LP gas leak

Question

2012 Thor Tuscany 42' motorhome. Long story short, the tank level gauge that is screwed into the side of the tank is leaking around the threads when I had the tank filled. I tried to tighten but did no good. Seems like I need to empty the tank to repair. Tank now used down to about half. The leak is barely enough now to bubble the soap solution. So my plan is to empty the tank fully, unscrew the gauge, retape the threads, etc. I want to pressure check with air before putting in gas. I would also like to replace the fill and vent hoses with the system empty. Hoses look good but they are 11 years old. I am open for ideas on this situation. Not real sure how to get the tank 100% empty.

rls7201 · Answer

I suggest teflon pipe dope made for propane and natural gas.Neither tape or pipe dope is a sealer. It's designed to be a lubricant to allow NPT fittings to screw together more easily.Richard

hokieav8r · Answer

Somewhat related.  I recently installed a new LP crossover valve.  I was told NOT to use Teflon sealing tape on the male inverted flare fittings.  But, I smell leaking gas.  Should I use sealing steps on those fittings?

larry_cad · Answer

YELLOW THREAD SEAL TAPE meets all gas company standards for gas lines of ALL types including butane and propane.  It's important to use the right thread seal tape for gas and the yellow tape is the only safe choice.

qcman · Answer

Flare fittings should NEVER use any sealant. If it is leaking there is dirt or damage at one or both sides of the flare. The whole idea of a flare fitting is to make a metal to metal seal. The nut that tightens it down has no sealing ability, it is just a way to apply pressure to the flare to make the seal.

dougrainer · Answer

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RectorSeal-1-75-oz-5-Pipe-Thread-Sealant-25790/100144191?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D26P-026_001_PIPE_FITTING-NA-NA-NA-SMART-2998850-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-PL3_Live&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D26P-026_001_PIPE_FITTING-NA-NA-NA-SMART-2998850-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-PL3_Live-71700000094213694-58700007814434200-92700071019453829&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NSdBhDfARIsALzs2EDzmq8INmUEr7_SZ6q3F4bki-9lXLTmd3i229Y5wTOGYsJ4kcaTGv0aAu2fEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Use this for the threads. I have used it for 40 years and NEVER had any type leak. It also will seal threads on Hydraulic fittings that use up to 3500 psi. One you replace and air pressure the tank, make sure you bleed off all the air to purge the tank. Doug

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LP gas leak

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