Post by enigmas on Nov 29, 2018 2:53:16 GMT
Issues with filling an LPG tank.
This may not apply if residing in a contininent other than OZ.
At times during interstate runs in my P5 coupe I've had issues when attempting to fill the LPG tank. I noted that this mainly occurred at 'new' roadhouse petrol stations, the ones with fast food restaurants. I've pulled into several of these stations over the years to fill up with LPG. Each time I tried to use one/all of their six LPG pumps in turn none would dispense LPG. I'd then speak to an attendant and point this out but would be told they are all functioning. I also noted that some cars could fill up and others couldn't!
Later, I also spoke to several LPG fitters to find out if there'd been any changes to the LPG fittings. Once again the answer was, "not as far as we know!" So what is occurring?
I decided to take a close look at a pump nozzle and noted that it presses/locks down and seals against a thick black doughnut type rubber washer/seal within the filler to the tank. Simply fitting a second seal on top of the existing seal enables both types of pump (new & old) to function.
NB.
I found that there is a slight variation in the positioned height of the 'seal' (fitted slightly lower) in older LPG tank fillers. It may only be in the order of .030" but is just enough so that the internal pump nozzle won't lock down on the seal and allow the tank to be filled.
* The filler seal to the tank is approximately 1/8" thick. Using a second seal on top of the first (total 2 seals) doesn't seem to affect the filling of the tank with either new or older style pump filler handles or the removal of the pump handle after use. Problem solved!
This may not apply if residing in a contininent other than OZ.
At times during interstate runs in my P5 coupe I've had issues when attempting to fill the LPG tank. I noted that this mainly occurred at 'new' roadhouse petrol stations, the ones with fast food restaurants. I've pulled into several of these stations over the years to fill up with LPG. Each time I tried to use one/all of their six LPG pumps in turn none would dispense LPG. I'd then speak to an attendant and point this out but would be told they are all functioning. I also noted that some cars could fill up and others couldn't!
Later, I also spoke to several LPG fitters to find out if there'd been any changes to the LPG fittings. Once again the answer was, "not as far as we know!" So what is occurring?
I decided to take a close look at a pump nozzle and noted that it presses/locks down and seals against a thick black doughnut type rubber washer/seal within the filler to the tank. Simply fitting a second seal on top of the existing seal enables both types of pump (new & old) to function.
NB.
I found that there is a slight variation in the positioned height of the 'seal' (fitted slightly lower) in older LPG tank fillers. It may only be in the order of .030" but is just enough so that the internal pump nozzle won't lock down on the seal and allow the tank to be filled.
* The filler seal to the tank is approximately 1/8" thick. Using a second seal on top of the first (total 2 seals) doesn't seem to affect the filling of the tank with either new or older style pump filler handles or the removal of the pump handle after use. Problem solved!