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JohnG4706's avatar
JohnG4706
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016

30 lb Propane Tank

I was out for 74 days and thought it would be good to fill/top off the tanks. They were filled and topped off. One took 30 and the other 10.

Put the tanks back on the rack
That was two weeks ago. Opened both valves and set the automatic valve to the right.

Two days ago, no hot water. Tried the cook top, no gas. I went to the tanks and the auto valve showed red on both tanks. I checked the valves and the left tank was closed. Opened it and back to normal...I thought.

Took the empty to get it refilled. It felt heavy. I opened the valve...nothing. the fella at the gas station also thought the tank was heavy. He put it on his scale, balanced out for the tare weight and found 20+ pounds still in the tank. Opened the tank valve and nothing.

What's my problem? Defective valve? Stuck valve? What are my options? What can I do to check it out?

Thanks.
  • Thanks. Put the tank back in the rack and sloooowly opened the valves. Seems to be working. Switched the auto valve left and right and seems to work in both positions.

    What would cause the automatic valve to shut down after working for two weeks? My gas usage has been for the refrigerator (Or, does it operate on electric when in a full service camp site?), hot water heater and occasionally, the oven. I use a 1500w ceramic heater to keep the trailer warm at night, so no furnace and no gas for the furnace.

    Thanks again.
  • Valves do fail. I had a bottle that was unable to be filled because the valve was stuck.
  • Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I will give them a try tomorrow.
  • donn has it right you prob opened too fast. Close both and wait a minute or two. Open very slowly. If that doesn't work close valve and bounce the tank on the ground then open very slow. Tank must be connected before propane will flow.
  • I had the same problem on our way to alaska last year. My tanks were 11 years old and I thought the valve was shot, it wasn't just had to open it very slowly.
  • You probsbly ened the valve too fast. The new safety valves will not allow gas to excape like the old days. Put it back, select this tank. Open very slowly. Go insode andmlight the stove.