Help! Propane tank ?

[jaylee78]

Ok, so I go out to the tank and turn the knob. Nothing . . . New tank . . . first time trying to light my big girl torch. What's wrong???

[Dale M.]

umm...Could tank be empty?... Does regulator gauge (one closes to tank) show any tank pressure?.... Did you adjust regulator so you have 2-3 PSI pressure on output of regulator....

Could be lots of things... Need to know more specifics...

Dale

[MikeAurelius]

Is the regulator (or hose adaptor if you are using a Hot Head) screwed all the way in TIGHT? Propane tanks have a secondary valve inside the mount that closes off flow unless a regulator or hose adaptor is in place.

[jaylee78]

Well, the tank is supposed to be full. The regulator is new, it doesn't register anything when I turn on the tank. No noises, nothing.

[jaylee78]

Is the regulator (or hose adaptor if you are using a Hot Head) screwed all the way in TIGHT? Propane tanks have a secondary valve inside the mount that closes off flow unless a regulator or hose adaptor is in place.

Hmmm, that could be it . . . their are still a couple of threads showing. (I was told in another thread that it didn't make a difference.) Guess I need to go back to the hardware store and get a tool thing-a-majig to tighten it. Hopefully that works.

[Dale M.]

Hmmm, that could be it . . . their are still a couple of threads showing. (I was told in another thread that it didn't make a difference.) Guess I need to go back to the hardware store and get a tool thing-a-majig to tighten it. Hopefully that works.

There will always be "some" threads showing. If you have used wrench to tighten connection till it will not move any more its probably tight. IF you have not applied a wrench, try it.

To check tank, drag out bathroom scales, if tank weight is 20lbs or less, its probably empty. If it weighs in about 38 lbs or less - but more than 20lbs, its either full or partially full. Empty tanks usually weigh in between 18 and 20 lbs...

I would bet if tank has fuel, its as MIke says, regulator is not seated tight to allow internal valve to open.

Dale

[MikeAurelius]

You could also have a blocked regulator fitting. It's been known to happen - the teflon sealant can get into the regulator opening during assembly and block the flow of gas.

To check this, be sure the regulator is threaded in all the way. Open the valve on the tank, wait a minute, then close it. Unscrew the regulator. If there is a hiss and smell of gas, you have a blocked regulator. If there is no hiss or smell of gas, the tank is either empty or the internal valve is blocked.

[jaylee78]

I may try that in a minute Mike, that way I know whether the tank is empty. (Sorry Dale, don't own a bathroom scale)

[jaylee78]

Well, it hissed. Great. Do I just return it to where I purchased it from or will a welding supply place fix it?

[MikeAurelius]

If it is new, return it to where ever you purchased it. The welding shop will fix it, but it will cost some fairly big bucks.

[jaylee78]

man that stinks.