"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:O40Cd.8898$EG1.3132@lakeread04...
The new regs only apply in the US because we are the only country that
believes that government regulation can protect idiots from themselves.

The new valve has a float in it similar to a toilet tank that closes the
valve when the level reaches 80% full and a flow restrictor to prevent
drawing gas off faster than some arbitrary "safe" rate. Horzontal tanks
and
tanks over 40 pounds are exempt. t has a male square thread for US
filling
nozzels but still has the old style left hand female gas thread to keep it
compatable with existing equipment. That means that you can still get
your
tanks refilled elsewhere.

I had a response in a mailing list which suggested as much - US
female-filled widely available in the Caribbean, and never a current US
valve in sight.

BTW, you can get a new valve for about $19 at Northern Tool but it takes a
1
1/4" wrench and is a PITA to change out. It is really not worth it for a
steel tank but it might be for your aluminum tanks. I did it by wrapping
a
ratchet type web holddown around the tank and clamping it in a vise.

I find it offensive to pay half more for a valve alone than a refilled
exchange tank with the same valve installed. I have about a dozen old-style
steel tanks; I expect I'll exchange a couple of them, use them up before
they rust out, remove the valve, remove the float, and swap out with my
aluminum tanks' old valves, just in case the boat has to visit US waters
sometime before the end of the AL tanks' service life :{))

L8R

Skip

--
Morgan 461 #2
SV Flying Pig
http://tinyurl.com/384p2

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail
away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

I have an older alum tank (not sure of the size, about the size of a basket
ball) just for my BBQ. Paid $80 for it used but soon heard of the mandatory
OPD valve requirement. Checked a dozen or so refill/tank service stations
and none had the replacement valve for my size tank. Claimed they couldn't
find a stocking supplier..

I went on line and found my valve with a single Google and ordered it for
about $7. Took it to the refill/service station and they not only changed
the valve, but inspected and recertified my tank. Only cost was the price of
the refill..

BTW. To change the valve yourself is not something to attempt yourself since
you will have to hold the tank somehow while you remove the valve. This is
complicated by the valve guard. Once changed the tank should be inspected
and recertified. (If I were the operater of a refill facility, I wouldn't
want to risk filling DIY tank/valves.) These tanks require periodic
recertification anyway and most gas suppliers will do it for free or a small
fee.

My opinion and experience, FWIW.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Steve I have the same problem with an alum. 10# What was the web site? Thanks
JW

Just do a Google using 'OPD valve' or go directly to
http://www.opdvalve.com/ where I found mine.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions


"WestlakeY" wrote in message
...
Steve I have the same problem with an alum. 10# What was the web site?
Thanks
JW

For those who have ask about where I go my valve:
Just do a Google using 'OPD valve' or go directly to
http://www.opdvalve.com/ where I found mine.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions