Date: Sat, 6 May 2006 00:03:40 -0400
Reply-To: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject: Re: New Propane tank and Regulator Fitting
In-Reply-To: <E1Fc91K-0007tY-Bc@elasmtp-mealy.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
I replaced my propane tank recently, so a couple of things to
mention. First, get some brake cleaner and Super Penetrant. Use the
brake cleaner to get any grime off the connections. Use some of the
Super Penetrant on the nuts that hold the old propane tank in place.
You should not need to use it on the propane connectors.
To get the old lines off. You should use one wrench to hold the T in
place, and another to loosen the nut holding the flange on the pipe
to the T. It's not held on exceedingly tight. Just gas tight. With
the copper lines disconnected you'll have a couple of choices...but
before you go any further....
Do you want to work on the pipes and cut them down to the proper
size? The new regulator is longer, so you'll need to cut about 1 1/2
inches off the exist pipes, and you'll then need to reflange them. If
you do this, you should also have a way to check the new fittings for
leaks.
I bought (a number of years ago) a hydrocarbon sniffer. Not a cheap
tool, but it is better than your nose at smelling leaks in propane
lines. After I trimmed my lines and reflanged, I tightened things
up....and then turned on the gas and use the sniffer. Yep. Leaks.
Closed things down, and I redid things, and then rechecked. Found
another leak. Tightened that up and no leaks.
But, I've got the tools. The proper tools make this about a 1 hour
job. If you don't have the tools....reuse the old regulator unless
you know it is bad. You won't have to trim or bend the old copper
lines and it will be a lot easier on you. But you'll still need to
check for leaks. Most back yard mechanics will use the soap bubble
test. I never have.
On May 5, 2006, at 6:43 PM, Jarrett Kupcinski wrote:
> The story:
>
> I bought a new propane tank from Bus Depot and regulator to replace
> my old
> rusty one. It arrived, and I began the process of removing the old
> today.
> I found that the old regulator was visibly in good shape (it had been
> covered).
>
> The problem:
>
> Of course, installing the new regulator requires adjusting the
> length of the
> propane lines as it is longer than the old stock one.
> Additionally, the
> propane lines are quite frozen to the old regulator. I don't want
> to force
> it and damage the lines, requiring me to replace those, too.
>
> The question:
>
> Would the regulator go "bad?" Could I use the old one safely? Or
> should I
> just go ahead and use the new one, adjusting the lines as necessary?
>
> I welcome any advice or thoughts on the matter. I really don't
> want to turn
> the van into a ball of fire. Thanks!
