Check the tank

pwd72s · 09-04-2021, 09:26 AM

Weird happening with the propane BBQ. We have 2 five gallon tanks..rotate to full when one runs dry, as many probably do. So, ran out of gas last night, switched to the full tank. Obviously filled...much heavier than the empty one. BBQ wouldn't light.

Got out the manual, went through it's checklist, thinking it may have been the auto safety shutoff mentioned in the manual. Went through the manual's restart procedure twice. By then it was dark, decided to deal with it again this morn.

So, this morn, pulled the tank, placed it in a well ventilated area, opened it's valve...and Nothing! First time I've ever seen that...a defective valve on a 5 gallon propane tank...

Any propane experts here? Just curious what could cause this...

mistertate · mistertate's Garage

Sounds like a defective valve.
Sometimes you have to put a tiny rock in there to push the piston

pwd72s · 09-04-2021, 10:21 AM

Thanks..I'll try that. But the solution for today was getting the old empty tank filled...back in operation. Obviously something wrong with the tank valve.

Rusty Heap · Rusty Heap's Garage

was a bbq burner valve on when you attached the new tank? all burners have to be off. Try it again.

pwd72s · 09-04-2021, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty Heap

was a bbq burner valve on when you attached the new tank? all burners have to be off. Try it again.

Thanks. All were off. As sure as I can be that it is the propane tank valve...like I said, switching to another full tank solved the problem.

908/930 · 908/930's Garage

I'm not an expert but, try the tank that did not work again, when there is no regulator attached and the valve is opened nothing should happen. After attaching a new tank you should open the tank valve slowly, there is some sort of safety valve in the reg that can switch to an off position and will slowly reset.

pwd72s · 09-04-2021, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 908/930

I'm not an expert but, try the tank that did not work again, when there is no regulator attached and the valve is opened nothing should happen. After attaching a new tank you should open the tank valve slowly, there is some sort of safety valve in the reg that can switch to an off position and will slowly reset.

Tried that...and discovered that a filled tank with no regulator hooked up has nothing happen with valve open. So, my first diagnosis was right...but for the wrong reason.

Anyway, opening the valve slowly was part of the instructions I followed last night...no results. The malfunction must be rare...sure never happened before.

smadsen · 09-04-2021, 11:56 AM

I found a valve on a returnable bottle that would not work if turned all the way to the right...full on. But the valve worked perfectly if turn right 1/2 turn...no more. Odd bonkin's says I. But it allowed me to use the bottle & replace. Now someone else's problem.........uh, sorry about that.

porsche930dude · porsche930dude's Garage

all i can guess is that the regulator isnt screwing in far enough to press and release the safety valve.

pwd72s · 09-04-2021, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche930dude

all i can guess is that the regulator isnt screwing in far enough to press and release the safety valve.

Maybe..but then why did the old tank work fine after refilling? Shouldn't they all be machined the same? Not going to worry about it..I'll just get a different tank.

Bill Douglas · 09-05-2021, 12:01 AM

"It's dark around the BBQ. Hold my beer while I strike a match and get a better look."

A fireman friend says there are quite a lot of fires with BBQs and gas cylinders. When in doubt with BBQ gas connections it's a good idea to do the soapy water test.

greglepore · 09-05-2021, 06:02 AM

Odd. I had one just do this. Valve was tight, got it to turn. Shaft appears to move. But no gas from tank on a couple different appliances. I just exchanged it for another blue rhino- i use their tanks but get them refilled elsewhere after the initial use

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pwd72s · 09-05-2021, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greglepore

Odd. I had one just do this. Valve was tight, got it to turn. Shaft appears to move. But no gas from tank on a couple different appliances. I just exchanged it for another blue rhino- i use their tanks but get them refilled elsewhere after the initial use

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Precisely my plan...will leave a note on the one I leave. Let the tank exchange figure it out.

I also do the refill route. Pretty obvious the tank exchange doesn't really give you a full tank.

Zeke · 09-06-2021, 07:26 AM

Well, if you are going to a re-filler other than U-Haul, they should be able to diagnose the problem or exchange the tank. There is no need to waste gallons of propane returning a full tank.

And buy a gauge!

Erakad · Erakad's Garage

I took my tank (full open only dribbles gas out) to a re-filler and was told it was toast. It's 3/4 full, so any way to save the fuel.....refiller: "No, we'll take the tank, vent the gas and dispose of the tank". Still have the tank, use it for grilling hotdogs, but still a longggg process.

pwd72s · 09-06-2021, 12:26 PM

Update, Exchange at a blue rhino station made. Blue Rhino tank now in BBQ working fine. Old fuller (by weight) tank we had refilled that also works back in our open on one side woodshed. It's a good 100 feet from the house. Yes, I'm cautious about propane storage.

Not often I can get a problem solved for $20...not going to worry about the gas not used.

Zeke · 09-06-2021, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erakad

I took my tank (full open only dribbles gas out) to a re-filler and was told it was toast. It's 3/4 full, so any way to save the fuel.....refiller: "No, we'll take the tank, vent the gas and dispose of the tank". Still have the tank, use it for grilling hotdogs, but still a longggg process.

Fortunately where I fill up is like a propane tank farm. Off to the side I see the welding/repair shop where they replace valves and service tanks big enough to be worth working on. They sell tanks as large as you want to buy.