Can the knob be changed on old propane tanks?

[mr_jman]

I have a 5 lb. pancake propane cylinder but it has the flower shaped knob and they can't be filled at gas stations, etc. Can these flower knobs be changed for the triangle ones so I can use it again? Where can I have this done or get the parts to do it myself? Thanks.

[RylFlsh85]

Yes you can get a new style valve at any propane supplier in your area, not sure of the cost it might be different in your area, but you can find a new valve.

[Dave S]

Many of the farm based or Ag Service stations may be able change out the valve for you. Depending on the age of the tank, I have heard they won't touch them if the tanks are too old.

[RylFlsh85]

It all depends if the tank is rusted bad or not, most of the older stations will change it or at least have the valve for you to do it yourself.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The "knob" or hand wheel is not the part that makes the tank compliant. The valve needs to be updated to an OPD style which is typically identified by the triangular hand wheel. If the hand wheel itself was was replaced the tank would still not be compliant because the old valve will not have an OPD marking casted onto it and the tank itself is likely past its expiration date. They are good for 12 years after there manufacture date and 5 years after a re certification date.

Any propane jobber can install a new OPD valve and re certify the tank for you. In your case it could be cheaper that replacing the tank with a new one.

[RylFlsh85]

Thats true, i asked about a new valve last year for a tank of mine and the guy at the coop told me what a new valve cost and the age of the tank it would be smarter to get a new tank just to be certain it was safe, and then you can get it filled anywhere for sure and shouldn't have to worry about it for another 12 years.

It was a good investment.

[mr_jman]

thanks for the replies, it may be easier to just get a new tank. I know 20 lb. tanks are available almost anywhere, but where can I get the smaller 5 lb. tanks?

[mnwildman]

Mills Fleet Farm has a bunch of different size tanks.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

The triangle valve at work cost around $15 and Labor is like another $7.50. So to get the triangle valve put on your looking at $22.50. If I remeber right if the tank is older then 12yrs, by law we are not suppose to refill them at work.

I'd look at just getting a new tank, or take it to one of the propane exchange sites and switch the tank out.

[harvey lee]

If the tank is in good shape and not all rusty and the bottom ring is in good shape, they can re certify them.

[boatfixer]

Tom is correct. I'd look into re-valving if you want to stick with the pancake style tank. The last time I looked, they were quite exspensive compared to a 20 if you were to replace the whole tank.

[Sandmannd]

What I don't get is why you can get a 20 lb tank for $20 some bucks but the small tanks are in the fifties. How can they be that much more.

[boatfixer]

20's are "mass" produced as compared to the odder sized tanks.

[Schloogs]

I bought a 11# tank this year for $38 at Menards and GM has 5# tanks and I think they run for about $50.