propane tanks

[John R]

I have an old propane tank with the old style gauge. Today, I was told by a guy at a marina where they fill tanks that the tank itself is too old (about 13-15 years old) and not only does the gauge need to be replaced but the tank does too. If the tank is not leaking and shows no signs of wear, rust, etc., is that true? Do older tanks need to be replaced? I'm asking because I know I need to replace the gauge, but I don't want to change that out only if I need to replace the tank too.

Thanks.

 

[seadaddler]

Yes

Yes over the years I have had BBQ tanks too old to be refilled also
so I would think the same for any old tanks.
Try a land propane refilling station.
Nick

 

[Nom De Guerre]

I don't know how it is where you are, but any small propane tanks in Canada have to be re-certified every 10 years (date of last is stamped into the steel, against the law to refill if 10 past that).

 

[justsomeguy]

Google "opd propane"

 

[Johnb]

You may be able to find a date stamped into it. As far as I recall steel tanks 10 yrs old can be inspected and re certified for another 5 yrs.

I believe it is a good thing.

 

[Ray Bowles]

About 10 years ago the government passed new laws concerning propane tanks and the valves on them. There was a time limit where no old style tank/valves could be refilled. Many dealers would go ahead and fill old bottles if they looked good. Now they won't do that in most cases. We had 2 8lb. aluminum bottles on our boat and only these bottles would fit in the locker. It cost about $45 per bottle to refit them and now I can fill them anywhere.
Ray

 

[Ross]

The simplest way to deal with this is to take the old tank to a big box store where you can exchange your empty for a newer full one. I collect old obsolete tanks and exchange them for modern tanks because my standby generator is propane fueled.

 

[Mr Mac]

The simplest way to deal with this is to take the old tank to a big box store where you can exchange your empty for a newer full one. I collect old obsolete tanks and exchange them for modern tanks because my standby generator is propane fueled.

Same thing I did! Newer tanks have to be fitted with the OPD valve.


OPD stands for "overfilling prevention device" or "overfill protection device" and is required on all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders in vapor service. The OPD valve is simply a protective device that, as the name implies, prevents overfilling of a propane cylinder.

 

[tkanzler]

DOT cylinders, like the refillable ones used in gas grills and boats, have a date code stamped on the ring showing month and year. A date alone indicates the cylinder has to be requalified within the next 12 years. The date followed by an "S" means within the next 7 years, and the date followed by an "E" within 5 years. This is independent of the OPD.

Refill stations aren't allowed to refill if the cylinder has the old style valve (with the round handle) and no OPD, nor are they allowed to refill if the cylinder needs requalification.

Canada may have slightly different rules, but I'm sure they're similar if not the same.

 

[Dave602]

I did the same thing as Ross. To most of those people a tank is a tank for exchange.

 

[Gunni]

Take your tank to a propane distributor who has qualified propane mechanics. They will inspect your tank, re-stamp it with a current date, change out the valve for an OPD, and it can be filled by any refill station.

 

[Ross]

Take your tank to a propane distributor who has qualified propane mechanics. They will inspect your tank, re-stamp it with a current date, change out the valve for an OPD, and it can be filled by any refill station.

This is only cost effective if you have an odd size or an aluminum tank. Exchanging an obsolete tank for a filled modern tank can be accomplished for $20. I asked the driver servicing a self service kiosk about the obsolete tanks and he said they just scrap them.

 

[gettinthere]

Is the tank aluminum or steel?

Alum might be worth upgrading, steel doubtful