Old propane tanks?

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Sep 4, 2005
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Hi. Here is a question for the propane experts out there. We have been cleaning up my grandfathers cottage since he passed in June. In amongst the junk are 4 large propane tanks. They have been there at least 25 years (my whole life). They look like the next size up from the 100lb. tanks. No dents, dings or corrosion. I have handled propane and propane appliances before, but have no way of knowing if:

1. They are full or empty

2. Safe to use. Even cracking them open to check, could I accidentally vent them or blow off an old crumbly valve (I have not checked this yet as it is winter)

3. Assuming they are full and safe to use (with an adapter) is there anything else I should know before I attempt to move/dispose/use them?

Thanks!
 
I would suggest a large open field, backing away about 500 yards, and letting loose with a 50 BMG...lol, never will forget Rich Davis doing that with a dozen 500 gallon tanks at Second Chance years ago....what fun!

You might call your local gas service and see if they can make a determination of both condition and contents. They may be able to recover what is in them and pay you for it. Liquid propane weighs in at over 4 pounds per gallon so you should be able to judge if they are empty or not.
 
1. I'm not an expert but I think you should be able to tell if they are full or empty just by the weight of them.

2. I'm not an expert but I think if you are going to start turning the valve keep your face out of the line of fire in case the valve blows off.

3. I'm not an expert so I can't help you - maybe just see Absintheur's post. :)
 
I would take them to a propane dist. and let them look at the condition,they might can change the valves and they can stamp them if good.I had an old 100 lb. tank and they passed it,and changed valve-Regards Butch
 
if you can slightly rock them you should be able to feel liquid propane moving around inside if there is any substantial ammount. if they are lightweight then chances are the tanks are empty. also tapping on the tank with the plastic handle of a screwdriver and listening to the sound might give you an idea if the tank has anything in it.
 
IN California, they have to be fitted with an OPD over fill protection device. If the tank has integrity, you can swap out those for new ones at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. You want to bbq your food, not your family. Do not risk using old tanks.
 
if you pour boiling water down the side of the tank, you will see where the fluid level is, IIRC it forms frost at the bottom. As long as the valves seem corrosion free I'd feel comfortable using whats left in them, but be sure to leak check them with soapy water to be safe. if the tanks are full, and you feel like using them, you could have a very long hose made up.
 
Even if they are 100lb plus, if they are empty they should be easy to lift.

I dunno about there but here propane/butane tanks have the empty weight written on them. Maybe it's rusted off though.

Normally I would get a good idea of how much gas is in a cylinder by rocking it slightly and getting a feel of the weight and listening to how much liquid is slooshing around inside.
 
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