How to / DIY > Everything else
Propane tank with stuck valve
Johnm49:
While on my travels around the area I came upon a 20 lb propane tank that looked in good shape at the curb for garbage pick up. I stopped and took a look and it was in good shape and has product in it. What a catch!! When I got it home and took it out of the car I realized the valve was fully open!javascript:void(0);
Shocked I shook it again and yes indeed it has propane in it. I shut the valve and opened the valve, nothing. I shut the valve and opened the valve, still nothing. Dose any one have an idea how to recover the propane, other than bringing the tank to 60 below zero and pouring off the liquid?
rmchambers:
Does it have the triangular shaped valve handle or a round one? If it is triangular the tank is equipped with an OPD device Overflow Prevention Device - and I've heard that these can sometimes get stuck in the closed position.
I have an adapter thing that came with my mosquito magnet that supposedly resets this condition by screwing it into the connection and a stub depresses something in there that releases the OPD.
I've never had to use it as I've never seen one in this condition but this may be of use. A call to a gas supplier might yeild the tool or better yet the advice on how to easily unstick it.
Blows with a sledgehammer probably aren't the best idea
Robert
Johnm49:
Actually when I got the tank the handle was broken to pieces when the individual tried to open the already open valve with a wrench.
I"ll give the propane distributer a call and see if they have the tool. Thanks for the tip.
rcavictim:
It may be simpler than that. On all the new tanks the propane won`t flow until the regulator, etc., is inserted into the tank output orfice and pushed in a bit by the screw on retaining collar. This opens a safety valve that prevents flow if a valve gets opened accidentally with nothing connected to the tank, as in transport.
xyzer:
--- Quote from: rcavictim on October 23, 2006, 01:11:11 PM ---It may be simpler than that. On all the new tanks the propane won`t flow until the regulator, etc., is inserted into the tank output orfice and pushed in a bit by the screw on retaining collar. This opens a safety valve that prevents flow if a valve gets opened accidentally with nothing connected to the tank, as in transport.
--- End quote ---
Been there....
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version