Propane On-off service valve stuck!

red31 wrote:

and if it leaks partially open the packing/valve needs attention.

Yes but the point IS that they are not designed nor intended to be left in a partially open position.

Sam Spade wrote:

Tin Pusher wrote:
My practice with a any valve is never to open it all the way, hard against the stop. Back it off a slight amount towards closed.

That actually is not a good idea with high pressure gas tanks because the good strong seal is not made until the shaft reaches the limit of it's rotation. Snug is plenty though.

and if it leaks partially open the packing/valve needs attention.

DrewE wrote:
I guess you could take it to a propane place and pay them to use their vice grips.

A real propane distributor, versus a campground amateur, probably could pump out the tank and put on a new valve. Depending maybe on the exact kind of tank that you have.

Tin Pusher wrote:
My practice with a any valve is never to open it all the way, hard against the stop. Back it off a slight amount towards closed.

That actually is not a good idea with high pressure gas tanks because the good strong seal is not made until the shaft reaches the limit of it's rotation. Snug is plenty though.

Is it stuck open or stuck closed?

If it's stuck open, I just wouldn't worry about it until the tank gets empty through ordinary use. (This does mean you would be excluded from those tunnels or ferries that require turning off the propane at the tank.) At that point, a propane supply/service place could replace the valve without your having to lose the propane in the tank.

If it's stuck closed, something like vice grips applied with care would seem to be the best answer. I guess you could take it to a propane place and pay them to use their vice grips.

My practice with a any valve is never to open it all the way, hard against the stop. Back it off a slight amount towards closed.

Temperature change in the valve can jam it up.

Visegrips or something is about all you got now.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

Will vicegrips fit on the shaft?