Propane tank problem

[jaysweet]

This isn't really a sailing question, but here goes. We have a fairly new Hunter 306 (used 1 1/4 seasons) which has a problem with the propane for the stove. About half of the time, we open up the valve on the top of the tank and don't even get a pressure reading on the gauge which is about 1 foot from the tank, on top of the solenoid/regulator(?) unit. Sometimes, if you fool around with it for 15 minutes, opening and closing the tank valve, the pressure suddenly jumps up to 150 and everything is fine.As far as I can tell, this is not a problem with the solenoid (switched from inside the cabin), which gives a nice click as you turn it on and off. And I think (but am not sure) that the pressure gauge is functionally between the tank and the solenoid. Has anyone else had this problem?I think the main question is whether the problem is in the check-valve which is buit in to the top of the tank, or in the fitting on the end of the short rubber hose connecting the tank to the solenoid/regulator. In other words, when you disconnect the tank, there seems to be a ball valve in the brass fitting on the tank side of the rubber hose. I'd like to think that just getting another tank would fix the problem, but it seems like a waste of 1/2 a tank of propane, especially if it doesn't fix the problem.

 

[jim h]

faulty gauge

sounds as if the gauge is sticking with gauge reading 0 psi when tank valve open try lighting burners on stove if they light and stay lit bingo faulty gauge

 

[jaysweet]

Not the gauge

Sorry Jim: the main problem was that the stove wouldn't work. Investigating that led to noticing that the stove worked exactly when the gauge says there is pressure.

 

[Paul Akers]

Bleeding the tank

Sometimes (as with my home grill), when you "run out" the pressure while the stove is still on, the regulator won't kick in until the stove is shut off. Close the stove valves, then turn the tank back on. In other words, you must shut off the stove valves before you open the tank valve. This would be a safety feature.This sounds like an unlikely situatuon, but worth the look-see.If this isn't it, let the dealer look at it to make the decision rather than trying to explain it to him.

 

[ruedi ross]

propane valve

They switched all propane tanks under 100 lbs. over to the OPD style valves that have a safety valve built in. The safety valve prevents the release of propane if you open the valve on the tank with nothing connected to it. When you connect the regulator or hose to the tank it is supposed to open the safety valve and allow the gas to flow. I had to replace the left hand thread POL fitting on one of my hoses to get it to work on the new valves. It had a flat on the end of the fitting and wouldn't open the little ball valve.

 

[Jay]

ruedi ross

This last posting sounds like an idea. Maybe we can check the fitting by disconnecting it at the regulator. Or perhaps take the hose and tank to a propane guy...Thanks,Jay

 

[Dan Anderson]

Sticking valve

I have the same problem and thought that the tank was empty because the dial showed no pressure. The propane shop couldn't fill it because it had plenty in it. Its a sticking valve that won't let the gas pass. The tanks are expensive and I was wondering if there is a lubricant or something that will free up that check valve? Its so annoying when the thing suddently stops working.Dan

 

[Andy]

And if you find a spare

If you happen to find a spare let me know where! I wouldn't mind carrying a spare tank because the tanks are SO SMALL! and they cost more than a big tank! It would be convenient to have two tanks so I could "exchange" from trip to trip and the locker will hold two. So far the only solution I have found is the adapter that adapts POL fitting to disposable propane can (without valves-yikes!)So if anyone finds a source for cheap small propane tanks-speak up for the good of the fleet.

 

[Benny]

Triple layer of protection.

The safety valve will shut off if when you open the tank valve it does not sense adequate backpressure. The longer the piglet from tank to regulator the more prone it is for this to happen. A lot of people will leave the valve tank open to avoid having to deal with this every time. Years ago when propane tanks hung from rails and were connected by copper tubing these redundant safety systems were not around and we all fared pretty well. At that time closing the tank valve was it; nowdays we have selenoids, pressure switches and safety appliance valves. Surely leaving the tank valve open will not constitute any unreasonable risk. Safety valves on propane tanks were designed an implemented mainly to protect the guy with his backyard grill but when used in a boat which already has built in layers of protection these are redundant.

 

[mike16337]

spare tanks

Andy i picked up a 10# recertified tank at a local propane outlet for about 15.00 less than new . recert. for 10 years and full of propane ,maybe they do the same in your neck of the woods. Mike

 

[Calif. Ted]

Not necessarily cheap, but the only place

I've found the small bulk tank to fit my locker is REI at $43.95. I've attached link here.

 

[John T1594]

Same problem

I had the same problem with a small propane tank. The valve mechanism just sticks and you can't get propane in or out of the tank. I bit the bullet and ordered a new tank from Worthington but they are expensive - much more than the normal 20lb tank. I bought a second tank from another vendor that holds 5lb of propane but it measures about 1/2" too tall and I have a problem with closing the propane locker.

 

[Ed Caldwell]

Source for tank

Try Northern Tool. I found the 4 1/4 # tank at the local store for about $28 last spring. This small (1 gallon) tank is apparently what the H340 compartment is designed around.