The propane on board the Westy can also be a hazard and in the event of a
fire can make things real bad.
Last weekend I attended the Busses near Natural Bridge event in Virginia.
On the way home I stopped at a Flying J and decided to fill the propane
tank. The tank is original and it was painted-undercoated in the past. To
begin with we had trouble with the fill valve. Took care of that! As the
tank was filling at just over a gallon a rust spot popped off the tank
revealing a nice size pin hole allowing liquid propane to escape. Nothing to
be done except allow it to escape. The fire department responded, the
station was partially shut down etc. Thankfully everything in the van was
shut off and since the tank was small it vented out in about an hour. Let's
just say it was an event.
Luckily nothing ignited. Four fire trucks and a lot of people were there
just in case.

Lessons learned!
Do not paint the tanks with anything thick. You want to see if any rust is
forming.
If the tanks are allowed to go empty it is possible for them to get moisture
inside and rust from the inside out.
If any doubts take them off and have them pressure tested or replace when
needed.
Regularly test fittings, valves, and regulators etc. for leaks and proper
operation.
When something happens you will be asked when and by whom. Both for the
installation and maintenance.
Be prepared to know that the installed appliances are UL/FM listed.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dave Christensen
Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2013 10:45 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Westy Fire in Alaska

My old department respond to this one last Sunday.  It was a total loss.  No
definite cause, but I wouldn't think twice about a fuel leak from what I
heard.

Condolences to the owner.

http://sewardcitynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Vehicle-fire-600x398.jp
g

Dave
'83 Diesel Westfalia - 'Gus'
Flagstaff, AZ
Bear Creek, AK

Sent while mobile.