Propane Tank Issues

Wsm239 wrote:

Dutch_12078 wrote:
After seeing the sample photo, as Doug said, it's the Safety Relief Valve. Below is a picture of what one typically looks like before it has tripped.

Thanks, this is very helpful. Mine does not have the red insert that is shown on yours.

It is possible the tank was overfilled. But would it empty completely if that was the case? Or would it just empty just enough to bring it to "normal"?

Doug might have the answer to that. I haven't experienced one tripping yet. It shouldn't be possible to overfill the tank if everything is working right, but I suppose it's possible the overfill prevention device valve has failed open. A properly trained refiller should be using the Fixed Liquid Level Gauge, sometimes referred as the "vent" or "spitter valve", to determine when the tank is filled to the proper 80% of the rated water capacity regardless of whether the OPD works or not.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
After seeing the sample photo, as Doug said, it's the Safety Relief Valve. Below is a picture of what one typically looks like before it has tripped.

Thanks, this is very helpful. Mine does not have the red insert that is shown on yours.

It is possible the tank was overfilled. But would it empty completely if that was the case? Or would it just empty just enough to bring it to "normal"?

dougrainer wrote:
DO NOT fill the tank Completely, until you find the leak. Just pump a gallon or 2. Then use soapy water around ALL the fittings on the tank. The tank should have more than enough clearance to cawl under it to soak the bottom fittings. That bottom fitting is usually the tank valve relief. It SHOULD reset after it trips, but it may now be faulty. I would replace it if that is where the soapy water bubbles. If you only put a gallon or so in the tank, then bleeding it off by emptying the tank will not take long. The tank has to be empty of liquid and vapor to replace that valve. I would highly advise you to have a LP company replace the valve after you verify the problem. Doug

Thanks, I did try the soapy water spray but no bubbles anywhere. I will for sure be hiring a licensed propane person to make any changes or repairs.

After seeing the sample photo, as Doug said, it's the Safety Relief Valve. Below is a picture of what one typically looks like before it has tripped.

DO NOT fill the tank Completely, until you find the leak. Just pump a gallon or 2. Then use soapy water around ALL the fittings on the tank. The tank should have more than enough clearance to cawl under it to soak the bottom fittings. That bottom fitting is usually the tank valve relief. It SHOULD reset after it trips, but it may now be faulty. I would replace it if that is where the soapy water bubbles. If you only put a gallon or so in the tank, then bleeding it off by emptying the tank will not take long. The tank has to be empty of liquid and vapor to replace that valve. I would highly advise you to have a LP company replace the valve after you verify the problem. Doug

https://applianceanalysts.com/rv-propane-tank-size/

Having difficulty posting a picture. This link shows the port I am referring to on the bottom of a built in tank.

Alan_Hepburn wrote:

opnspaces wrote:

But realistically you should be able to fill the tank, turn it on it's side, lean over and put your nose against the hole and take a sniff. If it's leaking you will know.

Realistically, it's a bit of a project to turn the tank on it's side - it's installed pretty sturdily under the Class A motorhome...

Agreed, I am not going to even try to flip it on its side!!! LOL!!!

opnspaces wrote:

But realistically you should be able to fill the tank, turn it on it's side, lean over and put your nose against the hole and take a sniff. If it's leaking you will know.

Realistically, it's a bit of a project to turn the tank on it's side - it's installed pretty sturdily under the Class A motorhome...

Fill the tank then take a piece of masking or painters tape and place it over the port. Spray or even dribble soapy water around the tape and see if you get bubbles. The tape is to narrow the opening that the gas is escaping from to help it bubble.

But realistically you should be able to fill the tank, turn it on it's side, lean over and put your nose against the hole and take a sniff. If it's leaking you will know.

Thanks for the responses so far. This female threaded part I am referring to is on the underside of the propane tank itself and is recessed into the tank. Not a location that would be easily accessible for a temporary or permanent attachment of any sort of bbq or the likes.

I am unable to upload a picture for some reason.