Bad propane?

[Mike Helmick]

Is it really possible to get a bad tank of propane? Trying to run a hot tube off a bbq grill tank that was exchanged at Wal-Mart. Seems the tube just does not want to heat up --worked perfectly fine before. Only diff is the propane. Could it have an impurity that'd give significantly fewer BTUs?

Thanks.

-Mike
Gurley, AL

[Economy Bob]

Mike, I have had the same experience. I found that the "new" tanks with the float valve must be opened very slowly . Must have something to do with a check valve? Also, , sometimes the neck that depresses the check valve dosent go deep enough in new tanks to open the valve far enough.

[Dick Bauer]

Run mine off 100 lb bottle so not sure about the valve problem but have had plenty of trouble with critters (spiders) in the burner tube keeping it from heating.

Dick Bauer

[Randy Hart]

Bob, I also found out the hard way that the flow or burners must be turned off when you open the new type bottle.. somehow it thinks it is leaking and wont open.. In other words the hose must be dead headed or you will get little to no gas flow. Randy Hart Ohio

[Ray Cardoza]

Its all those new "safety" requirements our federal "friends" are putting on the tanks. It is probably with the valve inside the tanks neck. Stupid regulations.

[MoRo]

I agree with the idea of the flow problems. If there's an excess discharge of gas, the tank's valve won't let 'er out. Safety thing there. I'd just crack the valve a tish and light 'er up. Opening slowly from there until you've got all the flame you want.
~M~

[Kevin O. Pulver]

I have a propane torch that I couldn't get any flow out of the new tank either. I wasn't sure how I fixed it, I just took it off and put it back on. I'm glad to hear the explanation. Thanks- Kevin

[Mike Helmick]

Sounds like the consensus is towards the tank rather than the quality of the gas. Thanks to all who replied...will keep you posted.

-Mike

[Mac Leod]

working at a place that deals with propane tank exchanges...the new ODP (overfill protection device) seem prone to plugging up...(in other words, they are absolute garbage!!!)

Mac Leod

[Mike Helmick]

Y'all were right about the propane tank. Dad opened the valve on the hot tube & then slowly opened the valve on the propane tank. Worked just fine.

Many thanks!!

-Mike
Gurley, AL