problem with propane

Rosy · October 02, 2011, 02:47:24 PM

I have just changed my propane bottle for the first time. Now I have a leak where all the gubbins that comes from the torch screws into the new bottle. I have tried winding PTFE around the nut thing that screws in but I still have hissing and bubbles from the bottom of the screw hole, and if I put more tape I can't screw it in far enough to make the long bit connect properly. Does anyone have any suggestions? I think I've had more problems with the gas than with melting the glass!

(Unfortunately the OH is more scared of the gas than I am and shies away from anything to do with DIY, so he can't help!)

Kathy · October 02, 2011, 02:51:14 PM

Hmmm - my hubby would know but he's out on the golf course! I will try and remember to ask him later (unless you sort it by then)!

Lyn G · October 02, 2011, 02:56:24 PM

Oh how annoying.....I hate it when things won't work how they are supposed to!

Do you have a regulator? Is it where the regulator attaches to the gas bottle?

Rosy · October 02, 2011, 02:58:25 PM

Yes, got a regulator. Everything is reasonably new too, only started at the end of June, with the starter kit for bulk propane from Tuffnells.

cbeadies · October 02, 2011, 02:59:48 PM

I had this problem with the first couple of tanks I used. Make sure it is screwed in correctly, I found the weight of the regulator on the hose made it difficult to attach the hose quite horizontally and it took a couple of tries to get it right. Then DH used a wrench of some kind to make sure it was fully tightened.

Lyn G · October 02, 2011, 03:07:31 PM

Are you sure you have got the thread screwing in correctly?

I took my last tank back because even though I had tightened the nut as hard as I could, there was still a leak. I was informed that I had ruined the nut by using the wrong sized spanner and rounded the angles a bit. They managed to tighten it for me by slipping a 2p piece between the nut and the spanner and tightening them both....very handy little tip!!

However, as your kit is quite new, this might not be the same problem.....but worth a try perhaps?

Redhotsal · October 02, 2011, 04:14:09 PM

You must tighten the fitting up with a wrench - finger tight is NOT going to be tight enough. It's really easy as long as you have a nice big adjustable spanner. Adjust the opening on the spanner so that it fits snugly over the nut on the end of the propane fitting (just to the left of the regulator as it goings into the cylinder). Tighten by giving it a good yank anticlockwise, while holding the regulator upright, until it doesn't move anymore. That's usually enough.At the risk of being a little sexist, unless you're very strong, most females won't pull hard enough to overtighten the fitting although it is possible to over tighten brass fittings as the metal is soft.

Check for leaks by spraying the connection with soapy water (though never do this on oxygen fitting) or a proprietory leak detector. Don't rely on your ears or nose for leak detection.

If it is still leaking badly undo everything and make sure that there are no bits of grit/swarf in the threads. Clean with a soft dry cloth and try again.

Redhotsal · October 02, 2011, 04:15:10 PM

Actually - re reading the thread - you should NOT have to use PTFE tape at all on these fittings. Clean it all off and try it without.

Rosy · October 02, 2011, 05:20:37 PM

Thanks everyone - had to get the adjustable spanner but its okay now with the soapy water check, and no tape. (I thought I wasn't supposed to use the spanner in case I couldn't undo it again!) The last tank didn't seem to have to be screwed on so tight.

Redhotsal · October 02, 2011, 05:29:37 PM

Yay! You're back in business. You'll soon get the hang of it. It does sometimes seem that some fittings are easier/looser than others, but you should always tighten the fitting with a spanner just to make sure.

lyzzydee · October 02, 2011, 06:09:56 PM

I read somewhere not to use a spanner and that hand tight was ok, but we bought a big spanner and we tighten it everytime that way I think its far to heavy to do by hand

Blue Box Studio · October 02, 2011, 07:51:04 PM

Wouldn't be without my big spanner. I'm sure it will have lots of different uses.

I had the same problem with my first cylinder on the HH, as Jill said, the thingy wasn't screwing in horizontally. I didn't get much reaction with soapy water, perhaps I was mean with the soap, so now I use the glas leak detector spray from the plumbers; my, what big bubbles it blows if there is a leak!

stuwaudby · October 03, 2011, 08:00:34 AM

I assume you are using calor gas. The seal is made between the very tip of the regulator and the seat in the bottle valve. PTFE tape will make no difference and should be removed.

Check that the seat in the valve is clean and free from scratches. Give the big nut a good tighten with a spanner and remember it is left handed.