Flyfisherman128
Broadalbin, NY
Senior Member
Joined: 08/09/2005
View Profile
 Offline
|
What do you do when your built in propane tank rusts? How bad is bad? I don't think I can get around it to paint it. Why did the paint come off? Is it from the condensation when your drawing off of it in humid weather?
|
fourfurz
Memphis
Senior Member
Joined: 03/23/2008
View Profile
|
Rust on a pressurized vessel is dangerous. Rust reduces the strength of the container by reducing the thickness of the walls and also by inducing stress cracks and fissures. If these are left unchecked, eventually it will fail catastrophically.
I suggest you get your tank inspected by a propane supplier who can recommend remedial action which might include tank replacement.
Remember, propane is extremely dangerous!
2007 Mountain Aire 4528
2006 CRV SE
Based in Memphis area
|
Kenneth
Washington, the state
Senior Member
Joined: 03/20/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
The ASME propane tank on a MH is made of much thicker steel than the portable DOT propane cylinders on trailers. If the metal isn't deeply pitted and thinned, just de-scale, prime, paint.
I'm free of prostate cancer for 5 years now.
All men over age 50 should get an annual PSA blood test. Mine had a low reading, but the yearly jump was significant. The biopsy showed cancer just entering the aggressive stage. Dr. Hackenslash removed it.
|
fourfurz
Memphis
Senior Member
Joined: 03/23/2008
View Profile
|
Kenneth wrote:The ASME propane tank on a MH is made of much thicker steel than the portable DOT propane cylinders on trailers. If the metal isn't deeply pitted and thinned, just de-scale, prime, paint.
If it was your family in jeopardy, would you trust your own judgment to determine if it was too pitted or too thin? I'm no expert in propane tankage, so if it was my tank, it seems prudent to have it inspected.
Call me crazy and reckless.
|
rebel462
ontario canada
Full Member
Joined: 09/30/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
When I bought my motor home the 130 gallon propane tank was rusty, it was not real bad, I asked to have it painted.
I was told that the tank could only be painted on the bottom and back as the law here in Canada requires the tank to only have the original paint on it.The dealer did paint the parts mentioned and left the area at the gauge and valves the original white,so far have had it filled at several different places, flying j etc. and no one has mentioned anything.
Check with your propane people there to make sure before you paint.
|
|
|
david_w28
Michigan
Senior Member
Joined: 08/18/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
More then likely you referring to the surface rust. It probably just looks bad. If I were concerned I would remove the tank, get it inspected and tested. If it is found to be ok, just get it painted and re-install.
|
pkunk
Questa, NM
Full Member
Joined: 12/28/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
My stick home tank was made in '48 and has looked rusty several times in that time frame. I spray on a product (can't remember the name) that turns the rust neutral grey, then brush paint a propane tank enamel I get from the local propane dealer. The home & mobile tanks would take centuries to rust through so not to worry.
1989 Allegro, 30 ft., 454 CI 4 BBL, 3 spd.auto, 125gal.gas tank,85g.water & 85 grey &75 black holding tanks. 3-12v Optima 31m coach batteries
|
jenks60
MS. coast
Senior Member
Joined: 10/27/2001
View Profile
|
I also have a rusty tank. I think the salty winter roads does it as my unit came out of WI. I have only had it guestioned once in the 7 years we have owned it. I do not worry about it. Had a mobile home with a left over mine made into a tank from WW2 rusty as all get out, and they put gas in it!
jenks, fulltiming with the DW.
92 Southwind P3(32) 33 ft.
99 Saturn SL2
Rallys attended-TX 2, LA 2, MS 1, AL 2
MA. 1 drop in for visit.
|
Flyfisherman128
Broadalbin, NY
Senior Member
Joined: 08/09/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
The tank is the only rusty thing on the motorhome. My first guess is the the tank got sandblasted from road dust since its the lowest thing on the rv. But the top of the tank and sides are equally pitted. Dunno.
|
tonyandkaren
pennsylvania
Senior Member
Joined: 05/15/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
Ours rusted all over too , probably from condensation. We sanded the rust off, primered it and then used a good quality high gloss enamel,two coats brushed on to get good coverage. That was probably five years ago and it's still in good condition.
Ask at your local hardware store (as opposed to big box store ) to get the right paints for the job.
|
|
|
