Well I'm  back home from my gas-less trip and today inspected the tank. Now
I'm trying to figure out if some of the excellent comments I got in my
original thread actually apply to me. Some of the things Stewart mentioned
are of particular concern to me. Of course I have to keep in mind that on
this list there are all the possible variations of years, countries of
manufacture and subsequent modifications to take into account.

Someone mentioned that I would have to pull my tank. I was able t simply
drop the rock shield from the tank, make a trip to harbor freight for a 1
1/2 inch open end wrench, put the wrench on the offending part and a jack
under the other end. Jacking up the wrench provided an effortless removal.

Now I have the thing in my hands and it it obvious that it isn't closing
right. I will look for a replacement tomorrow. Stewart mentioned that his
replacement did not fit and required some sort of extension. I am hoping to
find something of the exact same size to avoid that problem, and so far I
can't see what the problem would be. Remember, Stewart, that I have a 1983
bought in Germany outfitted for the US market.

Another questions concerns the bleed valve. I would imagine that the
roundly-despised auto-stop valve would be something with the usual autostop
features--springs, a valve, valve seat etc. The item I  removed has none of
that. It's a fitting with a knurled knob that opens a sealed seat to allow
gas to escape and nothing more. It seems I can assume there is nothing
automatic about this totally manual release valve, so I intend on simply
replacing it since it looks to be in nice shape and wasn't leaking before
removal.

I will be looking for the proper teflon tape and dope when I get my valve.
Will that have this at a camper supply store, as I expect to find the fill
valve, or is this something I need to go to a welding or plumbing supply
store for?

Thanks in advance,

Jim