The bleeder valve on my motorhome's propane tank leaks unless it's tightened with pliers. Seems like I can replace it when the tank is empty and I shouldn't need to have the tank purged as long as I do the replacement pretty quickly. Does that sound right? Don't tell me I can't do it and have to take it to a propane service.

You should not have any problems.

Just use a little sense and at least ask your propane dealer what they would charge you to fix it. You might be surprised how reasonable it would be. I've repaired furnaces since 1970 and that's what I would do.

First it might not be all that easy. You see the name is not "Bleeder"It is Visual Overfill Indicator ValveI would suggest having it replaced by a Propane Professional

They just unscrew. The inner seal on yours is bad. Just use this to seal the threads. Doughttps://www.homedepot.com/p/RectorSeal-1-75-oz-5-Pipe-Thread-Sealant-25790/100144191?mtc=Shopping-B-F_D26P-G-D26P-26_1_PIPE_AND_FITTINGS-Generic-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-PIPE_AND_FITTINGS_General&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D26P-G-D26P-26_1_PIPE_AND_FITTINGS-Generic-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-PIPE_AND_FITTINGS_General-71700000052572890-58700005047670158-92700047360240776&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq7f31Omo5wIV2iCtBh0G0Ac5EAQYBCABEgKCp_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.dshttps://www.rvplus.com/meeder-bleeder-valve-10-j-400.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-Lyah-mo5wIVsh-tBh1GVwJuEAQYECABEgJOVPD_BwE

As Doug said, they just unscrew. Make sure you're working in a well ventilated area with no ignition sources. Have the replacement ready to go with the thread sealer in place, and there's usually a small amount of residual pressure in an "empty" tank that pretty much ensures the tank won't need purging in the few seconds it takes to remove the old valve and thread the new one in.

Propane Bleeder Valve | Good Sam Community

Louseman
Explorer
Jan 31, 2020
Here is a good article describing the innards of a mounted propane tank:
RV Mounted Propane Tank Innards
The pictures really help.
—
Mike
drsteve
Explorer
Jan 31, 2020
enblethen wrote:
Mounted and portable ones have a different style of bleeder valves. OP asked asked a question for a MH mounted permanent tank.
It is confusing for some to understand what he has asked.

Yup. I've never seen a DOT bottle with a separate bleeder valve.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jan 31, 2020
mapguy wrote:
Be very aware of the spark danger if you don't have a brass/bronze wrench.

Also, make sure you get the dip tube oriented properly or future refills will be under or over filled.....

Not a difficult repair but can be problematic getting things loose if tank is old.

There is no tube on the part the OP is asking about. The part is a 80% liquid valve and it just screws into the fitting on the tank. Doug
mapguy
Explorer
Jan 30, 2020
Be very aware of the spark danger if you don't have a brass/bronze wrench.

Also, make sure you get the dip tube oriented properly or future refills will be under or over filled.....

Not a difficult repair but can be problematic getting things loose if tank is old.
red31
Explorer
Jan 30, 2020
Cummins12V98 wrote:
navigator2346 wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
How many years since it was certified? If somewhat close to the 12 years mandatory I would just have it updated and stamped.

Frame mounted tanks do not need re certification. They fall into a different category than the free standing tanks.

I am not a Motorhome expert but I "ASSUME" they don't all have "Frame Mounted Tanks" ???

The OP did not mention what he has unless I missed it???

I believe 'pliers' is the give away that it is not a bleeder valve built into the OPD valve.
enblethen
Nomad
Jan 30, 2020
Mounted and portable ones have a different style of bleeder valves. OP asked asked a question for a MH mounted permanent tank.
It is confusing for some to understand what he has asked.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jan 30, 2020
SOME motorhomes have DOT LP tanks
MOST motorhomes have Fixed ASME tanks
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 30, 2020
"Cummins12V98 was being ridiculous, so I gave him an answer in kind."

Just noticed this. Still appreciate the answer, sure as HE!! don't appreciate the name calling.

Mob mentality I guess.....
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 30, 2020
Bobbo wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
wa8yxm wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
How many years since it was certified? If somewhat close to the 12 years mandatory I would just have it updated and stamped.

The mounted tanks on a motor home do not get Re-certs

Luggables do

Are “ALL MOTORHOMES “ equipped with fixed tanks? If they are removable I stand by what I said.

Yes. All motorhomes have permanently mounted tanks.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and again THANK YOU!!!

Someone in clear english gave me the answer I was looking for!
Bobbo
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2020
dougrainer wrote:
Bobbo wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
wa8yxm wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
How many years since it was certified? If somewhat close to the 12 years mandatory I would just have it updated and stamped.

The mounted tanks on a motor home do not get Re-certs

Luggables do

Are “ALL MOTORHOMES “ equipped with fixed tanks? If they are removable I stand by what I said.

Yes. All motorhomes have permanently mounted tanks.

To be accurate, you need to state 99 44/100 of motorhomes have ASME tanks. Back in the 60's and 70's and very early 80's they had DOT cylinders on some motorhomes. Some of those are still on the road. Doug

Cummins12V98 was being ridiculous, so I gave him an answer in kind.