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Yillbs · 12-22-2021, 08:49 PM

Hey Guys!

Can I tighten a pressure relief valve on my class A? It's leaking at the threads, not the actual valve itself.

Attached image for clarification on what's leaking, and again, it's leaking where it threads into the tank. I sprayed a soapy bubble mixture, and it's bubbling up. Although, it's extremely tiny. You really have to be looking at it to see it bubbling.

HarryStone · 12-22-2021, 10:15 PM

I'm guessing there is some kind of sealing tape or compound on the threads. Tightening it may allow it to seal, and then again, you may break the valve off. IMO, I'd take it to a reputable propane dealer and have them drain the tank and then try to fix it.

Old-Biscuit · 12-22-2021, 10:33 PM

Give a whirl......it's already weeping so tightening it may well be all it needs

I would do it in small increments then recheck
*shouldn't take much

chboone · 12-23-2021, 12:04 AM

Doesn't appear you can get a box or flare nut wrench on the hex. Try using a tight fitting opened end, being brass the valve hex may just round before the valve turns.

almacd1814 · 12-23-2021, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Give a whirl......it's already weeping so tightening it may well be all it needs

I would do it in small increments then recheck
*shouldn't take much

Sure, it is already leaking propane! What could go wrong.......BOOM!!!!
Take it to a propane repair facility, so what if it costs $50, better than
blowing yourself to HELL.

lonfu · 12-23-2021, 02:13 AM

propane tanks run between 125psi and 250psi depending on the ambient temp. it is not dangerous unless there is an open source of flame near by. I'd wait and run the tank down to empty then drain off any excess by opening the pictured vent and letting it run to empty... use your bubbles for an indicator. I'd then purchase a new one if available and replace the old one. the reason is that some times the brass becomes distorted over a period of time and the old one just won't reseal. Then I'd use both some high pressure sealant rated for 3000psi like Gasoila and rated for gas use. depending on the threads, I like to use gas rated teflon tape. I put a coat of sealant, then wrap with the gas rated teflon tape then a coat of sealant and install. don't get the sealant on the inside of the vent valve and don't use to much teflon tape. Using this method I don't get call backs. Rector seal, a common pipe sealant is good but only rated up to 125 psi, in the warm weather the tanks can get up to 250psi. Many new AC gasses now have propane in them but rarely run over 250psi but the thought of it running folks AC systems scares them yet they are sitting on a tank that in 100 degree weather can easily hit 250psi. I have personally measured the pressures in these tanks at diff ambient temps.

Argosy · 12-23-2021, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by almacd1814

Sure, it is already leaking propane! What could go wrong.......BOOM!!!!
Take it to a propane repair facility, so what if it costs $50, better than
blowing yourself to HELL.

He said it's barely bubbling. If you take it to a propane dealer the first thing they will try is to tighten it, that's pretty much the fix for a small leak. Do as was posted, turn it in small increments, a small leak won't take much to stop.

And don't let life terrify you so much you terrify others.

TandW · 12-23-2021, 05:21 AM

Ever wonder what service industry uses FM and Osha approved non-sparking/non-magnetic tools?

Yillbs · 12-23-2021, 06:22 AM

Thanks so much for everyone answering. It's clear we have a split on what everyone thinks is the best course of action.

Wanted to clarify, money isn't an option whatsoever, I just found the leak last night by complete chance, was hoping to tighten it would fix it. It did not.

That said if a leak like this is dangerous or can I get it serviced when I'm out of propane? I don't want to be dramatic, but I don't want to give a wrong impression either. This is a small leak, so small that PPL in Houston inspected it and found no issue.

I have no problem with taking it to get it drained/fixed / re-filled. I just don't -want- to lol. It's a trek, we live in the middle of nowhere and it's stored right now. If the general consensus is " a leak is a leak is a leak, needs to be fixed immediately ", then so be it. you fella's know a **** load more about propane than I do.

tmandoug1 · 12-23-2021, 06:36 AM

Ventilate the space (fan to outside) and help or let it bleed down. When it is empty (throw some soapy water on it to verify) swap out with a new one. But do this only if you are comfortable with the process!

twinboat · 12-23-2021, 06:40 AM

If its almost undetectable, there is no reason to have it fixed right now.

Propane is heavier the air and tiny amounts will not accumulate enough to explode.

You probably can't get that leak to light, it's to lean a mixture.

If you do break the fitting, do it in an open field away from ignition sources.

twinboat · 12-23-2021, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmandoug1

Ventilate the space (fan to outside) and help or let it bleed down. When it is empty (throw some soapy water on it to verify) swap out with a new one. But do this only if you are comfortable with the process!

Really ? Use an electric fan to disperse propane ?

dadej · 12-23-2021, 06:48 AM

This is from real experience so listen. Take the RV to the country before trying to tighten. If for some reason the valve breaks off or the leak gets worse you don't want to be in town around buildings. I did this once on a calm, cloudy, humid day and it went south. Propane is a gas that falls so with the conditions it just sat on the ground. Got lucky and no explosion but the potential was real.

DON'T do it in town!

tmandoug1 · 12-23-2021, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Really ? Use an electric fan to disperse propane ?

He's not in an enclosed space and it is not a major leak.Yes use a fan and use it to disperse the gas out of the storage area. Don't make it sound so dramatic. The inspection that has already taken place by trained professionals deemed it safe as is. He is taking the extra step because he is not comfortable...nor would I be . Leaks tend to get worse over time so it's a good call on his part.