Eskimo propane auger leak

I picked up an older (generation 1) Eskimo propane auger.  Runs AWESOME!

Tuned it a bit (slowed down the idle), and put a new gasket on the oil dipstick to fix a little oil seepage.

I notice a hint of LP odor when I open up the back of the truck, so there must be a tiny leak somewhere.  I see the newer models have a valve at the regulator to shut off the propane, and that would solve it if the leak is between the regulator and carb, but if the leak is at the bottle/regulator connection?

It's $56 for a new regulator hose with the valve, so I may do that over the summer, but anyone have a more permanent quick-fix recommendation other than removing the 1lb tank after each use?  I guess it will depend on where exactly it's leaking from, but open to hear your experiences.

If it was the regulator it properly wouldn't run great but what I have found with my jiffy propane auger is there's a rubber washer in the regulator and if you screw the tank on and it's cold out it won't go on tight. So I put it inside over night screwed the tank on inside the washer then seals better and 0 leaks.