In a message dated 09/07/2004 12:04:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

Westy  propane tank repair advice needed

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      Topin, do not fear propane.  Just  be careful and you will survive this
ordeal.  First remove the tank from  the vehicle then take the tank and
straighten the tabs as best you can.   The tank is made from 1/4" steel so damaging
it is pretty hard.  After your  reasonably sure the tabs are in the correct
orientation remove the  regulator if you have not already done so then make
sure the fill,  bleeder and the outlet valves are good and secure in the tank,
visual  inspection will do here.  Now take the tank to a propane dealer and have
 them fill the tank.  Then spray the tank with a soapy water solution to
check for leaks.  If no leaks then your good to go.  Take the tank  outdoors and
let the propane escape by opening the outlet valve.  Let it  set until the
tank returns to ambient temperature.  Now remove all  valves and plug the holes,
sandblast it and the skid plate and apply a good coat  of POR-15 following the
directions.  Once the tank is ready, install the  valves with propane quality
Teflon tape on the threads then connect the  regulator skid plate and
regulator plastic cover then install the tank back  on the vehicle and connect the
lines and check for leaks using the soapy  water solution.  If the copper lines
or fittings to the regulator are  damaged you can repair these with parts from
the plumbing section of your Home  Hardware or such.  You may need a flaring
tool to accomplish this, without  this you will be left to the mercy of
someone who has one and who may not want  to work on your propane system.  If the
regulator is damaged you will have  to buy a new one.  Good luck & let me know
how you make out.
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Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 10 ~ 13, 2004
'87 Westy, '90 Carat &  Lionel Trains
Member: _Vanagon List_ (http://www.vanagon.com/) , _LiMBO_
(http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/) , _IWCCC_ (http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/)  & _CCVWC_
(http://www.ccvwc.ca/)
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in  the Ottawa Valley
_STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
or  http://frankcondelli.com