6351s

[aquaregia]

I swore that I'd never buy a 6351 just so I wouldn't have to deal with the issue. I even passed on a free pair once. However, I was just given some tanks in the dark, and when I got it home, I saw that it's an '81 Luxfer. Sigh.

I'm trying to decide whether to keep it or trash it. I could use the extra AL80, and I hate throwing away perfectly good equipment. I've read a ton of FUD posts about 6351, and I'd hate to overreact.

I do keep my tanks under my bed though.

It's my understanding that the eddy current tests have been very effective at spotting damage early. I know this has been discussed almost to death, but I'm still not really comfortable one way or the other. It's in my front yard until I decide.

Any opinions?

 

[Ed Palma]

You could've kept the free pair... Free valves and some dough from scrapping the tanks...

On topic though, I've likewise tried to stay away from 6351 tanks just to avoid any perceived problem. The thing is, I've never run into a shop or resort here in the Philippines that gives a hoot about what the tank is. As long as its in hydro, and you've got the cash for the fill, then you're good to go. Of course, I don't get around that much, so YMMV. Of course, all this is null and void, because what really matters is what the shops in YOUR area think.

Incidentally, how'd you end up accepting tanks without that basic info? Did you pay for it?

 

[SeaCobra]

I would suggest you take your tanks to a certified PSI tank inspector where a proper and thorough visual inspection can be done. Also a good eddy current test would be recommended, hopefully they have the newest version with the software, it's cool.

Not all 6351's have exploded and killed half a dive shop, I have 6 in my garage right now and they are fine. Sustained Load Cracking (SLC) is not something that materializes over night, but takes time to develop. More important than the eddy current is the use of a magnified light system on the threads of the tank.

Enjoy your tanks,
Jeff

 

[krawlings]

Keep them If they pass the hydro/eddie then go diving . I have been diving on one from 85 for the last 1-1/2 years And if they don't pass turn them in to end tables or lamp s or eaven a mail box

 

[rjack321]

Just recycle the damn things, probably worth about $12 each in AL right now. Hydros with VEs are more expensive and many shops aren't going to fill them either. The maintenance costs and hassles outweigh the "free" IMHO.

Talk to Phil Ellis about SLC developing "overnight", he's had at least one 6351 cylinder pass VIP and eddy and then immediately leak from a crack in the crown during filling. He won't deal with them anymore after the experience and I don't blame him.

 

[knowone]

Keep a saw handy for when you come across some
that you decide not to turn into nitrous oxide tanks
to section them below the crown, and display your
first double hose and utilise the other end as a hat.

 

[05sportsman]

I would take them and get them tested just to see if they will pass. If they pass they hydro and VE you could probly sell them to someone if you are not comfortable keeping them.

 

[fdog]

If you show up at the shop I work at, 6351 tanks will be refused.

The corporate train of thought is that the small increase of risk isn't worth it, and gas fills are loss leaders, anyway.

BTW, we just scrapped a bunch of old aluminum tanks. There were two places that would take them - one that gave us $0.50/lb with the tanks as-is; the other would give us $0.66/lb, but, the tanks had to be cut in half.


All the best, James

 

[superstar]

I have two 6351 tanks an have no problem with the welding shop that hydros and VE them, they pass every time, It's the LDS PSI inspecter that seems more interested in failing the tanks.

 

[oxyhacker]

You can't really blame a visual inspector for being a bit paranoid when it comes to 6351 tanks. The hydro shop guy has special training, a shopfull of test gear that reads out in hard numbers, and a library of federal regs that tell him what to make of those numbers. It's an objective decision, done mostly by the numbers, and if he does it by the book his ass is covered.

The visual inspector, on the other hand, is expect to take a tank that he has been taught may well be a bomb, and on the basis of a one day's training make a very subjective opinion as to how likely it is to kill or maim someone.

Now which one do you think is most likely to err on the side of caution?

I have two 6351 tanks an have no problem with the welding shop that hydros and VE them, they pass every time, It's the LDS PSI inspecter that seems more interested in failing the tanks.