Thanks for this info David , denis, Frank and also Troy who sent me similar info.  I'll use the appliances this weekend with  more confidence. Where do we take the Westfalia to have the tanke inspected and serviced?  Do I need to find a RV dealer or is there such a thing as a propane service store?  I live in southern VT.

Eric Caron 
85 westfalia GL automatic.
Looking forward to West River Westies and meeting some of you folks 
look for the guy in the white camper with the yellow lab guide dog 
On Jul 9, 2013, at 5:49 AM, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM> wrote:

>        This is quite normal.  The service valve used does not have a stem seal as do similar water valves therefor they may leak a bit when in transit from the full open to full closed position.  That valve should ALWAYS be in the full open or full closed position not in-between.
> 
> 
> On 2013-07-08, at 5:48 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
> 
>> Hi Listers,
>> 
>> I recently decided to try all appliances before heading to West River =
>> Westies next weekend.  When I turned on the propane tank I heard a small =
>> air sound and smelled propane.  I turned the valve all the way to open =
>> and as I turned the sound got louder.  at the full open position the =
>> sound stopped.  The smell of propane was still in the air so I decided =
>> not to test the stove after all!  I then began to turn the valve to the =
>> off position.  On the way there the hissing sound returned and the sound =
>> of propane.  When completely in the off position the hissing continued =
>> for a few seconds then the sound and smell went away.  Any thoughts on =
>> what is going on?  The tank is on a well cared for van with almost no =
>> rust.  The tank itself is a bit rusty more then anything else on the =
>> camper.
>> 
>> Recommendations on my next step in having a healthy system is greatly =
>> appreciated.
> 
> 
> 
> Cheers,    
> 
> Frank Condelli
> Almonte, Ontario, Canada
> '87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
> Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
> BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 06 ~ 09, 2013