Westy LPG tank doesn't want to be filled...

[volks_womble]

We went to fill the underslung LPG tank on our new to us westy this afternoon, but came home without success

Unscrewed the cap, screwed on the adapter, attach nozzle, quarter turn and press the button... initially the LPG started to flow, but very soon stalled (about £2 worth later).

The gauge says the tank is empty and the PO stated he had run it out on his last outing, so no reason to think it is actually full.

According to the manual I downloaded, filling does not require any valves to be opened or closed specifically, so does anyone have any suggestions as to why it might not be filling?

Cheers
Mark

[aerovolito]

I'd want to be certain the tank really is empty before trying to diagnose a filling problem because the gauge on the Westy tank is notorious for failing. The good news is the fix is simple.

[craigy345]

I'd want to be certain the tank really is empty before trying to diagnose a filling problem because the gauge on the Westy tank is notorious for failing. The good news is the fix is simple.

Yep Thats my 1st thought too.

Happened to mine.
Couldn't fill up gauge showing only 1/4 full?

Seems to be a common fault with the gauge/tank.

1 0f 2 things... either the float is no-longer sealed and filling with gas so not floating and showing the correct reading (think ball-"cock").
Or like mine the cog on the float arm is worn and slipped some teeth on the cog wheel again showing the wrong reading on the gauge.

Good News fixable, Bad News need to empty the tank fully!!!! 1st.

I have mine apart at the moment so can take a photo of the likely faulty component if it helps ?

[volks_womble]

Any pictures as you do it would be excellent.

Cheers
Mark

[volks_womble]

So, just to confirm, I believe the tank is actually empty. Attempted to get the cooker to light, but there wasn't even a wisp of gas. I am going to try it on a different pump tomorrow and see if it was anything to do with the garage.

Ta
Mark

[Porkscratching]

Hi Mark, if you PM me I'll send a picture. I don't see how the tank can be empty if you've dispensed £2 worth of gas. Have you turned on all four of the isolation valves before attempting to light the hob?

Max

[volks_womble]

So, tried filling again today, but with the same result - it won't fill.

Ended up talking to someone locally who suggested it might be a stuck fill valve, which means dropping the tank to check and fix... so, while it's off I will clean all the bracketed up, and see what state the tank itself is in. No point reusing a rusty or unsafe tank after all.

Should also be able to asses whether the float and gauge are working properly too.

Cheers
Mark

[nobbyfox]

Mark,
I don't want to state the obvious but have you made sure that the gas is in the 'on' position and the tap for the cooker is 'on' ?

If the answer is yes then it could be a petrol pump problem. I have a California with the underslung tank and find that BP garages are a pain.
Try Shell or Jet garages, these have proven more reliable .

Cheers

[volks_womble]

No problem with stating the obvious...

I have tried most combinations of the variuos valves. The main brass handled valve on the tank is marked with an arrow pointing to zero. My assumption is that zero means closed. That is the only one that there is any uncertainty as to which way is on as it isn't mentioned in the manual!

There seems to be very limited lpg stations nearby these days - the one I have been trying is a Shell garage, and was always fine when we ran our Land Rover on gas. Both the BPs near us have been refitted recently without Lpg pumps.

Cheers
Mark

[nobbyfox]

Oh then its something else.......
Do you have a BBQ attachment that fits on the outlet of the tank?
If so maybe open the valve and see if its defo empty

[clift_d]

I think the 'O' on the big brass stopcock is for 'offnen' which is German for open. If it's turned hard the other way then your main valve is closed which could be the root of your problem. Worth a try if you haven't done it already.

[California Dreamin]

PAGE 7 of the Westy Joker manual should provide clear details of valve position...

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/westy ... 40840.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin