Following are replys to a mispost that were worth savings.
Mike Robinson Member posted July 06, 2003 10:36 AM
I would check and see if it really needs replacing. Take it to a place that checks and recertifies this tank - like Superior Propane. I am sure they will replace the main value and send you on your way.
I have an '82 with a tank that was very rusty. I painted it with POR-15 (don't belive the rust stopping properties) and I have never been questioned when filling it. I do intend to get it checked at the end of the year.
To replace the tank - should you have too, can be a bit of a challange. I was looking at buying an '84 that along with other stuff wrong with it had a 'decertifed tank' What I suspect this means is when you go to get a fill they connect the propane and check for leaks before opening the small overflow value (I think) I looked into getting another tank $1000 CDN from a VW (for just the tank) Then I talked to a pile of propane fitters who said they could not fit a tank underneith because of clearance etc - but could put one inside. The bill would be over $1000.
The real solution would be to buy a tank from
www.busdepot.com 80-91 Westy, Original Equipment Tank With Internal Fill Valve $219.95 US P/N 253070601D. I have not looked at the installation but I understand it to be attached to the westy by 4 bolts under the carpet, then get an RV shop to do the propane connections.
Hope this helps
Mike
simscaw15 Junior Member posted July 06, 2003 12:46 PM
I live in Vancouver and just recently had the propane tank replaced on my '82. I called a number of places and the only luck I had was at M-R-O RV Services in Burnaby. (604) 431-7446. Damn expensive, $1350.00 Cdn but there didn't seem to be any other option. Another place I had reccomended to me was Delta Propane and Auto Repairs in Surrey 591-3804. He quoted me a lower price but after four months I gave up on him as he said he had tanks on back order but they hadn't arrived. When I was in Jasper last summer the propane place I stopped at wouln't fill my tank as the 80% valve was leaking and when I took it into M-R-O they checked it out and said the whole tank was gone. (the label was rusted off which was an indicator for them (?) They stuck exactly to their estimate and I feel totally secure in it's safety. The tank cost $685.00, $42.50 for the LPG regulator, $5.99 for a cover, $8.50 for shop supplies and the rest was labour. Good Luck on your search. Let me know if you find anything cheaper. Hopefully I won't need to know for another 10 years!
Cheers
Peterpcawsey@shaw.ca
icarus Member posted July 07, 2003 01:46 PM
A simple solution, instead of replacing the existing tank is to install a extend-a-stay fitting before the regulator. (I have posted info on other l/p threads) This fitting allows you to use a portable tank, as small as 3 gallons, as big as 5 gallons. When you stop, just plug in the portable tank and light appliances. You never have to fill the existing tank if you don't want to. You can also use the fitting to transfer l/p from the portable to the on board, without having to use the dealer for filling. It won't fill the onboard full, but it will fill with gravity. I use a ex-tenda-stay with my on board to make it last longer. On the other hand changing out the onboard tank is not very hard to do. The regualtor screw in with reverse threads, and gas lines are simple copper flair fittings.
Icarus