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Topic: Older Propane tank modification (Read 731 times) previous topic - next topic

Older Propane tank modification

If any of you have an older propane tank, if you have not had this happen, your time is coming. When the aluminum 80% float valve fitting goes bad it will not allow any filling of the tank. The aluminum 80% float valve fitting is no longer made. I have had this problem and came up with a remedy for me that does not include changing the tank. In trying to find retrofit parts Manchester tank states there are no retrofit parts and only recommends the replacement of the tank and fittings. That can be well over $500.00. I am only soliciting the opinions of my Foretravel Owner's Forum friends of a possible re-modification that does not mean changing the whole tank and is less than $75.00. I have a 1989 Foretravel Grandvilla Unihome. I removed the brass fill fitting out of the aluminum 80% float valve fitting. Next, I removed the four mounting bolts. I used extreme care in removing the aluminum 80% float valve fitting to prevent any debris might fall in the tank. The first picture is of what my fitting looked like once removed. The second picture shows how I re-modified the aluminum 80% float valve. I cut off everything that went into the tank, save no more than 1/2" stub. If the "stub" was more than 1/2" the new Manchester 80% float fill assembly would have not worked properly. In the third picture one can see the new Manchester and aluminum fitting modification assembled. I made sure that both "top" stamps aligned with each other, so when installed it would work properly. I installed this over three months ago and it has so far tested "warmly". ;D I plan on doing this to another similar (125 gallon) spare tank I can't use because of the same problem. I purchased my new Manchester 80% fill valve from Dyers RV. Their part number was 66-8691. The Manchester number on the new part was V13414. If anyone can contact Mike Grimes and ask him for his input, because he was looking for a solution in case his 1989 tank went out. Your opinions are all needed. Any improvements would be deeply appreciated. Thank you.
Curtis
1989 GV

Re: Older Propane tank modification

Reply #1 –
I hope this works, but I don't like to play around with propane and potential leaks or explosions. Just my opinion and I am certainly not an expert by any means, but I would think that $500 would be well worth the "peace of mind" and any safety issues that may be associated with any retrofit homemade parts. Be careful....I'm sure you are!
Steve Mudd
Commander, The Crystal Ship
CEO, Retirement Clearinghouse International
1993 Grand Villa U300 40', Detroit 6V92 Turbo
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport
2008 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic
2000 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide
swmudd@aol.com

Re: Older Propane tank modification

Reply #2 –
Seems like another good reason to go total electric as I have, with the LP Gas tank removed, I now have plenty room for a newer inverter/charger AND 1 additional 8D jell battery.  By the way, I love the Samsung Refrig SO FAR, all happy and love the ability to keep ice cream at the proper temp.  ;D
MO
Dave M

Re: Older Propane tank modification

Reply #3 –
Curtis,
    That looks like a perfect mod/repair Karma added for the great description and pics.
Rick
Rick

Re: Older Propane tank modification

Reply #4 –
@Curtis Nice mod. Looks good. Thanks for the pics.

Do all of the propane tanks come with the aluminum float valve? Is this something I have to add to my worry list? :)

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Older Propane tank modification

Reply #5 –
Curtis, How did you attach the new float fitting to the old tank Flange ?  Or, does the new float valve simply screw into the old flange and pass thru the flange ?
Gary B

Re: Older Propane tank modification

Reply #6 –
Yes, the new float valve simply screws into the old flange and passes thru the old aluminum flange. In the old flange there is a threaded center hole that is the same as the new fitting. To let you know how tight the tolerances are. With the old modified aluminum flange, the new 80% float and fill valve had a sticker on the bulb from Dyer's RV. When I slid it through the modified aluminum flange it was a little tight when I first tested it. I took the sticker off and it all slide in with a "slide fit." Of course, one does want to remove the sticker permanently. Those that have an engineering background (mine is manufacturing engineer) will think it was made on purpose for this. It is simply a perfect fit. Two thousandths of an inch larger and the new part would have not fit into the modified aluminum plate. Did I mention it might be best to not tell Manchester Tank. Tank sales may dip. :))
Curtis
1989 GV
 

Re: Older Propane tank modification

Reply #7 –
Quote from: sonshineclg –
Yes, the new float valve simply screws into the old flange and passes thru the old aluminum flange. In the old flange there is a threaded center hole that is the same as the new fitting. To let you know how tight the tolerances are. With the old modified aluminum flange, the new 80% float and fill valve had a sticker on the bulb from Dyer's RV. When I slid it through the modified aluminum flange it was a little tight when I first tested it. I took the sticker off and it all slide in with a "slide fit." Of course, one does want to remove the sticker permanently. Those that have an engineering background (mine is manufacturing engineer) will think it was made on purpose for this. It is simply a perfect fit. Two thousandths of an inch larger and the new part would have not fit into the modified aluminum plate. Did I mention it might be best to not tell Manchester Tank. Tank sales may dip. :))

A little emery cloth secured to some sort of a mandrel, chuck it in a drill and remove a little from the hole, or ream/drill it out little if necessary.
Rick