When the cylinder on the gas grill is filled to capacity and exposed to increased temperatures, liquid propane, instead of gas vapor, can leak out and cause the gas regulator valve to freeze. When the regulator valve thaws, if it has not been turned off, gas will flow to the grill. The resulting build-up of gas in the grill can pose a serious fire hazard to consumers.
Department and hardware stores nationwide sold the gas cylinders with the recalled OPD valves, from August 2002 through August 2003, for about $30. Some cylinders also were sold with certain Sunbeam gas grills.
Country of manufacture
Thailand
Description
The recalled SCG Overfill Prevention Devices (OPD) have "V5QA OPD" engraved on the body and handle and either "DT 3.8" or "DT 3.8A" printed on one side of the wrench pad and "07-02," "08-02," or "10-98" printed on the other side. The valves are installed on 20-pound liquid propane gas cylinders manufactured by the Sahamitr Pressure Container Public Co. Ltd. in Thailand. The cylinders are marked "SMPC DOT-4BA240" and have a serial number in the range of 375201 to 396800. There is no hazard with the cylinders.