In a message dated 28/04/2007 1:02:35 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

Just  combed through the archive a bit and couldn't find any info on
replacing  the on/off (main) valve. Lots of info on regulator and
overfill valve.  Maybe somebody has the answer floating around in
their head?
I still get  propane smell inside vehicle, even with t he main valve
off. I think I may  also have a propane leak somewhere inside the
fridgerator. Not the lines, I  checked those and they are fine AFAIK
with bubbly solution. Fridge is still  not working on propane, just
get pilot light, vents heating, but no coolin  in reefer.
So since I got a fresh regulator, I also want to empty the  tank
(easy, on a breazy cliff...) and swap the main valve. Don't know  who
has it, prop fill station who sold me the regulator don't know.
Or  maybe I should stop pinching and order a whole new tank incl valve?
I have  had this Westy for about 1 year and only driven it in the past
month, I  doubt the propane  system was used much in it's lifetime...

So,  actually I only need a source for that main valve?

Matthias,  have your sprayed your entire tank with the soapy solution ?  The
tanks are  known to develop a pin hole leak under the data tag.  The data tag
should  be removed to examine this area.  The rusting in this area occurs due
to  the data tag being welded on in just four corners which allowed moisture
and  road debris to accumulate under it and therefore cause intensive rusting
at this  point.  ALL Westy tanks should have that data tag removed to preserve
the  tank from this problem unless it's the newer tank that Manchester made
with the  data tag welded on with a continuous bead of weld.  If the tank is not
 leaking then the regulator, fill valve, service valve or bleeder valve may
be at  fault.  The regulator and valves can usually be purchased at any good RV
 dealer that has a parts department and services propane.  If you cannot
find them then I can provide them for you.  See my _Vanagon Items Forsale_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm)  under  the "Westfalia Camper Parts"
section.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg  (Forsale) & Lionel Trains (_Collection
for sale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )_ Frank Condelli &
Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)  - Vanagon/Vanagon
Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley_ Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)  _  BusFusion_
(http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10,
2007