propane tank can not refill

[pound99]

I have a propane tank in use,when it ran out of gas I switched to another tank. I took the empty to two different places for re-fill but no one was able to pump propane in to refill the tank. It must be my tank that has a bad valve. In my opinion 2004 model 3400rl is not that old for the valve to go bad.

Any thoughts or ideas how to get it re-filled.

Thanks so much!

Daryl

[jimcol]

Take it to a full service propane dealer. They can verify if the valve is the problem. If so they can replace it. It's a lot cheaper than buying a new tank.

[bsmeaton]

I've heard of that happening before. Something about the safety valve sticking closed. Age doesn't seem to be the factor, rather just a fluke.

[OntMont]

quote:Originally posted by pound99

I have a propane tank in use,when it ran out of gas I switched to another tank. I took the empty to two different places for re-fill but no one was able to pump propane in to refill the tank. It must be my tank that has a bad valve. In my opinion 2004 model 3400rl is not that old for the valve to go bad.

There is an internal "overfill protection device" (OPD) that sometimes sticks. When it happened to me I was lucky that the guy filling the tank was an experienced old timer who only dealt in propane and knew all about it. He just banged the cylinder down sharply on a block of wood, and that freed up the valve. I have had no problem since.

[jjackflash]

That might be the year they changed the valve to a different type.
I had a small tank to refill but the valve was outdated and had to be changed over to a current safety valve or no one would fill it.
Jack

[mtheo]

If it has a safety valve, they have a tendence to stick. A good propane man can fix it. The last time it happen to me, the guy hit it on the ground firmly and that was all it took. Other wise they can change them fairly easily and cheaper than a new tank.

[DarMar]

We had that happen to one of the tanks on our 2003 model and neither place that fills the tanks was able to fix it. Instead of buying a new tank we took it to the hardware store that does simple tank exchanges, mostly 20 lb. but they did carry a couple 30 lb. and that way we only paid for the propane. It was a little more expensive than just doing a refill but much cheaper than buying a new tank.

[pound99]

Hello,

Thanks for your solution. I dropped my tank on a block of wood as suggested. I took it back to the propane re-fill station. IT Filled saving me the cost of a new tank. Thanks and have a blessed day!!

Daryl

[capn chris]

Yea! Experienced MOC folks to the rescue once again. Never ceases to amaze me the wealth of helpful info shared here. Great!!!

[The Old Fogies]

Yep, lessons learned by others and shared is like money in the bank.

[simonsrf]

I've had that problem AFTER they were filled, the valve is opened (slowly) and no gas. A short drop to the ground fixed the problem.