LPG gauge broke

[beemerman]

2003 Dynasty with 38 gal LPG tank.  While on our last trip I noticed that my tank monitor said my LPG was empty.  I was pretty sure that couldn't be accurate so I checked the gauge on the tank and found the needle laying in the bottom of the gauge.  I was hoping that someone could tell me what it takes to replace the gauge on the tank.  I'm hoping that it is external to the tank but don't know anything about how the gauge is installed.  Any advice would be appreciated.  TIA

[Tom Cherry]

First

Check your Build Sheet.  The Tank model, SN and Manufacturer should be called out.  If not, ODDS ARE..it is a Manchester Tank.  They used TWO types of gauges.  One was a "screw on" with two tabs top and bottom.  The other was a "snap on" with some "CLIPS"

Manchester does NOT, I think, sell the replacement for the gauge or that is what I have read.

https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-Tank-G12846-LP-Gas/dp/B003D3WPGS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1SSDFMKHR5W0M&keywords=manchester+propane+tank+gauge&qid=1698086612&sprefix=manchester+prop%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

The above will take you to Amazon.  These are the replacement "magnetic, variable resistance" gauges that are commonly used.  You MIGHT need to get creative to make it work.  Mine cracked in the first year and Manchester sent me a new one....and it popped on and has been working fine.  SO, if yours is the tab....maybe you can use a dot of Gorilla Glue and attach the new sending unit.  You WILL have to cut the wires and splice in the new gauge.  The polairity is NOT an issue....just choose a wire and hook it up and then the other one.

A picture would help....but these are the most common.

Let us know...

[beemerman]

Thanks for the quick reply Tom.  I tried to attach a pic but I guess I will have to try again.  It looks like the gauge is held on with 2 screws.

LPG (1).pdf

[beemerman]

Update on my search for the gauge.

Using Tom's Amazon link I was able to find the correct screw on gauge P/N - G-12845.  After more investigation I was able to purchase one on E-bay for $54.00 with free shipping.  Once again thanks for the help, this group is great!

https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-5628S02537-Screw-Propane-Sender/dp/B00EP1R2AG/ref=sr_1_32?crid=288LAN6NSSDV2&keywords=manchester+propane+tank&qid=1698157621&sprefix=manchester+propane+tank+gauge%2Caps%2C323&sr=8-32&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

 

[Tom Cherry]

22 minutes ago, beemerman said:

Update on my search for the gauge.

Using Tom's Amazon link I was able to find the correct screw on gauge P/N - G-12845.  After more investigation I was able to purchase one on E-bay for $54.00 with free shipping.  Once again thanks for the help, this group is great!

https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-5628S02537-Screw-Propane-Sender/dp/B00EP1R2AG/ref=sr_1_32?crid=288LAN6NSSDV2&keywords=manchester+propane+tank&qid=1698157621&sprefix=manchester+propane+tank+gauge%2Caps%2C323&sr=8-32&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

 

GREAT....Enjoy and simple install.

[96 EVO]

Is my assumption correct that magnetic tank gauge is simply a repeater rather than the actual level sensor?

Mine popped off while I was working in there, and continued displaying half tank while in my hand!

[Bobkat11208]

This is our Manchester LP tank. I find no attached gauge or where one might go.  There is a screw cap at the bottom of the inlet pipe/hose, but it doesn’t look “seal tight”.The JRV Products monitor panel in the coach is very sketchy. Is looking for/attaching a tank gauge worth it recognizing I’d probably lose the 30 lbs in there now? Honestly, even though we boondock 90% of the time and have an absorption fridge, we typically only go through 1/2 tank per season.
If it is worth it where might it be located?

Edited June 13 by Bobkat11208

[96 EVO]

You may not have one.

My tank runs parallel to the coach, with everything on the side of the cylinder, rather than the end.

[Ivan K]

So if you have LPG monitor inside, you have a level sender in the tank. Could be just a matter of getting better display method. I am partial to a SeeLevel, for instance.

[Tom Cherry]

Your manual shows a gauge. Actually 2.  Page 7-249.  Be aware, the sending unit or the electrical “head” or gauge is sometimes hard to find.  Much has been written and Amazon sometimes has them.  NOW….also be aware that sometimes, ask Ben, Monaco didn’t put some of the standard stuff on…

If you don’t have the gauge, then using a magnetic one would be my recommendation.  Finding parts and such for an old tank might be tough….as well as emptying, safely….coming from an EX Safety Director, might be more than tough…but dangerous.

There are very few of the Manchester tank folks that “are around” when those tanks were made.  That’s a quote from a call a few years ago. So, you will need the Model number if you call then.

[Bobkat11208]

On 6/13/2024 at 2:29 PM, 96 EVO said:

You may not have one.

My tank runs parallel to the coach, with everything on the side of the cylinder, rather than the end.

Yeah apparently we do not @96 EVO.  Ours runs perpendicular to the coach-the picture is from the Road side access bay.  I will say it is pretty deep (~4-5 ft long it looks like but no easy access to the back side).  Yikes!

On 6/13/2024 at 2:46 PM, Ivan K said:

So if you have LPG monitor inside, you have a level sender in the tank. Could be just a matter of getting better display method. I am partial to a SeeLevel, for instance.

@Ivan K I would love to install SeeLevel and do away with all LED monitors in the 'hallway' but to do so will require me to "futz" around with the panel in the Water Bay and I don't see that ending well (for me-lololol).  I can't justify the $$ just for LP.  And unfortunately, the Curb side of the black and gray tanks end in an angle rather than straight sided.  Maybe I'll look at the Mokepa system for LP but need to do some more investigating/install manual, etc.

23 hours ago, Tom Cherry said:

Your manual shows a gauge. Actually 2.  Page 7-249.  Be aware, the sending unit or the electrical “head” or gauge is sometimes hard to find.  Much has been written and Amazon sometimes has them.  NOW….also be aware that sometimes, ask Ben, Monaco didn’t put some of the standard stuff on…

If you don’t have the gauge, then using a magnetic one would be my recommendation.  Finding parts and such for an old tank might be tough….as well as emptying, safely….coming from an EX Safety Director, might be more than tough…but dangerous.

There are very few of the Manchester tank folks that “are around” when those tanks were made.  That’s a quote from a call a few years ago. So, you will need the Model number if you call then.

@Tom Cherry-It does show a gauge (as well as on 7-251 & 252) but as your friend at Monaco said, they "didn't put some standard stuff on"... 🤣  I think, at least short term I might just go old school and pour hot water on it to estimate level. 

The main overarching issue I think is the JRV Products LED board but trying to find one has led no where.  The board has power at each wire, the switch works, some of the LEDs work and with my limited micro-electronics knowledge I could only disconnect the connector on the back and use cleaner on both the connector and the board contacts and that's been about it; a 'board-level' guy I ain't.  As I originally posted, it isn't a concerning issue but I am AR enough to want it to work and know why it doesn't.  DW calls it a flaw-but I think its a feature.