AL tank question

[cap35951]

I have an opportunity to purchase 6 used AL tanks. Tanks were manufactured in 1988. I understand there was an alloy change in the late 80's , are these tank good or will I have problems getting them filled?

 

[kelemvor]

The details you need to know are in this sticky post: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ta...66-my-cylinder-made-bad-alloy-aka-al6351.html

 

[herman]

The easy answer is "most likely", many shops simply use 1990 as the go/no go date so reguardless of actual material of the tanks, even if it's the new material, a lot of shops will give you grief over them....IMO its not worth the problems unless you get them a very very good price.

 

[NAM001]

There were not that many bad tank problems. the bad allow has cracking issues and the new 6061 does not. Ther meer date of the tanks, as mentioned will raise flags with fillers. So why are the tanks being sold. Perhaps cant get them filled. Not fair but a reality....As cheap as al tanks are buy some new ones. You can get some used steel tanks also and are worth looking into if your weighting needs would benefit from them. Steel 100's seem to be the tank of choice and are nice for what i have heard. never dove one but is similar is many ways to al tanks. I am diving lp95's, most places will give a goooood fill. 3000psi is just shy of 110 cuft so if they dont niotice they are lp steel even a short fill to them is a full fill to you. look at huron tank specs and compare tanks empty buoyancy and weight. you have a lot of options other than nearly 30 yo tanks.

 

[tbone1004]

I wouldn't bother. I personally use 3 hydro cycles on aluminum tanks until retirement, but wouldn't even bother with anything older than 1990/1995. That's just me personally, but it's echoed by a lot of shops and it is their right to refuse to fill any tank for any reason. Not worth the risk. You can buy good steel tanks for fairly cheap these days.

 

[Bob DBF]

I only take tanks that old if they are given to me and have an interesting valve on them. I've scrapped out all I've had because, as others have said, there are a lot of other options that are less problematic.



Bob

 

[Jim Lapenta]

We have an issue around here now with a lack of hydro facilities. Two that were within ten miles have closed down. The nearest one now is an hour plus drive. He may or may not hydro tanks older than say 3 cycles (15 yrs). If he knows you well he will. If not.......

If you really can't afford new tanks I'd keep my eye open for some steel 72's. I have paid as little as 50 bucks for them and no one ever blinked about hydro'ing them. Including the ones with born on dates of 1953 and 54. 60 yr old tanks still going strong. I just bought/traded for a set of LP 46's for sidemount. New hydro's (like this week) with a plus rating. 2 sets of doubles bands I was not using and were in my way and 100 bucks. Covered tanks and shipping.

Many people seem to be going to HP steels and I am seeing used LP steels go for some very good prices. I'd pass on the 80's unless they had current hydro and were within the 1st or second cycle.

 

[cap35951]

Thanks. I ran across a to good to be true deal, Thank you for the feedback. I will pass on the tanks.