Tried a Propane Tank Gauge - now HW pilot wont stay lit....

[Threebutchers]

I have a 154BH with the stock "Bar-B-Q Grill" size propane tank. I purhased one of the in-line / external tank gauges and the hot water tank pilot wont stay lit when it's attached. Anyone else have this problem?

Brian
2012 154BH
Volvo S60 AWD 2.5T

[tlhdoc]

I would first check for leaks. Then turn the tank off and back on very slowly. If it still does not work I would remove the gauge and see if it works. If it does I would return the gauge or exchange it. If you return the gauge you can very easily check the propane tank level by pouring hot water down the side of the tank, when you are using the tank. The upper part of the tank will feel hot, but when you feel down the side of the tank it will turn cold when you get to the propane.

[Threebutchers]

If I take the gauge off my TT tank - the HW pilot stays lit.....the gauge seems to work fine. I can use the gauge on a tank hooked to my gas grill and it seems to work OK - Brian

[Flyrotor]

It must be enough resistance to interfere with your hot water heater, It's really only measuring line pressure and estimating your tank volume, it does not work like a normal float level gauge.

personally, I would get rid of the gauge, there are plenty of other ways to check your propane levels.

[Threebutchers]

[QUOTE=personally, I would get rid of the gauge, there are plenty of other ways to check your propane levels.[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately - I invested heavy in a sewn tank cover (I hate the look of a bare tank) and the stick-on / magnetic / drip water methods aren't an option. I was looking at 20# tanks with internal float gauge for about $50 (as a last option).....but I was curious if others had success with the in-line gauges. - Brian

[bigbird]

I've had no problem with the in-line gauge i purchased at costco last year. I have been told that they really don't give you a lot of warning so if it comes down even near empty i plan on doing the water test. Also it's important to slowly open the shut off valve because there is a safety system that shuts the gas off from the tank if too much flow is detected. At least that is how i understood it in one of the manuals brian.

[billb800si]

Originally Posted by bigbird

I've had no problem with the in-line gauge i purchased at costco last year. I have been told that they really don't give you a lot of warning so if it comes down even near empty i plan on doing the water test. Also it's important to slowly open the shut off valve because there is a safety system that shuts the gas off from the tank if too much flow is detected. At least that is how i understood it in one of the manuals brian.

====================================

You're correct. That's why if you disconnect a propane tank and then turn the valve on (open) no gas escapes. The Internal safety pressure valve senses no back pressure so it shuts off. In the good old days you could do it and check if there was gas still in the tank. No more....

[tinlizzie23]

billb800si, when did they start putting that internal pressure valve in tanks ? I was not aware of that change. My tanks are vintage 2004, and you definitely can get gas out by opening the valve when disconnected. Just curious.

[LongIslandCamper]

Originally Posted by Threebutchers

I have a 154BH with the stock "Bar-B-Q Grill" size propane tank. I purhased one of the in-line / external tank gauges and the hot water tank pilot wont stay lit when it's attached. Anyone else have this problem?

Brian
2012 154BH
Volvo S60 AWD 2.5T

The first thing you want to do is unhook that LP gas gauge and then throw it in the garbage. They're junk. Next up you have two options.


1) Carry a second LP tank for your grill. This will also double as a backup tank for your TT in case your main tank runs out.

or

2) Purchase a base plate for the a-frame of your TT that enables you to have two LP tanks mounted on your trailer. This way when one tank goes out you can easily switch to the second tank. Just be sure to fill or swap the empty tank before the second tank goes out. :-)

Using these methods pretty much ensures that you will never run out of gas so there's no need for gauges or any other testing equipment.

[chipper]

I'd have to agee with #22.....

Originally Posted by cm11599ps

The first thing you want to do is unhook that LP gas gauge and then throw it in the garbage. They're junk. Next up you have two options.


1) Carry a second LP tank for your grill. This will also double as a backup tank for your TT in case your main tank runs out.

or

2) Purchase a base plate for the a-frame of your TT that enables you to have two LP tanks mounted on your trailer. This way when one tank goes out you can easily switch to the second tank. Just be sure to fill or swap the empty tank before the second tank goes out. :-)

Using these methods pretty much ensures that you will never run out of gas so there's no need for gauges or any other testing equipment.

[tlhdoc]

Sams Club sells a tank with a built in gauge for $30.

[Threebutchers]

Originally Posted by tlhdoc

Sams Club sells a tank with a built in gauge for $30.

THANKS tlhdoc....that's the ticket for us

[tlhdoc]

Your welcome.

[Threebutchers]

A little late....but I wanted to resolve this thread. I bought a 20# tank with a built-in gauge at Sams and it works great....it's accurate and I can check it at a glance. Thanks again, tlhdoc...

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by Threebutchers

A little late....but I wanted to resolve this thread. I bought a 20# tank with a built-in gauge at Sams and it works great....it's accurate and I can check it at a glance. Thanks again, tlhdoc...

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]

That looks like a mechanical gauge. Float in the tank and magnet to move the needle? Saw one at the fill shop I use, guy said he could add to any tank (new valve with the float mechanism) but don't recall the cost. Was really interested when I had a single tank but saw something shiny and got distracted.

[Threebutchers]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

That looks like a mechanical gauge.

Correct!....I have a couple of spare tanks I'm considering converting.