Fixing a Propane Tank That Won't Release Any Propane

[larry4406]

I have a 20# BBQ propane tank that is full (its heavy) but it won't release any gas. Blue Rhino exchange tanks from Home Depot.

I found this Youtube video. Guy opens a bleeder screw for couple minutes to restore propane flow. Snake oil?

I really don't want to trade in a full tank for an exchange. Doubtful the clerk would allow free exchange either.

My grill is an old unit, probably 25 years old. It has a POL fitting on it which screws inside the ACME valve on the tank. Works fine on all other tanks, just not this one. I read one thread where they indicate that the male on the ACME fitting has a snout which presses inwards on the OPD valve to enable flow (POL doesn't have this snout) but the POL works on all tanks except for this odd one.

Thoughts?

 

[Certified Drunk]

The safety valve is closing inside the tank.. Where's the flow regulator?

 

[jack stand]

I just had this same situation and a friend informed me that opening the valve on the newer big, heavy threaded tanks WILL NOT open without something (I presume the regulator and hose to your whatever) is attached.
Makes sense with everything being idiot proofed these days.
I have not verified this yet.

 

[Levaughn]

The video Certified Drunk posted explains it well. I got a tank filled last year. I bought the newer hose and regulator. I hooked it up and it didn't work. The knob on the grill was turned in the on position. I turned the grill knob off and turned the tank off. I opened the tank slowly, turned the grill knob back on and it worked.

 

[PelicanPines]

It's coming to the point when we have to get used to eating raw food.

Very good thread... everything answered within 4 posts...

 

[larry4406]

With my grill off, I connect it to said tank, open tank valve slowly, then try to light grill. No dice.

Back to the original question - does opening the bleed screw like shown in the original post work?

 

[Wrench97]

I doubt it, return the tank as defective tell them all your other tanks work on the grille.

 

[The Cobbler]

I don't think the bleed screw will do anything to re set the safety shut off . it's not connected in any way afaik
I suspect the issue is a defective valve.

 

[fitter30]

This guy has a video of the breakdown of the OPD lp valve. Very good detail.

 

[Sinatra]

If it’s a Blue Rhino tank that you got as an exchange, call the number on the label. My brother had one that he had just exchanged, got it home and found it leaking. He called the number and an hour later a big Blue Rhino truck showed up at his house to give him another one.

 

[yatg]

If you have something with the QCC1 connector, try it The QCC1 connectors have a little nub at the end. That may help in pushing the ACV release in the valve. The POL fittings are supposed to do it but you may have a stubborn tank. If that happens to work, your tank is good, just not for a POL connector.



There doesn't seem to be a QCC1 female to POL female adapter, probably because you're not supposed to need one.

You can make up an adapter with one of the above and one of the below and a 1/4" coupling. But by the time you buy everything, you've more than paid for another tank.

https://www.amazon.com/LASCO-17-5341-Female-4-Inch-Adapter/dp/B008E33FKM/?tag=atomicindus08-20