanted me to deliver the vehicle with the LP tank empty.  They told me to take it to Ferrelgas or Suburban to have it emptied.  But when I called Ferrelgas and Suburban, they both said they didn't want to do it.  One of them told me that all all they do is hook a big propane torch to the tank and burn it all off.  Its a big hassle, apparently.  Somebody has to stand by and keep an eye on it.   

[mightybooboo]

Sent: 1/15/2004

I added 15 pages to the tech section for LPG documents
BooBoo

[UluzYarx]

Sent: 1/15/2004

I recommend you to get your tank emptied by a company that deals with automobile gas tanks.

In theory, you have an excess flow valve on all your liquid gas take-offs.

The idea is that if you have a serious leak - the valve shuts and no more liquid gas flows.

I recommend you to get a professional to check your system, propane gas fires are nasty.
I've lost several friends/acquaintances that way, and they were supposed to know what they were doing.

[UluzYarx]

Sent: 1/15/2004

Not many people know this, but PRVs (pressure relief valves) and propane tanks have shelf-lives.

In Europe, new tanks in certain usages should be tested and certificated after 10yrs.
PRVs in certain usages should be replaced after 10yrs.

I do not know the regulations for all usages in Europe.
I expect the US has similar regulations for motorhomes.