CNG Tank Valve Stem may Eject from Valve Body – Luxfer One-Turn Valves (OTV)

NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E111
Manufacturer Luxfer Canada Ltd.
Components FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Potential Number of Units Affected 1,607

 

CNG Tank Valve Stem may Eject from Valve Body

The forcible ejection of the stem may increase the risk of injury to those nearby. Additionally, the unintended release of CNG can increase the risk of a fire.

 

Summary

Luxfer Canada Ltd. (Luxfer) is recalling certain One-Turn Valves (OTV), part number MPVE-250. If the knob is turned more than one turn, the valve’s snap ring may fail and the valve stem may forcibly eject from the valve body.

 

Remedy

Luxfer will notify owners, and provide an upgrade kit for the valves which doubles the snap ring strength, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Luxfer customer service at 1-403-720-0262.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
RECALL Number 18E111

 

Re: Luxfer Canada Model MPVE-250 One-Turn Valve (2/11/2015 to 7/26/2018)

 

Dear Customer:

This Notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

As you know, on September 15, 2018, Luxfer Canada Ltd. (“Luxfer Canada”) issued a Technical Bulletin on our Model MPVE-250 One Turn Valve.  This Bulletin warned that torques greater than the maximum specified are unnecessary and can damage the valve. Moreover, extreme over-torque of the valve may create a condition where it is possible to open the valve far more than just one-turn, to the point where the valve operator (stem) becomes unthreaded from the valve body, depressurizing the CNG fuel system. To mitigate against this possible overtorqueing, Luxfer Canada offered a complimentary Upgrade Kit in the Bulletin.

To ensure and facilitate the implementation of the Upgrade Kit, Luxfer Canada is initiating a recall of all Model MPVE-250 One-Turn Valves (produced 2/11/2015 to 7/26/2018), and asking its customers to see that the Upgrade Kit is installed on every valve, – a task that can quickly be accomplished in the field by an appropriately skilled technician.

A summary of the issue, the rationale, risks and the remedy associated with this Notice is shown on page 2.  As you will see, Luxfer Canada will provide you with a credit for installation of the Upgrade Kit.

Please contact the owners of vehicles equipped with your CNG fuel systems that incorporate this valve and arrange for installation of the Upgrade Kit.  Our customer service department will coordinate shipment of the Upgrade Kits and the subsequent credit for installation.  Please contact us at 1-800-764-0366 to make arrangements.

Please be reminded that it is a violation of Federal law for you to sell or lease vehicles covered by this notification until this recall has been performed on those vehicles. Substantial civil penalties apply to violations of this law.

We greatly appreciate your assistance in working with us to address this issue promptly.

 

SUMMARY:

Luxfer designed its One-Turn Valve (OTV), model MPVE-250, to be opened and closed by hand, with only one rotation (“one-turn”) of the valve’s knob.  Using tools or excessive force to rotate the knob can severely over-torque the valve.  The valve’s snap ring is designed to prevent rotation of the valve’s knob more than “one-turn.” Severe over-torqueing can potentially damage the valve’s snap ring and its gland.  With a damaged snap ring or gland, it is possible to open the valve far more than just one-turn, to the point where the valve operator (stem) becomes unthreaded from the valve body, depressurizing the CNG fuel system. To date, other than a valve exhibiting visible damage, one vehicle manufacturer has reported this condition on in-service valves used as part of its CNG fuel system.

 

CONSEQUENCE:

The stem can become a projectile due to the rapid depressurization of the CNG fuel system, which presents a risk of bodily harm from impact.  In addition, this unintended/inadvertent release of CNG, especially in an enclosed space, presents a risk of fire or explosion if exposed to an ignition source.

 

REMEDY:

Luxfer Gas Cylinders is offering a complimentary Upgrade Kit for the affected One-Turn valves. The Upgrade Kit increases the valve’s tolerance to over-torqueing. The Upgrade Kit is field installable by an appropriately skilled technician.  Luxfer will supply an Upgrade Kit for each valve, and, upon proper documentation, credit vehicle manufacturers $100 for each valve upgraded, up to a limit of $250 per vehicle for those vehicles with multiple valves.

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Operation Manual
S-OP-MPV

Rev 3b
Sept. 20, 2018

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCRIT-18E111-0039.pdf

 

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TECHNICAL BULLETIN
September 4, 2018
Luxfer OTV (One-Turn Valve) Model: MPVE-250

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCSB-18E111-8210.pdf

 

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Owner Notification Letter

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCONL-18E111-0563.pdf

 

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Chronology of Defect/Noncompliance Determination: Amended

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RMISC-18E111-8380.pdf

 

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Chronology of Defect/Noncompliance Determination:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RMISC-18E111-4315.pdf

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

December 19, 2018

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCAK-18E111-3485.pdf

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=18E111&docType=RCL

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Last update on 2025-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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