Can anyone tell me what I could be doing wrong. [westy lpg]

Post by **littlepixel** » 09 Jul 2007, 21:17

It's a simple problem: I simply *cannot* get LPG into our Westy's tank.

My first attempt (see an older thread) did not work as the adapter loosened when attaching the bayonnet fitting and gas just escaped. Now I've got a sturdier looking thing and had a good feeling about itÃ¢â‚¬â€but going back to the same garage (there are precious few LPG sources here in the capital - go figure) today was another aborted attempt. What can I be doing wrong here?

They (this is a BP garage on the North Circular) appeared to have changed their bayonnet nozzle since my last attempt and this time hopes were high as it attached with no fuss, and then easily and satisfyingly engaged to my adapter by way of a sprung clamp. Then...

Well then nothing.

I pressed the 'dispense' button on the pump but nothing happened. Nothing escaped so I'm pretty sure it was all attached ok - but nothing goes into the tank. Off it comes, (pshhht!) back on it goes, press the button again. Nada. Diddly-squat.

I've read and re-read the Westy LPG manual and no-where I can see does it say I have to close or open any valves to enable filling up the tank - but try as I might nothing goes in as if there is some sort of shut off valve / safety-catch stopping a surge of propane into the tank.

Of course - I tried to get a little help in case their pump has some sort of idiosyncracy I don't know of but the staff only consisted of two untrained cashout people who were all like 'I dunno boss - did you press the button?" when I went in to pay for the 3p I had leaked onto the forecourt.

Idiots. Too much to ask for someone to give some help? "I can't leave my post now boss". And naturally - they know of no other LPG stations in this hemisphere.

I'm lost for ideas now and since we're supposed to be taking her on her maiden-camping-trip-proper on friday I'm more than a little piddled at the current scenario.

Ugh. Can anyone offer advice? I've taken some ropey cameraphone shots of the outside valve setup as it was when I tried filling in case anyone can spot any schoolboy errors. FYI our van is an '82 2.0 Aircooled westy in case that makes any difference.

[img

536]http://www.littlepixel.info/westy/lpg_controls.jpg[/img]

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give here: our Plan B is to try and find a camper specialist that i) dispenses LPG and ii) might have a clue as to the problem. But unless we find a fix it's cold beans and marmite sandwiches for the whole weekend

Ta (And apologies for length)
Huw

Post by **R0B** » 09 Jul 2007, 21:28

are you using the correct adaptor.only http://www.gasure.co.uk/ show this as a westy adaptor.
[IMG:88:91]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/ ... filler.jpg[/img]

get in touch with steve at gasure.hes very helpful...

Post by **simoncummins** » 09 Jul 2007, 22:10

Thats the set up i use you are using an european adapter with a english adapter in the end of that i have had no problems. So your adapters are right. Are there two rubbers on the english adapter when its taken out of the europen adapter. Hope this makes sence.

Post by **littlepixel** » 09 Jul 2007, 22:16

Yes it is the same as yours Simon - and yes - all the rubber seals seem to be correct. I'm inclined to give it one more shot - perhaps trying again with the pair of Gasure bayonnets I got first as the pump itself seems to have a different attachment now and there's always the idea of using the pump on the other side. It's just a stress to try all these things out when there's someone behind breathing down your neck wanting to use the pump y'know...

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 09 Jul 2007, 22:39

That adapter with the big ACME thread is no longer used, Gasure withdrew them because of problems with them. That`s the reason for using the 2 bayonet type fittings screwed one into the other, then screw the lot into the centre of the tank fitting. The 2 screwed together give you enough length (!) to get the filling nozzle on without problems.

Post by **ermie571** » 10 Jul 2007, 13:59

Hi Littlepixel,

the tank is deffo empty isn't it......

I went to fill my LPG tank the other day, coz I dandn't driven it for a while....but it wouldn't fill. Whipped the cover off the guage, and it was already full.....

Had to pay for the 3p or whatever it was that escaped though!

Presume you have tried to cook etc with all the valves open - dunno much about westies, but would have thought there was a cut-off between the tank and the cooker?

Just a thought

Emma

edited: can see the guage in the photo, but can't see the needle. Needs to be on the thin end of the "volume" switch if empty.

Post by **simoncummins** » 10 Jul 2007, 15:16

I know i does not help you down there but i fill up at a place that just sells gas and they fill it. Also if i tell them it is for domestic use and not road fuel i dont pay the tax. £1.75 to take tank from 30% to 90%.

Post by **Mocki** » 10 Jul 2007, 15:18

what is the gauge reading??????????, coz from your pic, it looks not empty........although it may be the pic.....

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 10 Jul 2007, 15:28

Does look half full, but the gauges can be unreliable. Maybe it is full

Post by **littlepixel** » 10 Jul 2007, 15:56

Thanks for this idea - I guess I just thought it would naturally be empty but now you're putting ideas in my head and I'll have to go check tonight and report back. I'm sure I'd have noticed wouldn't i? *Wouldn't I?*

I'll feel a right charlie if it's full won't I!

Post by **shaz and dan's van** » 10 Jul 2007, 16:59

When we bought our new van, I too went to fill it up & spent a whole 39p cause it was almost full!!

Post by **jamesc76** » 10 Jul 2007, 18:52

i hope you tank is full i no nuffing about under floor tanks but it would be nice for you to have gas !!

ps would make a great axle nut nomination????????

Post by **littlepixel** » 12 Jul 2007, 19:31

Hey y'all it wasn't full - but £7.69 later it finally is. Thank goodness.
I went along to the same garage today armed with both my adapters and - would you believe it - the pump was out of service haha.

Returned home, googled a bit and found there is another one vaguely nearby in Southgate (thank got - the nearest Shell in in Chichester lol!) so pootled on over there. This is another BP station so I was worried of the same problems at the pump ; First off I tried the two bayonettes joined together but the way they attach to the inside of the westy tank hole rather than around the wider ring didn't seem to form the right seal and it escaped in a jet when I tried to fill it. I was thinking 'oh noes! I'll never get this thing filled!'. I had one more chance - the other adapter...

Using this euro adapter with the UK one inside, however worked just great and in just a few moments the tank was full and me with glee.

Just got back and have lit the burners and all is well so we aren't living on cold beans at the weekend.

Now for the puzzle that is the '82 Electrolux fridge!
Thanks for the help guys...
Huw

Post by **Mocki** » 12 Jul 2007, 20:35

hi , im pleased you got it filled !
i have just fitted the same tank in your picture , now my question is this . . . .
you quote how much it cost to fill your tank from completely empty to 80% full .yes ?

how many litres was that ?

mine wasn t completely empty and i put 12 litres in - my gauge said 10% before I put 12 litres in, but I am concerned my gauge is wacky.....
it cost me 5quid

thanks in advance.....

steve
posted mobile via t-mobile

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 12 Jul 2007, 20:42

There is a graph in the Westy manual (link to it I believe) that shows the contents against percentage full, so you should be able to work out how much capacity you`ve got in there.

Good info on the tank gauge on Brickyard Westy section, Irish Dave, who posts here too, has pulled the gauge apart and explains how it works and how to fix it, worth a good look.