Help - Propane valve stuck closed

[1775]

The main propane valve on my Roadtrek will not turn to turn on propane to the coach. It is not open. It will not turn and I am afraidvto force it and break the valve. What can i do to get this to turn? Itried turning it the opposite directin (clockwise) and does not turn that way either - which it shouldn't. I tried with a rubber palmed glove for grip and tried spraying a little WD40 - no good. Help!

[ATCS_Ret]

1775 wrote:
Resolved. It was warmer out this morning and it finally turned and now works fine.

I had the same problem on my Winnie ERA except mine was stuck open. I managed to break the knob while trying to force it. I found a replacement knob and still could not close it. The location made it impossible to get priers or Channel locks on it. Since it was open, I was able use up the tank before taking it to a dealer for replacement. Interestingly, the removed valve turned fine after being replaced. It was very cold during this time-frame and I suspect the temperature was a factor. My suggestion is if your valve sticks during cold weather, try warming it up with a hair drier or electric heater before giving up on it. It might be the valve packing has absorbed some moisture which has frozen and expanded the packing, making it too tight.

[1775]

Resolved. It was warmer out this morning and it finally turned and now works fine.

[PSW]

I doubt that the valve on a 2011 rig is at the end of its life. It sounds like it has been "boogered up" too tight to the "CLOSE" position to me. It could, of course, be defective but a four year old valve that apparently has never caused problems before?

[sodajerk]

My 42 year old valve would not close all the way unless I used pliers. Took the empty tank to a dealer. He replaced the valve, fill valve and bleed valve, in essence, all the rubber parts and seals. It took two days and cost less than $40.00.

[senf]

Happened to us too. Campground owner opened valve with channel lock pliers and has been working ok for last three years. When we are finished for the season I shut the valve off carefully, but not really hard. Whenever the propane is refilled the attendant only uses hand pressure to turn off the valve, so I do the same.

[Old-Biscuit]

IF you are absolutely sure that valve is stuck closed (no propane flow to stove top burners etc.--------and an 'emergency shut-off solenoid' isn't tripped close) then use a large pair of channel lock pliers and try to open valve by gripping valve stem.

If you can not budge valve then need to have a bulk propane dealer involved.
They maybe able to get t open so you can use the propane up.
Valve WILL need to be replaced.

[Davydd]

If the valve has to be replaced then you will have to bleed out the tank of all it's propane. Best to leave that up to a propane dealer or repair place.

[pugslyyy]

I too would find a propane dealer and have them replace the valve.

[rockhillmanor]

Sadly that is the first symptom that you will eventually need to replace the valve.

[midnightsadie]

find a propane sealer close by, let them decide what to do, liqeud propane can be very dangerous.