Rusty propane cylinder threads

[superiorgenes]

Hi Everyone, New to the forum so be gentle with me. Is there anyone out there that has figured out how to keep the threads from rusting on the 1 lb propane cylinders we use for our BBQ grills. Thanks in advance for the time and attention for your response.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Welcome. 3:1 oil is a good possibility. You could also invest in a tub of Lanocote.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I don't really have this problem but 3-in-1 or Marvel Mystery oil are both good possibilities. I do remove my cylinder after each use and replace the plastic cap that come on the cylinder. I find a cylinder lasts me 4-6 uses so that could be a week or 10 days. Maybe you need to grill more often?

 

[centerline]

I don't really have this problem but 3-in-1 or Marvel Mystery oil are both good possibilities. I do remove my cylinder after each use and replace the plastic cap that come on the cylinder. I find a cylinder lasts me 4-6 uses so that could be a week or 10 days. Maybe you need to grill more often?

exactly what Rich said... you should have a can of wd-40 on the boat, and a very light spray and replace the cap will give you the results you want.

 

[IStream]

+1 on the WD. It'll keep the rust at bay. Just be mindful of keeping any overspray away from your gelcoat.

 

[Chief RA]

The only thing I want to know is "superiorgenes" a pair of new Levis or 2 pair? Chief

 

[troutman]

It is my understanding that the tank does not seal at the threads so light surface rust will not cause a leak. The threads act to hold pressure on the sealing area. Light rust will not prevent you from applying the proper pressure. As stated previously a light oil will do the trick to prevent the rust but this will collect debris that could cause a sealing issue. Hey, the tanks are cheap, they are not meant to last. A 20 lb tank has brass fittings to prevent this problem.

 

[Ross]

I would wipe on a thin coat of Teflon pipe joint compound when I purchased the cylinder.

 

[nautikaljeeper]

(Hey, the tanks are cheap, they are not meant to last.)

Have you ever tried to refill them?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/400556070475?lpid=82

 

[Chief RA]

Yes, the refill unit works great and it costs about 60 cents per refill. No, those tanks are not cheap. Calculate what you are spending for that propane per gallon. Its another ripoff! Chief

 

[Chris Patterson]

I pop the regulator off of the Magma grill, just a quarter twist. Then I leave the regulator on the bottle sitting in the cockpit with a plastic bag upside down over it to keep it from getting rained upon. That may be wrong, but I do it..

 

[Benny17441]

Don't worry I have my silk gloves on. I stay away from using petroleum based lubricants as they may deteriorate the grills gaskets and seals. I find that I don't really have a problem with rust on the bottle threads. As long as I can get a good seal It does not matter to me if there is rust build up. I do have a habit and that is to connect a bottle to the grill which overhangs the transom and leave it in place until it is ready to be replaced. I back off the bottles a couple of turns until they seal themselves but leave them hanging on. Actually a bit of rusts helps prevent them from falling off.

 

[justsomeguy]

snip- Actually a bit of rusts helps prevent them from falling off.

I love it.

 

[superiorgenes]

Hi Everyone,

THANK YOU ALL for your suggestions. Just for a little more clarification. I keep my spare cylinders in a lazzerette, the Capt doesn't want them in the cabin. I have tried all the above suggestions, except for the Lanocote, and even bought expensive brass caps to cover the threads. All of which failed. The threads get so rusted that I can't screw the bottle on the grill (Force 10) regulator. I am think about putting my spares in meal sealer bags. Has anyone ever tried this? Thanks again...

 

[Benny17441]

If the lazarette is connected to the interior hull storing the bottles there is practically the same as storing them inside the cabin. Propane gas is heavier than air and it will flow towards the lowest section of the hull and pool there. Some folks keep theirs in the anchor locker as it is by necessity sealed and is vented to the outside via the water drain. It would be a good idea to store them in a plastic waterproof bag if you consider that location.

 

[caguy]

I have seen where others have stored them in a sealed ABS pipe. I also leave the regulator attached. I have found that the leak once partially used if removed. The regulator as mentioned simply bayonets off the grill.

 

[Ross]

Hi Everyone,

THANK YOU ALL for your suggestions. Just for a little more clarification. I keep my spare cylinders in a lazzerette, the Capt doesn't want them in the cabin. I have tried all the above suggestions, except for the Lanocote, and even bought expensive brass caps to cover the threads. All of which failed. The threads get so rusted that I can't screw the bottle on the grill (Force 10) regulator. I am think about putting my spares in meal sealer bags. Has anyone ever tried this? Thanks again...

Try wrapping the threads with Teflon pipe joint tape.

 

[troutman]

On a per gallon basis the propane in a 1 lb tank is expensive as you have stated. I usually pay $3 per tank for them when they are on sale. One tank will last a couple grillings. The cost per cookout is about $1. I could save 70 cents by refilling. If I went to the trouble of refilling 35 tanks I could buy one tank of gas for my truck that I use to haul my boat.

 

[Chief RA]

Something that has not been addressed is the fact that to get the bottle completely refilled it is necessary to pull up on the valve core type pressure relief valve to expel air. Just use long nose pliers to do this. Chief

 

[Scott B]

Something that has not been addressed is the fact that to get the bottle completely refilled it is necessary to pull up on the valve core type pressure relief valve to expel air. Just use long nose pliers to do this. Chief

From the Coleman site, that produce the small bottles,

Can I refill a Coleman® Propane Cylinder?
No. The cylinders are not designed to be and are not safe when refilled. Our 16.4 oz. cylinders, and all other cylinders marked DOT-39, which are produced in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations which preclude their refilling.
The regulations also specifically state that each cylinder must be marked with: "Federal law forbids transportation if refilled-penalty up to $500,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment (49 USC 5124)".
Some other companies offer refilling kits or tools. We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to use these products. Refilled cylinders can leak from the valves or the valves can fail resulting in an uncontrolled release of propane. In addition, the main valve, relief valve and structural components of the cylinders are not designed to accept the pressures that may occur during refilling. Overpressure may result in failure of these components and the uncontrolled release of propane.