Refilling LP tanks.

ol' grouch wrote:
Every time I see a reference to ACME, I wonder if Wile E. Coyote is around somewhere.

You and me both Grouch, You and me Both.


One other thing,,, those in-line gauges measure pressure.. Pressure is dependent on two things.

1: IS there liquid propane in the tank?
2: How hot is it.

NOTE the LEVEL is not on the ist

The magnetic strips and a pan of propane heated boiling water.. That one works,

Every time I see a reference to ACME, I wonder if Wile E. Coyote is around somewhere.

Charlie D. wrote:
Pour hot water slowly down the side of the tank. Tank will be cooler where the propane level begins.

that will primarilay work IF there is a fairly high volume propane use going on, such as water heater, furnace, stove top burners, etc.
The propane level will be cooler due to the evaporation of the liquid propane. No evaporation, no cooling!

Ok there are two types of tank fittings you are likely to find.

The older fitting is a Prest-O-Lite, POL for short, some folks call it a Put On Left because the thread is left handed (Righty Loosey Lefty tighty)

The newer fitting with outside threads is clled an ACME by the way and includes several safety features lacking on the older POL fittings.

YOU MAY, and I stress the word MAY have problems getting a POL tank refilled.. For one, it will most likely need re-certification if it has not been re certified, I think ACME has been out longer than the recert period for new tanks. Second... A lot of pump jockies may not know where the POL filler is any more having never seen one before. (This says a lot about my opinion of pump jockies and very little about your tanks).

Of course modern ACME tanks will accept POL hoses so if you can have troubles you can always trade 'em in on new tanks (or properly dispose of and buy new tanks).. Just so you know.

Pour hot water slowly down the side of the tank. Tank will be cooler where the propane level begins.

Gau 8 wrote:


Just change the pigtail to the new type.

X2 - Actually I forgot about the old style until you mentioned it! :)

Most current refillable DOT cylinders have a service valve that has both external ACME threads for the large hand screwed on ("BBQ") fittings and internal left hand threads that take a wrench tightened POL fitting. You shouldn't need to make any changes unless you want the convenience of the newer ACME fitting.

Dont worry. The rest of us knew what a PU is.

Just change the pigtail to the new type.

Think of it as in "{Pop-Up) or tent camper... Although some have hard sides, no canvas.