[C320-list] Questions about LPG tank refill, and removing the wheel

[Warren Updike]

Not one stamped on the tank. What I've found is the following:
	Cylinders are subject to recertification (also known as requalification) twelve years from their date of manufacture and every five years after that. 

Dates are stamped on the tank. When recertified, it's my understanding a new date will be stamped.
Concerns for typical propane cylinders used for home grills are damage (dents), rust, faulty valve, etc. The type of 10lb aluminum cylinder found on the 320 is somewhat immune to these typical faults. Never the less, they are subject to recertification per the rule. 
Retailers like Sam's Club, propane businesses, etc. very likely will check for the cert date on the tank and refuse to fill if expired. Others, like at gas stations may not check. 
Any propane commercial supplier should be able to recertify your tank.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: tharrison at innovations-plus.com [mailto:tharrison at innovations-plus.com] 
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2016 2:18 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Questions about LPG tank refill, and removing the wheel

Do the LPG tanks have an expiry date?

Ted Hull 424

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Thursday, May 5, 2016 2:10 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Questions about LPG tank refill, and removing the wheel

Mr. Brad, I don't know how your propane tank is configured; but, if like ours, the hose wraps around the top of the tank. Loosen the connection and lift the tank partially. This will allow you to pull the gage and fitting free from the tank. Reverse the procedure to install.

While at it, allow me to show you how to measure the level of propane in the tank. 

Wheel: disconnect the AP cable, remove the center nut, engage the AP, pull the wheel. If it has been a while since the wheel was off, it may take some encouragement. 

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Brad [mailto:bkuether at comcast.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 11:11 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com 
Subject: [C320-list] Questions about LPG tank refill, and removing the wheel

Hey everyone, 

Its been a while since I have been on the list, some things going on that have taken me away from sailing.  I think I sailed twice last fall, and the boat came out in late November.  

This year I have vowed to be more active on the list and find more time to sail as well…..  

Anyway,

I was working some spring commissioning items, and I have two items that I cannot figure out on my 2004 320.

First, how in the world do you get the propane tank disconnected so it can be refilled?  If you spin everything at the refill point, the gauge and regulator will just hit the tank and keep it from spinning.  And really that is the only way it can be refilled…..  Really confused on this one……

Second, for the life of me I cannot figure out how to take the wheel off, in order to service the autopilot.  I don’t know if it is stuck, or I am just not approaching it correctly.

If anyone can give me some ideas of how to approach these, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks,

-Brad Kuether
SV Independence
Middle River, MD




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