Propane grill tanks and hot weather

[alwann]

Again, I can't turn the valve on. Twice I've had to replace the grill's propane tank because the on/off valve was stuck. A golfing friend who knows metals says brass will bind under high temps. The couplings are brass. Even with oil and a monkey wrench, I can't get the valve to move. Anybody else experience this? Tips?

Once again, need to swap out a tank that is half full 'cause the valve in seized.

[davem4616]

guessing that you are talking about the values on your grille, not the tank....I'd try WD40 on the valves as a next step

[villagetinker]

This actually happened to me on a gas welding tank, I went to turn ON the gas, the valve would not move, got a wrench, still would not move. Took the tank to the welding shop, I WAS TURNING THE VALVE THE WRONG WAY!!! Mistakes happen, take a look at the valve and double check the direction for on and off.

[EdFNJ]

Mine sits on my patio in direct sun most of the day and never had that problem for 3 years here and 2 yrs up north (same tank). Got mine from Costco. Maybe different quality valve? I always wondered if the heat could cause it to explode though. Guess not!

[tophcfa]

Mine sits on my patio in direct sun most of the day and never had that problem for 3 years here and 2 yrs up north (same tank). Got mine from Costco. Maybe different quality valve? I always wondered if the heat could cause it to explode though. Guess not!

The pressure relief valve should keep it from ever exploding. We have never had a problem with the heat effecting a tank.

[Topspinmo]

IMO Defective tank valve, I got one and the valve handle would just spin, I could feel it slip. Luckily I had just got it and had the ticket, took it back an got another one. I doubt heat has anything to do with it, but if you think so, fill the top handle space around the valve with ice taping the holes of course.

[Topspinmo]

The pressure relief valve should keep it from ever exploding. We have never had a problem with the heat effecting a tank.

It’s Florida and the qualities of tanks around here not the greatest IMO.

[Topspinmo]

Mine sits on my patio in direct sun most of the day and never had that problem for 3 years here and 2 yrs up north (same tank). Got mine from Costco. Maybe different quality valve? I always wondered if the heat could cause it to explode though. Guess not!

I can from OKC, temperature around here like spring day, but humidity makes it feel worse.

[gbs317]

Get my tanks from Sparrs 2 years now never had an issue.

[Miguel 1952]

I would like to keep an extra propane tank for my grill, but where to store it safely. Any suggestions? TIA

[Windguy]

I would like to keep an extra propane tank for my grill, but where to store it safely. Any suggestions? TIA

I keep mine on my screened-in lanai. The garage or any enclosed space is a no no.

During hurricanes, I move it to my front porch, which is deeply recessed.

[wamley]

The new valves have a safety device installed. If the valve is opened too quickly this device actives and blocks gas from coming out of the tank.Device was made incase hoses break and thereby prevents the gas from escaping. All valves should be turned on slowly, turn the valve a small amount until you hear or feel the gas moving, then only open it slowly about 1/2 way. pressure is enough for cooking. I would suggest that you try turning the valve in the clockwise(closing direction). Your valve may already be open and even a wrench will not turn it further.
I was told If the device has blocked the outlet you can turn the tank upside down in the off position while still hooked up to your grill slowly open the valve and it should have been deactivated. You will need help with this proceedure. I found out about this safety device after turning in 1/2 full tanks as well. Good luck. Propane providers should be telling customers about this.

[Rwirish]

Never had this problem.

[ts12755]

Operator error

[banjobob]

The same happened to me ,valve fully open duh!!

[ProfessorDave]

Take the tank to Lowe's - for $15 you can use the propane exchange machine and get a new tank - filled. The propane company will able to easily fix it when they go to refill it.

[ProfessorDave]

Exchange your propane tank in the machine outside of Lowes or Home Depot; about $15. The propane company will fix it easily when they go to refill it.

[Steve Feltner]

I have an extra tank that is almost full. Call me and you can have it. 352-661-7052....Steve

[jerry van]

If you look closely, on /off is imprinted on valve wheel.

[Dana1963]

Outside definitely in shade if possible

[McGyver9]

I'd bet that the OPD valve is tripped, and you have the valve all the way open already.
There is a recessed flat head screw on the side of the valve, near the base, that you can loosen slightly to vent the pressure on top of the "OPD" valving inside.
Obviously, don't do this in an enclosed area, or with a live flame/pilot light nearby..
Just let it blow for 3 seconds or so.

Also, as a few folks already said, if you have a faulty tank, just go exchange it at Lowe's....
Remember, it's ALWAYS more economical to have them refilled.
The exchange tanks are NOT full when you buy/exchange them..

Here's a photo.
The screw is just above/right the threads with the blue sealer on them.

https://rvpartsexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/iid-0000003093-1045667655-1.jpg

[dougawhite]

With propane tanks some of the connections are left hand threaded. Try turning it clockwise to loosen.

