Propane Shutoff valve August 14, 2017, 06:50:45 pm When I bought my '97 about 10 months ago it was 1/2 full and the propane valve was open. I used it for a while and then decided to refill. The person at the filling station closed the shutoff valve and filled the tank. The next day when I went to open the valve after a turn or two propane started leaking out and the handle froze over (almost got my hand stuck to it). I quickly opened the valve all the way and it was fine (ie no leaks found using leak detect solution). It's time to refill the tank again and my question is; should I replace the shut off valve or could that leak have been a sign of the tank overfilled? I don't understand why it stopped leaking when fully open.Thanks for your shared input.
Re: Propane Shutoff valve Reply #1 – August 14, 2017, 08:07:45 pm I've seen water faucets with the same problem. The only time the faucet leaks is during partial open or close. Once fully open, the source of the leak is blocked. Once the valve is fully closed, the seat keeps the liquid from leaking as it should. It would be my unqualified advice to replace the propane tank valve since keeping it just can't be worth the risk. 2 Likes
Re: Propane Shutoff valve Reply #2 – August 14, 2017, 08:39:16 pm You might want to go to a propane supplier and have the valve replaced, the regulator checked, the connections tested, and the system leak tested after the repairs/replacements. Propane is a volatile substance; be safe. 2 Likes
Re: Propane Shutoff valve Reply #3 – August 14, 2017, 09:03:25 pm I will expand on what Joan said. The propane shutoff valve is made of a needle valve that mates with a brass seat. Fully closed, the needle rests in the seat opening, sealing the system. The back of the valve has a seal, possibly an O-ring, that prevents propane leakage around the handle shaft. When fully opened, the valve mechanism presses against the casing, but that contact needs some sort of seal to prevent leaks. Mid-range, a healthy system will not leak at all, much less a fast leak like you described. It sounds like your rear seal has failed. THIS IS DANGEROUS! If the rear seal has failed, opening the valve fully will slow any propane leakage but may not fully seal. That would lead to leaking propane, with the possibility of a fire and a slight chance of explosion.Get thee to a propane service facility ASAP. What is needed may be as simple as tightening the rear seal cover, or may require a new valve. Either way, do NOT ignore this, hoping that it is fine. If you value yourself and your rig, get it serviced by a pro.Ken F in WY 5 Likes
Re: Propane Shutoff valve Reply #4 – August 17, 2017, 01:15:18 am Thanks all for the input. I've got the tank down to near empty (it has to be empty before the propane facility will work on it) and an appointment to have the valve replaced. They implied it will be pretty easy. And I will ask them to check or replace the pressure regulator. Onward & Upward. 2 Likes
Re: Propane Shutoff valve Reply #5 – August 18, 2017, 12:25:10 am Quote from: Randy K date=1502946918 link=msg=17696 Onward & Upward. [/quoteuote]Consider having an extend-a-stay hook up added too😉
Topic: Propane Shutoff valve (Read 283 times)
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Topic: Propane Shutoff valve (Read 283 times)
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