Aluminum Tank "Too Old" to Hydro???

[farmall.dude@gmail.co]

Folks, I was just told by my LDS that the tank I brought in to have hydro'd may be too old. He said they can't hydro aluminum tanks manufactured prior to 1990. Is this TRUE? I honestly don't have much faith in this shop, so I'm not sure he's not trying to sell me a new tank. I've NEVER heard that a tank is "Too Old" to hydro. It has always been my understanding that until a tank fails a hydro it's usable. I need to know if this guy is trying to pull a fast one, or if this is true. I've got 3 tanks that are older than 1990, and if I've got to buy new ones I'm going to be (you know) irritated. They've been hydro-tested every 5 years since I got them (used) 20 years ago, and always pass - so far anyway. Is it finally time to ditch this LDC or is he telling the truth??

 

[Dr. Lecter]

The very abbreviated story is that AL tanks, unlike steel tanks, were once made quite frequently with a "bad" alloy. While not all AL tanks from '89 and earlier are made of it, enough are that it's simply easier to set a date cutoff.

More here: http://www.psicylinders.com/inspectors/library/18-a-short-review-of-6351-alloy-aluminum-cylinders

 

[chrpai]

You can get it hydro'd.... but it won't do you any good if no one will fill it. This is a subject that's been covered a billion times and it has to do with an alloy of aluminum used by some vendors up until about 1989.

There's a lot of FUD out there on the topic and some dive shops tend to make blanket statements out of this. Either they are ignorant or they want to keep you so.

Here's a good FAQ:

Fill Express -- FAQ About Filling Aluminum 6351-T6 SCUBA Cylinders

Around my neck of the woods, people will fill them still.

 

[farmall.dude@gmail.co]

Good information! Thanks for the replies. I was mistaken, the three tanks were manufactured in 90, 91 and 92. After I read the links I had to know if my tanks could possibly be made of the "bad" alloy, so I dug them out and looked at the serial number and date. Phew! they're newer than I thought! I bought 2 of them used, pretty cheap in 93, and one was given to me last year. Just always assumed they were older than that. Never bothered to worry about the manufacturer date as long as they passed hydro. I guess I can rest easily now. I'm saving for a Dry Suit, I couldn't afford to have to buy new tanks too! Thanks again folks!

 

[Scared Silly]

Take them directly to the hydro shop and get them re-qualified. Afterwards do not forget to go back to the shop and show them the shiny new hydro stamps. Then find the best deal for the VIP and get them filled.

 

[letterboy]

Take them directly to the hydro shop and get them re-qualified. Afterwards do not forget to go back to the shop and show them the shiny new hydro stamps. Then find the best deal for the VIP and get them filled.

I had a shop refuse to fill a pre-90 cylinder (Al). it is their right to not fill them.

They also popped all my steels open and did a cursory VIP (no cost to me) as they were VIP'd in Md and I was trying to get them filled in SFL.

Makes sense, they don't want my tank popping off and hurting or killing one of the tank jockeys.

since they didn't charge me and replaced the O-rings I didn't complain.

 

[spectrum]

Yea, not so fast with the happy dance....

There are shops setting an arbitrary cut-off at 20 years for any aluminum cylinder. One in the region will do a VIP for $129.

Go find out what the local practice is and work fromt hat.

Pete

 

[Dr. Lecter]

There are shops setting an arbitrary cut-off at 20 years for any aluminum cylinder.

What mouthbreather thought that up? 'Oh, sorry, I know the tanks from 1992 were cool last year, but this here is 2013!'

 

[chrpai]

There are shops setting an arbitrary cut-off at 20 years for any aluminum cylinder. One in the region will do a VIP for $129.

Names. Shine the light of day on this LDS and do the community a favor.

 

[spectrum]

Names. Shine the light of day on this LDS and do the community a favor.

It's old common news, plenty of similar reports are here to be read.

As for the $129. VIP it's not a shop I frequent and lacking recent verification I'll just say watch for the big poster on the wall.

Pete