Bikemike Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 A propane smell coming from the tank area led me to hunt down the leak with soapy water. I found that several small patches of bubbles were coming from the threads in between the fuel gauge and the tank. Can I fix this myself by taking out the gauge, cleaning the threads and using pipe dope? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maineah Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 Yes it can be done do you feel safe with this? Normal pipe tape is not for gas there is a sealant known a Gasola that works very well and tape for gas joints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikemike Posted January 30, 2018 Author Share Posted January 30, 2018 I have worked on gas and water lines before and I would feel comfortable doing this if I felt like I thuroughly understood the system. I read on a post that the tank needs to be removed so the gauge can be placed upward to avoid bending the float...is that the case with this model? Also, I seem to remember something about a need to get the tank purged of air after the gauge is replaced/resealed. Of course the tank should be emptied as much as possible and I should be aware that this is very dangerous (disconnect battery, be vigilant about sparks/pilot lights, etc.). I would pay to have someone do it if I had to... but I don’t want to if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikemike Posted February 1, 2018 Author Share Posted February 1, 2018 Has someone does this and is able to give me some pointers? *thank you [moderator] for fixing my post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 1, 2018 Share Posted February 1, 2018 Do you have a tank you remove to fill or a permanent undermount tank. Show us a pic of it? Totem is the only one I know of who has opened up a tank to fix it. I can't find his thread describing how he fixed it Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikemike Posted February 1, 2018 Author Share Posted February 1, 2018 Yes, permanent Manchester horizontal tank. The pictures should now be above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikemike Posted February 1, 2018 Author Share Posted February 1, 2018 (edited) Ahh, I just found totem’s thread. Excellent. Edited February 1, 2018 by Bikemike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totem Posted February 1, 2018 Share Posted February 1, 2018 Tank work is not bad at all. the main thing is to take your time and understand the fittings. Personally I am a fan of using tape AND dope - that was the only way i passed my leak test. Its held up nicely too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maineah Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 (edited) On 2/1/2018 at 8:42 AM, Totem said: Tank work is not bad at all. the main thing is to take your time and understand the fittings. Personally I am a fan of using tape AND dope - that was the only way i passed my leak test. Its held up nicely too. Yes tape is fine but there are two types the white stuff is not for gas fittings. The Gasola pipe dope is a gas fitting dope it's older than I am. Gas pipe tape is yellow it's thicker and reduces corrosion (and the inspectors can spot it easier). One thing about the tank make sure there is no liquid propane before taking anything apart it needs to be completely empty. Edited February 2, 2018 by Maineah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totem Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 In my case the tanks old automatic regulator had given up the ghostso it could not be filled; that made having it be empty much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikemike Posted February 13, 2018 Author Share Posted February 13, 2018 Now lookit! No leaks and now my propane tank Is pretty! Thanks Totem and every one else. John at northern energy in Missoula is great also; full of knowledge and helpful. He even purged my tank for free. Little wonder that my gauge was leaking, it was barely more than hand tight. I braced myself for the battle with a wood frame to hold the tank and a pry bar but, thankfully, it came off quite easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maineah Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 Good job back on the road again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.