Propane bleed valve not bleeding

[JoeSteiner]

Went to have my propane tank filled at the local UHaul. The guy there said he couldn't top off my tank because my bleed valve was not opening. As I understand it, the bleed valve has a tube that sits at 80% of tank capacity so when you go to fill the tank you fill it up to the point where liquid propane sprays out of the bleed valve. This prevents overfilling and running liquid propane through your distribution lines.

I suggested he rap on the valve with a screwdriver handle but he said that might cause a spark. He was able to add two gallons to my tank. I always thought that propane was measured in pounds. But there's a lot I don't know about a lot of things.

I went on my trip and my heater and stove worked fine. Control panel says 2/3 full which is about as full as it ever registers.

When I got back I tried rapping the valve with a plastic handled screwdriver. Tried it in both the open and closed positions. Tried opening it all the way up hard and closing it all the way down hard.

I've heard they put a chemical in the propane so you can smell it. I've also heard that it is oil based and can gum up valves. I remember fixing my propane oven by banging on the control knob with a screwdriver handle.

It is cold here now. Ranging 20 to 60 degrees

Anyone had similar issues. Wondering if this is an RV dealer thing or a propane dealer thing.

Any advice appreciated.

[SeaDog]

Yours is an installed tank so I think taking it to a propane shop and having them evacuate the tank and pull the overflow valve and clean or replace it would be the way for you to go.

[JLeising]

Several on the forum have reported regulators freezing up from moisture in the propane tank. You say it is quite cold. Could this be a different presentation of the same problem (moisture in the tank)? Wait until things warm up and try it again?

[Flybob]

This Thread should help with some of your questions. Not sure about purge valve. It could have been over tightened on earlier fill.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1503308

[JoeSteiner]

Sea dog. I think that is probably the way to go. I opened the valve and rapped on it several times with a screwdriver handle and it would not release. Normally, on plumbing piping I would resort to a blowtorch and heat the valve up, figured that's not a good idea on a propane tank. Guess I'll try to find a "propane shop". Never looked for one before. Got any suggestions on what to search for?

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Flybob

This Thread should help with some of your questions. Not sure about purge valve. It could have been over tightened on earlier fill.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1503308

That FAQ is actually more concerning the portable type DOT cylinders. The ASME type cylinders in motorhomes are a little different.

However, I just found and added a great file to our library, which is a training manual written by the Propane Education and Research Council, that details properly dispensing propane in about all situations...inclusive of DOT, ASME, Vehicles.

Page 49 details the proper way to fill ASME cylinders in motorhomes.

Forest River Forums - Downloads - Propane Dispensing Training Manual

I am also going to update that FAQ to include a link to this.

[SeaDog]

To have this type of thing done I would you need to contact one of the propane distributors (not the little tank fillers) in your area if they don't do that sort of thing they may know someone that does

[MNtraveler]

If it's frozen, you might try parking indoors at 60 degrees+ for 24 hours. Either a storage building, an RV dealer's service bay, or even a service station with a tall bay (or truck service center). See if it thaws then works after that, and fill it right up if it does.

[JoeSteiner]

Gentlemen, thanks for you feedback. Not in a rush to go anywhere right now so I think I'll wait for a warm day an try it again. If that doesn't work I'll have it serviced.

[campingbaba]

On the end of the bleeder valve there is a rubber gasket . It will come of the bleeder and get stuck in the valve . The repair is simple . Take it to a propane dealer and they will take the bleeder out and replace the seal . When they take the bleeder out and the tank is below 80% only a small amount of vapor will come out . The bleeder hole is only a small hole .

[JoeSteiner]

thanks for that info. I figured it is a relatively simple thing, but I'm a little afraid of the propane system, don't know what I don't know about it. Kind of figure it's just plumbing, but still a little hesitant to do it myself.

[JLeising]

Another thought - some of the fill stations I've been to don't use the vent. Nozzle automatically shuts off at proper fill level (or so they told me - and it apparently worked).

[cavie]

Some places use the vent some don't. My local Hardware store ACE use's the vent and weight. At camp, I go to BJ's wholesale with my 30# tanks. They don't use the vent. Just weight. You pay by the gallon so you're not getting cheated just getting a short fill. Kinda like letting the gas pump deciding your gas tank is full vs you stuffing the tank.

[campingbaba]

Take it to a propane dealer . It’s a five minute fix .

[wmtire]

The OP has a motorhome with permanent mounted cylinders. His cylinders will be filled by volume.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by wmtire

The OP has a motorhome with permanent mounted cylinders. His cylinders will be filled by volume.

yep, that was evident by the first post.

[rockfordroo]

Try Ferrellgas - Tulsa. They've done well on my 20lb'ers. Don't know about installed tanks.

310 E Morrow Rd
Sand Springs, OK 74063-7981
918-289-2170
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

https://www.ferrellgas.com/locations...ings-ok/256750

[Big Bill]

Is this a new unit ? The tankshouldhave been purged when new ? A little bit of moisture could plug it

[larry pw]

If there is no lp flowing through the.valve, there won't be any ice. The PERC material is spot on.

[Rookiewood]

Originally Posted by JoeSteiner

Went to have my propane tank filled at the local UHaul. The guy there said he couldn't top off my tank because my bleed valve was not opening. As I understand it, the bleed valve has a tube that sits at 80% of tank capacity so when you go to fill the tank you fill it up to the point where liquid propane sprays out of the bleed valve. This prevents overfilling and running liquid propane through your distribution lines.

I suggested he rap on the valve with a screwdriver handle but he said that might cause a spark. He was able to add two gallons to my tank. I always thought that propane was measured in pounds. But there's a lot I don't know about a lot of things.

I went on my trip and my heater and stove worked fine. Control panel says 2/3 full which is about as full as it ever registers.

When I got back I tried rapping the valve with a plastic handled screwdriver. Tried it in both the open and closed positions. Tried opening it all the way up hard and closing it all the way down hard.

I've heard they put a chemical in the propane so you can smell it. I've also heard that it is oil based and can gum up valves. I remember fixing my propane oven by banging on the control knob with a screwdriver handle.

It is cold here now. Ranging 20 to 60 degrees

Anyone had similar issues. Wondering if this is an RV dealer thing or a propane dealer thing.

Any advice appreciated.

Propane is sold per gallon.
Depending on temperature 1gal of propane = 4.2lbs
The 80% is a safety factor for gas expansion.
So 30lbs tank (24lbs at 80%)= 5.7 gallons of propane per 30lbs bottle.