Propane leaks need to be taken very seriously. Propane has an extremely wide range of flammability. Regulators are not forever items and should be regularly tested and replaced when needed. Being under the van and somewhat exposed maybe every 5 years or so. Since you could not shut the fuel off you also need the service valve. Unless your tank is really pristine condition consider replacing that also. I had my tank fail almost 3 years ago. Rust blow out while getting filled. Fire department response and everything. Be prepared for documentation after an event like this. Who installed it, when was it last inspected, etc. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Rick Cooper
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2015 12:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Pinhole in propane regulator

We took our 'new' 87 Westy camping for the first time last week, but had to cut the trip short because of a propane leak from under the regulator that could not be stopped.

I'd filled up the propane tank just before we left; the attendant found the bleeder valve, opened it while filling and then stopped the fill when gas began coming out of the bleeder.  I believe that is the correct approach for a non-auto-stop system.

However, soon after filling, the leak began.  It could not be stopped by shutting off the service valve.  Over a few days, the leak completely
drained the tank.   I've now pulled the tank and see that there is a
manufactured pinhole under the regulator and this is where the leak was from.  Is this some sort of fail-safe relief system in case the tank is over-filled?

Where am I at now?  This is a completely stock propane system.  Do I need a new regulator?  I'm guess I may also need a new service valve since shutting it off neither stopped the leak nor stopped the flow of gas to the stove.  And how does one get the service valve off?  I've tried with a 14"
pipe wrench and a fair amount of oomph, but no go.  Do I add 4 feet of steel pipe to the pipe wrench and force it?

Thanks for any advice,

Rick