Question about a 500 gal propane tank

Ultradog MN · May 4, 2020

I have a 500 gal propane tank at a rental property. There is a problem with the shut off valve on it and the propane Co says they can't fix it. Parts no longer available. They think? they could get the 35% remaining out of it but are saying I need to replace the tank. Tank is quite old. Probably from the mid 1960s.
They want me to rent a tank from them.
Rental will cost my tennant 10 cents per gallon of propane. Rental also means tennant Must buy from them as no one else will fill it. Attatched are two photos.
One of the valve and one of the info tag.
Is there a way to fix or replace this valve?
I would be willing to lose the 35% propane (another tennant left it) if the tank/valve could be fixed.
Lot of knowledge here.
What do you experts say?
Thanks

img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto3638.jpg">

Ultradog MN · May 4, 2020

Photo

MSD · May 4, 2020

We pay $5.00 per year for the rental on our tank. Get it and the propane for Cenex. Not all companies are the same as you will find out.

Kansasredneck · May 4, 2020

Valves are available. I installed several on my trucks that are that valve. You need to know the thread size and the line size,then go to Amazon and search for it.

Janicholson · May 4, 2020

The tank does not look solid enough to spend money on trying to get more life out of it. I would spend a day or so getting options together finding the best return on capturing the existing propane, and replacing the tank. Money per gallon on top of the cost seems like a scam. Jim

544hydro · May 4, 2020

We bought a tank a few years ago. All the suppliers are the same around here. You must buy from them and it s 10 cents a gallon more than if you own the tank.

caterpillar guy · May 4, 2020

I realize nobody wants the tag off. That would be the first place I would look for it to be rusting threw though. Might be ahead to just get a different tank and transfer the balance over. At that small an amount it would flow with a hose to the other tank by lifting it up on it's side. Yes I know it is pressureized though there is still liquid and vapor there. The liquid would flow over.

Hay hay hay · May 4, 2020

I have a rental tank, which limits my fills to that company. I tried to replace the tank a few years ago and the cheapest I could find a certified reliable used tank was $900. Personally, I would not risk fixing that old tank. At 10 cents a gallon, 500 gallon a year, it would take almost 20 years to pay for the tank and by then it would need to be replaced.

John Deere D · May 4, 2020

Quote:
Is there a way to fix or replace this valve?

With all propane removed, the Valve could "POSSIBLY" be removed.

With all do respect....

Given a 1960's installation, Valve assembly may fracture and or twist off flush with threaded Boss.

With Federal Law, State / Provincial law and Municipal Laws no Propane Company should under take any alterations or upgrades to this tank (1960's) until it has past a HYDOSTATIC TEST.

A now faulty shut off valve is one of several components that shall fail.

If a Shut Off Valve is replaced now, when the next safety component fails, if damage to human and or property should be sustained, the owner of Tank as well as individuals and or company that performed work shall be on the Court Docket.

Bob...Retired in my fortieth years with a major Natural Gas Pipeline...

wilson ind · May 4, 2020

If distance were not a problem I would be happy to buy your old tank. From looking at the photo Possibly the only thing wrong with your valve is the damaged hand wheel. Thinking channel lock pliers would open the valve. Use all the fuel and replace valve if you so desire. Company THINKS they can get propane out!!! Think you should change suppliers at the least. I can see nothing so wrong with your tank.. Thinking your present company would be happy to remove your tank, sand blast or clean by other means, replace valve and put back in service charging someone else a 10 cent premium!! The older tanks are thicker and thus stronger than new. Do NOT remove tag, that renders the tank useless even for some one as cheap as me. An old fart happy passing gas for 75 years. LOL

David G · May 4, 2020

Is the regulator bracket welded to top of tank?

GWIndy · May 4, 2020

If you own the tank, find another LP supplier. IT,s easy to pump off the liquid and then vent the vapor off. Change valve and refill. We probably change 40/50 shut off and fill valves per year. Do not REMOVE the tank tag under any circumstance. Worst case you can vent it all off. Watch your wind direction, make sure there are no open fires close by. If you know what you are doing you can flame it all off. We do this all the time on our main storage tanks and the bobtail delivery trucks when work on the plumbing or re-certification.

Harper · May 4, 2020

I have a 250 gallon tank dated 1952. Last year my propane supplier replaced the shut off valve. Personally if it was me, I would be looking for another supplier or a good plumber that works on gas.

MarkB_MI · May 4, 2020

If the tank is empty, most suppliers will insist on testing the tank before refilling. I would not assume you can change the valve out yourself and be able to find a supplier willing to fill a fifty year old tank that's been repaired by the owner.

