Propane Leak

[Skillet]

Ahhh, I didn't know *that* was going to be the fix! Should have just taken the tank too!
Update from yesterday's call:
They said that this part isn't being made any more so it's a special order from some 3rd party place. Normally this fill piece is $30 but they said the Chinook's is smaller. The dealer had to request a price and the 3rd party place told them they would get back within 24hrs with an answer. I just called the dealer now and they haven't heard back yet. They are reaching out now and said they would call me back if they were given an answer by the 3rd party company.
I'll have to find out exactly what has to be changed but I think they are keeping the description simple.

[Blue~Go]

Interesting, since I would have thought it was a basic Manchester ASME tank. I'll ask the place when I go in to get mine filled if they see anything unusual about it (they are a big propane place that fills forklifts, RV's, and you-name-it, and has large bins full of all the parts and pieces for the various tanks and cylinders).

[Skillet]

I appreciate it. I thought that no matter the tank that parts would be standard for propane uses. Whenever you inquire, let them know that the only thing I know is that it leaks propane from the fill port. Liquid leak and the cap frosted over.

[Skillet]

Picked up the Chinook from the dealer since they still haven't heard back about a price. Might as well drive it around instead of letting it sit on a lot. They told me it's the fill valve that's bad and it's not a standard size. They could only get in 1.5lbs before it started leaking. Tractor Supply got in a little over 2. The dealer even said the valve size changed a year after mine ('02). Sooo, their supplier is waiting to hear from another company about the availability of a part. They said they can get one, but don't know a price. I told them to start the order but I reserve the right to refuse if it's going to be some ridiculous price. I know I need it, but I want to have options if I need to. My next try in the meantime is going to some propane dealers. One big one near me said they don't work on rv's, so I don't know if that's the standard answer I'll be getting.

[Scott]

Oh man, what a pain. I’m quite surprised these parts aren’t more standardized….
Good to know, I suppose.

[Skillet]

Yeah, definitely don't let yours break until you're ready to replace the tank! I called today and the dealer still hasn't heard from their supplier who has to contact a 3rd party. Too many links in this chain! Dealer sent a reminder email and basically asked, "can you get it or not and for how much?". They got an email back saying, "we haven't forgotten about you and will get back to you as soon as possible". So my guess is they haven't heard back from their supplier and that person is having a problem finding the part. Otherwise, I (and the dealer) don't understand why the generic responses.
I called 2 propane dealers (Suburban and AmeriGas) and they said they don't work on rv's. AmeriGas gave me the name of a guy so I'm going to hold on to that in case this whole problem either really drags out or something.

[Blue~Go]

This just seemed so curious to me, since Manchester is still in business, and makes loads of ASME tanks (see link http://www.mantank.com/products/rvproducts.htm).

Says, as one of the bullets: 80% Stop-Fill Valve — 1 3/4" ACME connection.

I couldn't imagine why Chinook would "bother" to come up with some proprietary valve size, although I suppose anything is possible. But "customizing" in the LP tank world is a tough row to hoe. Standard is easy.

So, I called Manchester. Got a pleasant human right away, and asked the question based on my tank's "catalog number" (stamped on tank, this is their model number, effectively). Mine is Catalog number 6820. You'd have to see if yours is the same of course. They reassured me that they still make Catalog number 6820, plus all the valves, parts, and pieces. They said if you call (and have the Catalog number of your tank on hand), they can't sell directly, but they'd be happy to give you a part number for the valve, and a list of places you can get it.

The number is 800-640-6327. I spoke with Paula, who was knowledgeable and helpful. Jennifer is another person there who can help if Paula is not available.

Now maybe there is something unavailable or custom on your tank, but maybe not...? I'm curious now.

This is the ID placard on my tank, which lists the Catalog number, and also a shot of the basic layout under the cover. The yellow is the fill valve.

[Skillet]

Thanks a bunch. I'll call them on Monday and talk to them. I took a picture of mine stamp months ago so I'll be ready when they ask for the model number. I can't figure out why no one, either the dealer or the supplier would not go to Manchester directly. But with your help I'll probably have to solve this on my own! I just want my rig to be in working order!!

[kdarling]

hey, side question:

Is the yellow fill cap supposed to have a gasket inside?

Thanks!

[jlarry214]

Nope no gasket in it. It is just to keep dirt out and protect the threads.

Larry
1999 Concourse