I appreciate your comments Miguel. I am certainly no authority on propane
fittings. I have read, in more than one place, that Teflon tape should not
be used on gas fitting period. Obviously, it has been working for you,  so
no disrespect meant.  The manufactures of the "extend a stay" used loctite
on their fittings. I don't use loctite and teflon tape together (don't think
that's even possible).  The problem I encountered is as you tighten up a
flare fitting, it is very easy to disturb one of the other fittings, thus
breaking the seal. I used a really large crescent wrench around the
regulator to kind of hold things steay, but it's awkward to say the least.
Doesn't take much at all to break the seal. I do not routinely use loctite
on propane fittings, and of course on flare fittings no tape is needed at
all. It's mainly the MPT nipple and other MPT fittings that make up the
"extend a stay" that are the issue.

As to my service valve, it's just wore out, and has an intermittent leaking
problem around the pressure valve, which has been maddening trying to figure
out. Just as I think I've got the problem solved, it starts leaking again.
Don't think I would mind so much if it didn't require emptying the propane
tank and undoing all the fittings 8" off the ground. It's a royal PITA! For
this camper, I would have much preferred just to shell out the $300 for a
new tank for the aggravation involved. I suspect if this would have worked
on the first try, my attitude would be different.

Troy

----- Original Message -----
From: "miguel pacheco" <mundopacheco@gmail.com>
To: "Troy" <colorworks@gci.net>
Cc: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:27 PM
Subject: Re: Propane Service Valve

> Troy, wrap your threads with Teflon Tape, then paste Teflon Thread
> Sealant on top of the tape. Install good and tight and you should have
> no leaks. Eliminate the LocTite. This may be a detriment to your
> objective. I'm sure LocTite is not intended to be used with Teflon
> Sealant.
> I have used the tape and sealant method in high pressure, high
> vibration areas (Oil & Gas Industry) for 30 years and have never
> experienced one of these backing out (though I've seen them break!)
> Nor, for that matter, have I ever heard of using Lock Tite in the
> manner you suggest.
>
> Gracias,
> Miguel
>