Propane tank Valve Problem???

[golf_bears]

We’re currently at Llano Grande RV Park in Mercedes, TX.

Needed to have one of our 40# propane tanks filled yesterday. Propane is delivered to the park from a local propane dealer directly to your site.

So they go to fill the tank but the valve is stuck and they can’t get it to pop free to fill the tank.

So here are my questions.

Can the valve be replaced or should I just get a new tank?
If the valve can be replaced, is this something I should consider doing myself, tank is empty of propane? Never worked on a tank. Can order valve at Amazon or a new tank from Amazon.

If I should have the valve replaced by someone do you have any recommendations on who/where locally?

If I should just get a new tank, any suggestions on where to get one locally.

Thanks for your help everyone.

[golf_bears]

Old-Biscuit, Yes to your comment on re-certification for another 5 years when current 5 year period expirers.

Red31, The delivery service charges $25 to fill my 40# tank on site.

[Old-Biscuit]

SaltiDawg wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:

golf_bears wrote:
The tank had 4 more years to go. Because they replaced the valve they had to recertify it. It's good for another 5 years.

And then it can be re-certified for another 5 yrs.

In this area (MD Suburbs of DC) that recertification is expensive - at the rental center I frequent they have over 100 20# bottles and a similar number of 40# bottles waiting to be recycled.

I have just purchased replacements over the years.. I read some have taken them in to Rhino or similar and swapped them for newer bottles.

Not clear to me if that is "legal."

Yes swapping them out at exchange places is legal.
The exchange company will re-certify, update valves, pressure relief valves etc. unless cylinders are compromised then they will discard them.

[SaltiDawg]

Old-Biscuit wrote:

golf_bears wrote:
The tank had 4 more years to go. Because they replaced the valve they had to recertify it. It's good for another 5 years.

And then it can be re-certified for another 5 yrs.

In this area (MD Suburbs of DC) that recertification is expensive - at the rental center I frequent they have over 100 20# bottles and a similar number of 40# bottles waiting to be recycled.

I have just purchased replacements over the years.. I read some have taken them in to Rhino or similar and swapped them for newer bottles.

Not clear to me if that is "legal."

[red31]

golf_bears wrote:
Then they filled the tank for $22.50.

FYI, what do they charge to deliver to the resort?

[Old-Biscuit]

golf_bears wrote:
The tank had 4 more years to go. Because they replaced the valve they had to recertify it. It's good for another 5 years.

And then it can be re-certified for another 5 yrs.

[SaltiDawg]

golf_bears wrote:
The tank had 4 more years to go. Because they replaced the valve they had to recertify it. It's good for another 5 years.

Thanks.

[golf_bears]

The tank had 4 more years to go. Because they replaced the valve they had to recertify it. It's good for another 5 years.

[SaltiDawg]

golf_bears wrote:
...
Had the valve replaced, cost $23 and no additional charge for labor. Then they filled the tank for $22.50. ...

Just out of curiosity, when is the end of the tank's service life as stamped on the collar?

[golf_bears]

Here's an update but first thanks to all for your input.

Had the valve replaced, cost $23 and no additional charge for labor. Then they filled the tank for $22.50.

Some RV days go better than others.

Happy News years to all of you out there in the RV world!!!!

[red31]

I'd ask the resort where there is a full service propane store, I'd wait till Monday to ask! or ask around. West in McAllen or east in Har?
On Monday, I'd call em and ask if they have a valve for your cylinder. They may even purge it after replacing the valve.

[SaltiDawg]

Dennis M M wrote:
...
Why buy a new tank when it is the valve that is defective?

Depending on the age of the tank, the used tank may not have much serviceable life left. (Generally it is not economically sound to have a tank recertified for a 40# tank and it almost never economical to do so with a 20# bottle.)

[Dennis_M_M]

Just had the valve replaced on a 40 lb. tank. (It was jammed open during an incompetent fill).

$28 plus $10 labor for new valve versus $99 for a new tank.

Why buy a new tank when it is the valve that is defective?

[golf_bears]

OK, here's a little more info. The weight stamped on the cylinder is 28.7 so I guess I still have a 1.2 lbs. in the cylinder. The guys who come around and fill the tank did turn the tank upside down and tapped it on the concrete pad and it did not release the valve.

[HappyKayakers]

When dispensing propane, I had a few tanks that wouldn't fill. The folks brought them in because no propane would flow out of the tanks either. From weight, we knew there was still plenty of propane in the cylinder. The solution was to bounce the cylinder on the protective collar a few times on something hard - concrete, tree stump, etc. Freed up the valve every time.