Propane tank issues

[bobbymalone]

The knob on top for opening and closing the valve has come off. Not just the knob, but the screw thing attached to it and everything. Looks like it got stripped somehow and it won't just go back in.

The valve is wide open but it isn't spraying propane everywhere, I am guessing because the hose has that little pin that sticks in there.

The tank is still about a 1/4-1/8 full and I left it sitting in the middle of the backyard to minimize damage should the SHTF.

What can I do? Seems like you could just pop a new valve assembly on the tank but I how am I supposed to do that when the tank still has propane in it? Is it safe to still connect the thing to my buddy heater to burn it off? What about transporting it in the truck?

Sorry, I'm not Hank Hill.

[Cowhead]

yeah i would hook somthing up to it and see if its leaking anywhere just remember dont use soapy water and dont use an open flame ha ha ha. so i would hook up a heater and just see if it leaks and if it leaks turn the tank upside down and just let it be untill its all gone at least thats what we do at work good luck with the tank

[Dozer]

If its a 20lb tank I would jam the knob back on the top and excange it. Let them screw with it.

[bobbymalone]

If its a 20lb tank I would jam the knob back on the top and excange it. Let them screw with it.

nope, it's my 11lb-er.

Also, not sure I would "let them screw with it" if I wasn't absolutely sure it wasn't a safety hazard. Don't need a that on my conscience.

I am pretty sure it isn't leaking. when I took the hose off last night there was a little puff of propane that came out but I sniffed around the thing this morning and couldn't smell anything. I've got a bloodhound nose too.

Is there a way I can drain the tank? I'm half tempted to put on a thick pair of gloves and stick the little "green key" thing that came with a coleman 1 lb tank in there to empty it.

[boatfixer]

Bobby by all means youre right, dont "let someone screw with it".

If you can safely hook it up and use the gas in there, go ahead and then take it to a propane dealer and have it repaired, especially if its a tank you want to keep. Or you could take it to the dealer now and have them empty the tank and repair it.

I would suggest against trying to empty the tank yourself.

[Bryce]

Should be a screw on the valve that you can turn to release the pressure. Same screw they use to purge a new tank.

[tjz123]

I used to work for Ferrellgas and Amerigas.......Call any propane company and they will replace the valve.

[rcatcherman]

Been there done that. I took it to a propane dealer in buffalo and they put a new valve on it and redated it so it is good for many years to come. What drives me crazy is the smaller the tank the more expensive it gets to buy a new one. But that is the way of the world!!!!!

[Sonicrunch]

. What drives me crazy is the smaller the tank the more expensive it gets to buy a new one. But that is the way of the world!!!!!

because they make millions of the 20 pounders, and only thousands of the 11 pounders. Cost per unit goes down with higher production numbers. Not that you guys don't already know this.