Need help finding propane tank part

[Travelin2]

We have just acquired a 1988 Mallard Sprinter and have just started fixin the little guy up. First thing is to fix a small propane leak at the fill fitting. It leaks between that big nut and the square flange that has four bolts into the tank. It doesn't really appear to be a threaded connection but I don't dare start torqueing on that nut till I get the propane burned off and I think it has quite a lot in it. I don't look forward to that. I wanted to just buy a new part and have it on hand before I unbolt the thing but I have looked all over and have had no luck. If anyone knows a source for that square flange, I would really appreciate a heads up. Thanks.

[Travelin2]

BillyBob Jim wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
You need to visit a propane tank farm the kind of place that supplies the park's propane tank... Many of them can do the job. It may be simple. or a bit complex (from your point of view) it is simple from theirs however.

That's all I will say. this is not a DIY job

Question: What happens if you mix propane and air in the proper ratio and there is a spark.

Answer: YOu land two counties over.

Room: Breaks down in laughter

Instructor: (Once laughter dies) Exactly.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO LAND 2 COUNTIES OVER.

Why isn't it a DIY job? Replacing or tightening a fitting, possibly replacing a seal?

Billy Bob, You and I think a lot alike. Here's how it went today.

[BillyBob_Jim]

wa8yxm wrote:
You need to visit a propane tank farm the kind of place that supplies the park's propane tank... Many of them can do the job. It may be simple. or a bit complex (from your point of view) it is simple from theirs however.

That's all I will say. this is not a DIY job

Question: What happens if you mix propane and air in the proper ratio and there is a spark.

Answer: YOu land two counties over.

Room: Breaks down in laughter

Instructor: (Once laughter dies) Exactly.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO LAND 2 COUNTIES OVER.

Why isn't it a DIY job? Replacing or tightening a fitting, possibly replacing a seal?

[wa8yxm]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
Will also suggest the propane dealer, and at the same time have the tank re certified, at 30 years old it likely needs it.

Though a full, certification level, inspection at 30 years is a great idea.. That type of tank is not required to be recertified except after repair. and then only the REPAIR needs Certification.

But yes. A certification level inspection is a great idea on a 30 year old tank.

[Travelin2]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
The 'fill' adapter screws into that large nut which is part of the 80% ALUMINUM float valve assembly that is NO LONGER manufactured.

Take 2 wrenches....
ONE to fit the fill adapter
One to fit the large nut

Hold wrench/adapter and tighten wrench/large nut
Clockwise on adapter......counter-clockwise on large nut

Once propane in tank has been used...LP depleted
Unscrew fill adapter...clean up threads....wrap with Yellow tape (gas tape) and reinstall
Do not remove bolts holding square flange onto tank.....if you damage the aluminum float inside you will need to modify flange to accept new style float assembly or purchase/install new tank



Propane Tank Float Valve Fitting Modification

Thanks for the help Old-Biscuit. I should have explained where the leak was better. I had found that repair tutorial but was hoping someone had an idea where to find that assembly with the square flange mount. I guess it is not available. This is where the leak is located. The screw-in fill adapter does not leak in the threads. The leak is behind the big nut where it goes into the square flange and I'm not sure that is a threaded connection and if is, whether it is a right or left-hand thread.

[Old-Biscuit]

The 'fill' adapter screws into that large nut which is part of the 80% ALUMINUM float valve assembly that is NO LONGER manufactured.

Take 2 wrenches....
ONE to fit the fill adapter
One to fit the large nut

Hold wrench/adapter and tighten wrench/large nut
Clockwise on adapter......counter-clockwise on large nut

Once propane in tank has been used...LP depleted
Unscrew fill adapter...clean up threads....wrap with Yellow tape (gas tape) and reinstall
Do not remove bolts holding square flange onto tank.....if you damage the aluminum float inside you will need to modify flange to accept new style float assembly or purchase/install new tank



Propane Tank Float Valve Fitting Modification

[Lwiddis]

That is a little classic beauty!

[Charlie_D_]

Travelin2 wrote:
We have just acquired a 1988 Mallard Sprinter and have just started fixin the little guy up. First thing is to fix a small propane leak at the fill fitting. It leaks between that big nut and the square flange that has four bolts into the tank. It doesn't really appear to be a threaded connection but I don't dare start torqueing on that nut till I get the propane burned off and I think it has quite a lot in it. I don't look forward to that. I wanted to just buy a new part and have it on hand before I unbolt the thing but I have looked all over and have had no luck. If anyone knows a source for that square flange, I would really appreciate a heads up. Thanks.

The nut you speak of is called a packing nut. Designed to be tightened to stop small leaks. Possible that the packing is damaged or dried out. If so a new valve or part is required.

[pauldub]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
Will also suggest the propane dealer, and at the same time have the tank re certified, at 30 years old it likely needs it.

It doesn't need to be recertified, that only applies to portable tanks.

[Travelin2]

Thanks fellas

[wanderingaimles]

Will also suggest the propane dealer, and at the same time have the tank re certified, at 30 years old it likely needs it.

[midnightsadie]

yep a dealer and most are willing to help tell them your a new rv,er and don,t want to make a mistake. had a simalar problem and the shop worked on it for a hour, would not take money. sent them pizza,on friday.

[time2roll]

I would be at a commercial propane dealer.

[wa8yxm]

You need to visit a propane tank farm the kind of place that supplies the park's propane tank... Many of them can do the job. It may be simple. or a bit complex (from your point of view) it is simple from theirs however.

That's all I will say. this is not a DIY job

Question: What happens if you mix propane and air in the proper ratio and there is a spark.

Answer: YOu land two counties over.

Room: Breaks down in laughter

Instructor: (Once laughter dies) Exactly.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO LAND 2 COUNTIES OVER.

[bg71361]

Throw a wrench on it and snug it up, then check again for leaks. Or wait till empty remove and reseal the threads. Appears like your dealing with the item in the link.
Good luck!

Propane valve