Help! I can't turn the gas off to remove the tank!

[Pod]

I'm new here and hope that some kind person can give me some advice!

I have bought a BMW 735i for its LPG system which I am intending transferring onto an E24 635CSi. The problem is that the tank (Stakis 80 litres) is apparently full up according to the gauge on the regulator (Reg Sens.GPL "SAEB 90 A.M. 3763-4183-130-B2") and I can't turn off the gas.

I understand that there is a fail-safe solenoid which should isolate the tank? I have tried cracking the supply line open and plently of gas escapes - more than just what would normally be there. I have screwed the two knurled nuts by the inlet - and outlet-lines fully closed, but this makes no difference.

The car has not been running for about three years, but I did drive it home on gas with no problems. I'm wondering if I passed 12 volts through the solenoid, it would activate, then seal the tank?

I'm stuck here. I don't wish to vent a valuable full tank of LPG to the atmosphere (nor contribute to global pollution ), but as I understand it, I cannot even weigh the car in for scrap without removing the LPG tank first.

Any ideas anyone, please?

[FatBillSlim]

Drive it around for a bit!

or freeze the tank down to about -50DegC then pop the valve off and fit new!

[Pod]

Wow, that post is about as useful as a chocolate teapot

Doesn't anybody here have any better advice please?

[Gilbertd]

How long did you leave it while gas was coming out? Bear in mind that the pipe from the tank to the front of the car will be full of gas and, if you calculate the volume of gas in it (Internal cross sectional area multiplied by length) you'll find you could have as much as half a litre in there. As 1 litre of liquid gas vaporises into 250 litres of gas vapour, it can seem like an awful lot and will vent for quite some time. Crack open a pipe joint and leave the gas coming out (preferably outdoors on a windy day). If it's still coming out after 5 minutes then the valve probably isn't sealing.

[Pod]

Thanks very much for the advice and explanation. I only cracked the union open for about 15 seconds, so I'll give your suggestion a try. Thanks again

[Pod]

Gilbertd you are a lifesaver! I did as you suggested and "hey presto" the gas stopped after only a about ten seconds. Thank you for your inspired advice - I really appreciate it

All I've got to do now is remove a full 80 litre tank without getting a hernia