Do Propane Tank Gauges Get Stuck?

[Diggin It]

I own my 500 gallon LP tank and have never had any problems. But the gauge has been at 30% for a few weeks now. It's been a very mild winter, so I haven't used a lot, but it seems like it should have moved at least some. I also cook with LP. It's been mild, but too cold (40s-50s) to see any condensation line form on the tank.

 

[Wagtail]

Sure they do... a mechanical gauge can be 'pegged' anytime it's engaged after the tank is filled, which means that it's now out of calibration = indicates 30% but is actually at another percentage. The gauge is an indication only.

Anything exposed to 'the elements', including temperature variants, can get stuck at a certain position too.

All I can recommend is to turn the propane off at the tank, remove the gauge (it should drop to "zero/empty"), put the gauge back on and turn the propane back on.

 

[3Ts]

Yes it does. The display part of the gauge gets stuck and has to be freed up from time to time.

Note: the display head is separate from the level sensor so the tank pressure does not have to be released. IDK how they connect but it looks to be magnetic.

 

[Diggin It]

All I can recommend is to turn the propane off at the tank, remove the gauge (it should drop to "zero/empty"), put the gauge back on and turn the propane back on.

No can do. Gauge is mounted in the body of the tank, like this example:

 

[Fuddy1952]

No can do. Gauge is mounted in the body of the tank, like this example:

Mine is exactly that that also and I don't think it's accurate.
What about this?

 

[3Ts]

No can do. Gauge is mounted in the body of the tank, like this example:

Yes, you can. The Gauge is a two part assembly. See the 2 screws on either side of it? See the big hex nut underneath the gauge? The hex nut is solid, do NOT turn that! If you remove the 2 screws the display part will come off and the rest of the gauge is still sealed to the tank. I watched my propane dealer replace the display head, since it was a rented tank he did it. I suggest that when you get a refill for your tank, you have them bring a new display head for the gauge out and replace the one you have and he will be able to tell if the float inside the tank is sticking.

Mine looked just like that, complete with red pressure regulator. I now have a buried tank so it is now a little different, but gauge still works the same.

 

[bigtiller]

Drop the lid. Let it bang on the tank. The tank will vibrate like a church bell. The vibration will release a sticky float. I always let my lid bang on the tank twice when I check the gauge.

 

[oosik]

I've "whacked" the side of my tank with a nylon dead fall mallet a couple time. The internals will loosen right up.

 

[Deere Dude]

Fill the tank and see if it goes up.

 

[ovrszd]

Sure they do... a mechanical gauge can be 'pegged' anytime it's engaged after the tank is filled, which means that it's now out of calibration = indicates 30% but is actually at another percentage. The gauge is an indication only.

Anything exposed to 'the elements', including temperature variants, can get stuck at a certain position too.

All I can recommend is to turn the propane off at the tank, remove the gauge (it should drop to "zero/empty"), put the gauge back on and turn the propane back on.

Last year was my first experience with heating using Propane. Had the rented tank set and filled. New hydronic floor heat system in my shop. No idea how efficient it would be.

Checked the tank regularly. Thought the gauge was a bit erratic but it continually dropped. Couple months later I go in the shop and the heat isn't working???? Go to the tank, gauge says 30%...… Look at the pressure gauge and it's on 0%. It's 20F degrees outside. Water in my floor lines.

I was upset mainly because the tank was freshly refurbished before being set at my location. But, the experience taught me to never trust the gauge. I also now have some historical data to rely on in regards to usage. When the gauge registers less than 50% I call for refill.

I also use propane for domestic hot water. So I always have usage. If I ever looked at the my gauge and it read the same as last time I looked I would immediately call for fill up so I'd know where I stand.