[Curtisbwp]

Hmm..been in florida since 2003, have always had a gas grill, never have i faced that problem.
This is related: " As cold as brass bal

[MD1873]

Almost every fuel gas is a left handed thread you can tell by the nut on the part if it has little cuts in it it is left hand thread

[Nusch]

Access Denied (https://www.hunker.com/13408406/how-to-reset-a-pressure-relief-propane-valve)

[Nusch]

Access Denied (https://www.hunker.com/13408406/how-to-reset-a-pressure-relief-propane-valve)

[harold63G]

I see lots of comments about where and how to store tanks. Raises a question for me but I don't know how to start a new "topic" or would it be a "thread" or "forum". ]Lightning and Propane Tanks. Are they a risk for lightning strikes here in Lightning Capital of U.S.
Have heard of strikes, rare, but hitting a large tank feeding a home, starting a fire in the feeder line and burning down the house. Not my issue here although I have do neighbors with that setup. I am just wondering about the small tanks we store outside in grill or lanai or porch, etc. Thanks

[Worldseries27]

I worked in the natural gas industry for 40 years and i never shut my propane tank main shut off valve daily. Nuff said

[harold63G]

Are propane tanks at risk of lightning strike? I see a house with lighting rods and they are grounded about 10 feed from a very large, buried tank. Also what about our small tanks stored on patio, lanai, in outdoor grill?

[Topspinmo]

I would like to keep an extra propane tank for my grill, but where to store it safely. Any suggestions? TIA

Why? they are so easy to exchange about anywhere. Usually you can tell when they are getting low with the hissing sound?

[ldj1938]

I would like to keep an extra propane tank for my grill, but where to store it safely. Any suggestions? TIA
I had a customer in Miami that had an extra tank that he kept in the pool area. He did not realize that the tank was leaking. Propane is heavier than air so it laid down a carpet of propane all over the screened in pool area. When he went to light the grill the area exploded killing him and burning their house down. Do not store it inside your house or an enclosed area. Boom!

[Sheldon]

I use Blue Rhino and get a new tank each time I need a fill.

[Worldseries27]

In my career i've responded to thousands of gas leaks, worked on thousands of gas lines using manometers and combustible gas indicators. So please heed this advice. Do not tinker with propane tanks. Exchange them and complain. Any type of flammable gas is life threatening and not worth the potential harm to you or your loved ones.

[JoMar]

AmeriGas recommends tanks should be in a shaded area on a flat surface and not exceed 120 degrees. I always keep a second tank since mine always hits empty half was through the cooking process :)

[jarodrig]

Operator error !! You’re most likely turning the valve the wrong way as has been previously suggested...

I worked at ACE Hardware for 5 yrs and can’t tell you from experience that what I say is a fact.....stuck valve = customer turning the valve the wrong way !!

[mtdjed]

Operator error !! You’re most likely turning the valve the wrong way as has been previously suggested...

I worked at ACE Hardware for 5 yrs and can’t tell you from experience that what I say is a fact.....stuck valve = customer turning the valve the wrong way !!

I had a stuck valve this week And I know that to open the valve, you must turn counter clockwise. So here is my story. Refilled my tank this week at Wildwood Ace in morning. Took 3.5 gallons. Supposedly, standard 20 pound tank capacity would take 5 gal. but there is a limit of fill at 80% which would be 4 gal. I think Wildwood Ace uses 3.5 gal as a standard as I had two tanks filled and both were given 3. 5 gallon.

Took tanks home and placed one on grill. Next day around 2 PM, decided to start grill. Grill in direct sun on a 95 D F day. Tried to open valve by turning counter clockwise and it wouldn't budge. Recall, that this was my own tank never having problem before. Pulled tank from under grill so I could get better leverage and it broke free while using two hands. I believe that the filling process chilled the tank and it was morning thus cooler. Seemingly, that would contract the metal and a firm closure at that time might get much tighter in hot sun. Once I got it open and used it, I again closed it, when all was hot. No problem on next opening.

Don't know if that makes sense, but it's my story.

[TheMoyers]

as a marine engineer, I can tell you temps of 110 degrees will not cause brass to malfunction. brass is used extensively in ship engine rooms that often exceed that temp, and in certain places 120 degrees. Even if it did, couplings have nothing to do with the valve itself not working.
Your problem is either in poor quality valves to begin with or as one person stated perhaps turning it the wrong way.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

as a marine engineer,

MEBA? what port did you ship out of or ships did you work

just curious. .

thanks

sportsguy

[biker1]

While that is the easiest way to get propane, it is not the lowest cost. Having your tank refilled (I use Ace Hardware in Wildwood) will save you money.

I use Blue Rhino and get a new tank each time I need a fill.

[Crazyladycruz]

Righty tighty
Lefty Lucy

[Marshaw]

If it's hot try to put a bag of ice over the valve. F that doesn't help it's a different issue

[alwann]

Lots of fine responses. Thanks. I started this thread. For the record:

1. I can read On and Off.
2. I know left from right.
3. I know how to use a wrench (even a metric).
4. If the valve was already open, why would it not close? Same difference.
5. Lowes charged $21 and change to exchange, not $15. Ace would have been cheaper.
6. Icing the valve made no difference.
7. Releasing the pressure made no difference.
8. If two tanks in a row both seized up, mostly likely poor quality as hot brass doesn't seize.
9. Best advice, don't mess with it; exchange it. And always have a spare because failure always happens just as the steaks are ready to cook. :mademyday: