On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:19:54 GMT, "pussywillow"
> wrote:

>
>"Kathleen" > wrote in message
...
>> CC wrote:
>>
>>> The easiest way to check the fuel level in propane tanks
>>> is to boil water in a pan or kettle then pour the hot water
>>> down the side of the tank. When you slide your hand down
>>> the tank where you poured the water, the temperature will go from hot to
>>> cold,
>>> Where it has turned cold is the level of gas in the tank. In the winter,
>>> the gas coming from the tank will cause a frost
>>> line around the side of the tank. This will also indicate fuel level.
>>> CC
>>
>> Nice intellectual exercise. Or you can look at the pressure gauge on the
>> grill, or, you can heft the tank, then lift another that you know damned
>> good and well is empty to compare.
>>
>> Energy costs being what they are, I need damned good incentive to turn an
>> indoor stove burner on, especially given that the propane supplier I use
>> only charges for what's actually dispensed.
>>
>> I own 4 tanks. Generally speaking, at any given point in time, one is in
>> use, two are full, one is bone dry. Given that I purchase dog food and
>> various horse supplies at this particular vendor, this constitutes no real
>> hardship.
>>
>> With outside temps running nearly 100 F, there's no freakin' way I'm
>> boiling any water to check my propane level.
>
>It's still a good tip if one does not have a gauge to measure gas.
>

A gauge on a propane tank is basically a useless gadget. Propane is
stored in the tank as a liquid but for most purposes, like a backyard
grill, it is drawn off as a gas (vapor). The gauge will read full
until all the liquid has vaporized and then it will drop like a rock
as the propane vapor is used.

Ross.