Onboard Propane tank - refurbish or replace

[DaveBad]

Looking for insights on refurbishing or replacing the propane tank on my GWV. It's a Manchester #6811. It is leaking when I open the valve after being closed all winter, probably the stem packing. The tank is about 13 yrs old and I was considering dropping it, cleaning it up and painting and replacing valves and such. New the tanks look to be about $600.

Any thoughts or experiences?

Dave

[<<B-Guy>>]

Originally Posted by DaveBad

Looking for insights on refurbishing or replacing the propane tank on my GWV. It's a Manchester #6811. It is leaking when I open the valve after being closed all winter, probably the stem packing. The tank is about 13 yrs old and I was considering dropping it, cleaning it up and painting and replacing valves and such. New the tanks look to be about $600.

Any thoughts or experiences?

Dave

Don't have directly related actual experience, but unless the tank is "REALLY" rusty and pitted, I'm be inclined to do as you are thinking - ie clean, paint and change valve if needed.

Did you confirm with bubble test if the valve is leaking from the packing, or possibly due to corroded tank threads? If the latter, that could be reason to replace the tank.

If it is leaking at the packing, did you open the valve fully? Some cylinder valves have a "back seal" feature such that opening the valve fully will prevent stem leakage. I don't know if that applies to propane tank valves though.

Brian.

[DaveBad]

Originally Posted by <<B-Guy>>

Don't have directly related actual experience, but unless the tank is "REALLY" rusty and pitted, I'm be inclined to do as you are thinking - ie clean, paint and change valve if needed.

Did you confirm with bubble test if the valve is leaking from the packing, or possibly due to corroded tank threads? If the latter, that could be reason to replace the tank.

If it is leaking at the packing, did you open the valve fully? Some cylinder valves have a "back seal" feature such that opening the valve fully will prevent stem leakage. I don't know if that applies to propane tank valves though.

Brian.

There appears to be no leak until I start to open the valve. It leaks as I am opening (unscrewing) the valve and still leaks as it is all the way open.

[GallenH]

I had a tank valve that was leaking also. It didn't leak when closed or fully open. Only in the process of opening. I had the valve replaced at a propane dealer. He evacuated the tank, put on a new valve and refilled the tank to 3/4 full. Can't remember the price but it was under $100. My foggy memory says around $45.

I agree with Brian. A propane place can also check rust/pitted condition and advise you if you aren't comfortable doing your own physical check.

[revcon372]

valves have two seats you must open it completely to BACK SEAT the vave leaks mid way are not a problem

[<<B-Guy>>]

I believe Dave said it still leaked when fully open.

[ChicagoTom]

Have it checked out by a professional. I went to Amerigas to get the shutoff/on valve replaced. I asked the guy who repaired it, about a 40 year propane expert, how long the tank will last. He replied, "Forever".

[KaptainK]

I wonder if this would work as a replacement?

$125 on Amazon

[mloganusda]

Personal experience with a 1986 LeSharo MH that had been setting for about 20 years in a barn. Propane tank leaked just like yours and I burned off the propane with the heater overnight. I took it to a propane dealer and he replaced the valve and filled the tank. I later had to replace the regulator as it was leaking also. Had to use a 2 stage model as single stage was obsolete.

MLogan
Smyrna, TN

[DaveBad]

This spring I removed the tank. Scraped and sanded off all the loose paint and rust. I then treated any remaining rust with a rust converter, primed the entire tank and brackets and finished up with several coats of rust-oleum.
- Replaced the LP remote sending unit.
- Replaced the service valve
- Replaced all the hoses
I couldn't find the exact replacement hoses anywhere. I contacted this place up in Canada and it turns out they make the hoses per order so I gave them the lengths and size of fittings for each and they made them perfectly.
https://prairiebearingshop.com/produ...g/propane-gas/

[ChicagoTom]

Looks pretty, but absolutely no other reason to do this. Your propane tank is good for about 100 years and maybe more.