It's been twenty-five years since we switched from gas to propane, but at the time our supplier did not charge tank rent as long as we purchased at least 500 gallons (500 gallon tank) a year. I'd call around to see what other suppliers offer. And I'd confirm what your tenant told you about tank rental with the supplier.

I assume natural gas isn't an option, but if it is available now would be a good time to switch.

There is a market for old propane tanks, as people will make absurdly heavy pig cookers out of them.

rustred · May 4, 2020

pretty rough looking tank to me. lots safer to replace tank then loose lives.

Ronnie Budd · May 4, 2020

My tank is older than that. Yours looks fine to me. Valves can be replaced. It sounds like the company you talked to is looking to lock you into their tank and their price for propane. I would talk to a different supplier. I have three different ones I buy from. I won't be locked into one supplier, ever again. Been there, done that.

Ultradog MN · May 4, 2020

I have two rentals.
One had oil furnace and water heater when
I bought the place.
Both were old and shot so I put in new
propane furnace and WH.
I rented a propane tank.
The second winter my tenants beat feet in
the middle of the night and beat the
propane Co out of a couple/few hundred
bucks.
Propane Co told me told me in the future
I had to cosign for my tennant's fuel
bill.
Sorry for their loss but I was never
going to sign THAT.
I bought a tank and let the future
tennants and propane Co deal with it.
This property came with this tank so
never a problem there. Tennants always
bought when and where they wanted.
Cant find a tank now. Prices for used
tanks are double what I paid for the
first one and still none to be found.
There are two propane Cos in that area.
Both operate about the same so pick your
poison.
I did call the other Co today and asked
them to have a look at it. Hoping for
better news from them.
Thanks for all the replys!
I KNEW you guys would have some good
advice.

marloweg · May 4, 2020

just changed my valve ran tank dry and replaced valve and they came to day and fill it 74 cent a gal. all valves have a part number on them found the one i needed on Ebay

David G · May 4, 2020

Around here, the companies are anxious to get dryer gas contracts, so no issue filling home tanks if dryer gas goes with it.

Tom in Mo. · May 4, 2020

I agree with "find another company". Nothing wrong with that tank just the shutoff valve.

DoubleO7 · May 4, 2020

The tank might be a 1960 something tank but that valve is newer than that.
Th underside of the broke knob is to clean and shines.
And those yellow caps would not be plastic back in the 60's either.

Look for Tank Service Valve parts or repair services.

fastfarmall · May 4, 2020

Well something went wrong my supplier changes vales ect,as needed, i think their suppose to be updated every 5 or 10 years,my tank is a 1952, 1/2 inch thick steel, and the valves do need changing!

MT pockets · May 4, 2020

I am not telling you what to do in any way. But I will tell you what I would do. I would find a replacement valve stem, seal and washer unit. It will come as an assembly. Put a bleeder on the vapor valve and open until the excess flow valve closes. Then remove the guts from the combination valve and replace with a new valve stem unit. Remove the bleeder from the vapor return connection. Use soapy water to check for leaks. You might have to tighten the packing gland a little. That is what I would do. I have done it before. If you gas company is not honest, they are trying to scare you in to signing on the dotted line to make you legally obligated and bound to buy gas from them at whatever price they want to charge. If they are honest, they don't know how to fix this problem. I would find another gas company if at all possible.

Russ from MN · May 4, 2020

I always wanted to build a submarine out of one of those, but I guess I outgrew that desire. I have seen a couple that others have built, it's possible!

WGM · May 5, 2020

I have a 1000 gallon tank owned by the propane company and pay no rent.

Texasmark1 · May 6, 2020

1. There should be a manufacturer's engraved ID plate on the tank showing place and time of mfgr. and material used.....like on mine, 5% Nickel required in the steel. That makes what you see for rust, just superficial and not a safety problem. My tank, built in 1950 in Dallas has such a plate and hasn't rusted out....what you see is just superficial.

2. The propane company can pump out your contents, measuring in the process...backfeeding their truck mounted meter, and give your credit for it.

3. There are new safety fill valves that are required by some governmental agency at federal level that requires the new valves. I had to have mine changed as I mentioned a couple of years ago. Yes the old ones are outdated, juat like they are on the smaller jugs. No big deal to change out the valves.

While you are at it, change out your pressure relief valve also. I had to do that years ago but it was the original so big deal.
-------------

I would tell them that I want to keep my old tank and you pump out the contents, crediting me for it, replace the valve with the currently recommended/required valve, refill my tank and be on your way.

Question about a 500 gal propane tank

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