Propane problem

One lesson I've 'learned' over the years was not to open the tank valve quickly, especially if the supply lines are empty. You have to do it gradually to allow the vapor to flow slowly into the supply system.

My old Lance that I sold had OPD valves on the horizontal bottles and it was a 2001 model I prefer the vertical bottles. The lay down bottles, while they take less room, cannot be exchanged and that could be an issue thought it never was for me.

Shooting a full propane cylinder with a firearm will cause a Hole in cylinder and allow propane to spew out. But it will NOT cause it to explode or a big flash etc.
Must have a source of 'ignition' to light off the propane VAPOR

MythBusters episode 95. Look it u

Why I stated full metal jacket not a lead bullet. A FMJ will cause ignition when it strikes the metal of the cylinder. I've tried it before. Makes a helluva bang. Actually, a 223 light armor piercing round works best because the pill has a steel insert inside.

I had a hose in which the excess flow device stuck closed and would not open no matter what I did. Had to replace the hose.

Old-Biscuit you are a walking encyclopedia! :)

First off.......
Your propane 'cylinder' is not old, obsolete etc.

OPD service valves have been factory installed since 1998

Your 13 yr old cylinder NEEDS to be recertified (required 12 yrs after date of mfg stamped oon collar)
Visual recert good for 5 yrs. then again every 5 yrs.



Secondly......
OPD is an 'overfilling protective device'.....stops the liquid filling at 80% liquid level

OPD does NOT stop vapor flow out of cylinder.
(Full cylinder --- float at upper limit stopping liquid but vapor still flows out. Even if float stayed at upper limit)




Thirdly....
OPD has a 'spring loaded shutoff valve' that can interfere with filling and WILL stop vapor flow out of cylinder

IF the propane vendors fill adapter does not OPEN the shutoff valve OR the pigtail hose is not screwed on tight enough then propane will not flow out.

There is a 'stud' inside the ACME Nut on pigtail hose that pushes the spring loaded shutoff valve open.
Vendors fill adapter must do the same

Also ACME Nut has a 'thermal bushing'(melts in fire--internals of ACME Nut slips back and spring loaded shutoff valve in OPD closes)
If bushing is old, weaken, cracked etc 'stud' could have problems pushing open the OPD shutoff valve.
Especially if you have the OLD style (first edition) bushing




Fourthly.....
Also quickly opening the OPD can trip the 'excess flow device' INSIDE the ACME Nut.
Close OPD wait 30 seconds and then SLOWLY open OPD





Fifthly.......
Shooting a full propane cylinder with a firearm will cause a Hole in cylinder and allow propane to spew out. But it will NOT cause it to explode or a big flash etc.
Must have a source of 'ignition' to light off the propane VAPOR

MythBusters episode 95. Look it up.




OPD---triangular handle, relief valve, liquid level 'bleeder' valve and connection (shutoff inside)



ACME Nut 'stud' that opens OPD spring loaded shutoff vlave


ACME Nut 'excess flow device' ---spring loaded ball bearing


ACME Nut thermal bushing (First Edition)


ACME Nut thermal bushing (Current Version)





IF anything is stopping the flow of propane vapor it would be either the 'ACME Nut excess flow device' OR the OPD spring loaded shutoff valve

If you cannot get it to work, put it out in a field and shoot it with a high powered rifle and a FMJ bullet. That will 'dispose' of it in a flash..literally.

Yah, it's a common problem on some tanks...

The valve might be stuck or it's been turned on too quickly and the saftey valve stops the flow.

Try turning it OFF, and slowly turning it back on..

Next would be to drop the tank to drop the sticky valve. If you can, pick up the tank apx 4" and drop it to shake the valve loose.

Having said all that, a 13yr old tank/valve, might just be getting old..
I'd run it by an AmeriGas or propane dealer to have them check it out..

I used to have a litle 3lb, tried to get it filled at 2 different gas/propane stations, no go due to valve. Finally took it to the Propane dealer, filled it right up. No problem-O... He thought is was due to the filling tank pressure.

Also, if the tank "freezes" white condensation on the side would indicate that, the propane inside won't evaporate so that might do it, but if in a camper, shouldn't be that cold...

Hope that helps.

(and yah, what Devocamper said, there's the time on the old tanks, I thought they had a newer safety thing on the newer tanks and stopped filling the older ones..)

I am surprised the guy filled a 13 year old tank i think the tank has to be less than 12 years and have the have the OPD type valve on it in order to be refilled, the over fill valve may be damaged or stuck. not sure how you would dispose of a full propane tank safely but if it is 13 years old it needs to be replaced , maybe check with your local fire department about the disposal
mike