new propane valve

[Lake Alice]

Has anyone changed out an old propoane valve? I have a 5 lb tank and I took the old vale out and have the new kind (OPS I think they are called) to put in. If I just use thread tape and screw it down tight, then soap it out, am I ok? Of course the instructions cite a bunch of federal regs and say you're supposed to have a pro do it.

[hitthebricks]

Don't know much about your question but do you know Danny Nauer from that area?

[Gissert]

The local Cenex store here will change them for a nominal fee. They have the wrench and jig to make it much easier. Some of the old valves can be a real bugger to get out.

[Dave]

I just read something related to LP gas lines pertaining to a furnace but would think it's applicable to any LP gas connection. Do not use teflon tape, use the pipe dope that is brushed on. Why? I don't know. Just passing on what I read.

[This message has been edited by Dave (edited 10-12-2004).]

[IFallsRon]

You'll have to the get the tank inspected and date-stamped before it can be filled.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Dave, the reason dope is recommended over tape is that small chunks of tape may tear off the threads and become lodged downstream, there by restricting flow. I'm not saying this will happen, just may. Dope is more forgiving and stays soft and squishy and will "flow through" if it becomes dislodged from the threads.

We see this often at work when installing things with smaller ports. The instructions always say use dope and not tape.

[Dave]

Ah, I see. That's some good advice then. Thanks for explaining that, Boilerguy.

[This message has been edited by Dave (edited 10-12-2004).]

[Lake Alice]

Sounds like I better take it somewhere. The question is where. The guys at Northern told me to do it myself, but I'm a little cautious.

Bricks I'm not from up north, that's where the cabin is. I'm in WBL. So no, I don't know that person.

Thanks guys

LA

[Eric Wettschreck]

Alice, if it were me I'd do it myself. All ya have to do is smear a little pipe dope on the threads and screw it on tight. Fill er up, soap it and check for leaks.

[Nutty Fisherman]

I did two 20LB tanks myself and didn't have any problems.

[Lake Alice]

Ok. Maybe I'll get the wrench I need and give it a shot.

[stmichael]

There is a propane dealer in New Brighton, called suburban propane. It is located on old hwy. 8 between the long lake park entrance and Beisswengers hardware.
They should be able to help you out.

Suburban Propane
(651) 633-0333

[Dave]

I confirmed it today with the LP gas guy when he came to hookup my new furnace at the cabin. DO NOT use sealant tape with LP gas. It breaks down over time. Use the paste dope for LP connections.

[Lake Alice]

Thanks alot.

[Redlantern]

Dave, I've never heard of the teflon tape breaking down over time. Sure hope it doesn't as I've used quite a bit of it on my waterlines and cleanout plugs. I was taught that the reason you don't use it on gas lines is that if a small piece is torn off while threading the fittings together, it can get stuck in the regulator, preventing the regulator from releasing excess pressure.

------------------
Erik Torgerson

[Dave]

Maybe it breaks down when used for gas...?? I'm just relaying what I was told and read, relating to LP gas and thread tape.