Bad tank alloy

[spectrum]

There is a good probability that some shops along the way will refuse to fill it despite it being in compliance with all requirements. This will get worse as time goes on. The bottom line here is barely technical. It's mainly ignorance, fear and greed.

If you can commission it for $25 and have some local 6351 friendly shops go for it. If you travel out of town with it, beware if it needs to be filled on the road.

Pete

 

[Couv]

Yes, you might run into a 35ish year old tank monkey who, in spite of his age is still at the bottom of the totem poll, that won't fill it.

Pull the valves out of them, sell the AL for scrap and get a post 1990 AL tank or better yet a good old fashion steel 72.

I know it ain't right, but it's the practical thing to do.

c

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

OK Gentlemen, let's stop the personal attacks and keep this thread on track. There has been alot of good information for the OP, let's keep it friendly.

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Carry on!
Carolyn:shark2:
SB Moderator

PS: Arkman, you may want to go to www.psicylinders.com, http://www.psicylinders.com/library/Current/library.htm for more information about your tanks and more information about the 6351 alloy.

 

[Arkman]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll do like you said and bring them in for recycling. Sad. Part of me feels like 12 or so out of 25 million are good odds but at the same time if its a fight to get them filled and I always have to worry about getting the proper certifications (different from a normal tank) then its probably not worth it.

Anyone know the going rate for a used valve?

 

[Stu S.]

Arkman, I know how you feel. I took my truck in for a minor recall and the dealer did a 15-point safety check, although I didn't ask for it. On that list was "needs new battery". Why? "We advise our customers to replace any battery over 3 years old".

For me to spend $100+, it requires a better reason. Failed a test or something. At least I had a choice (no, thanks) with the battery, and drove home.

 

[dead dog]

Our shop will not fill any pre-90 tank. Eddy current test or not. It's the owner's policy. Most shops in the Keys will not fill a pre-90 tank EDDY test or not.

Does that mean steel tanks also ?

 

[eeel]

Does that mean steel tanks also ?

While I can not say what Superlyte 27’s shop will do for sure, the pre 1990 alloy issue only applies to aluminum tanks. I have stopped using all my older aluminum tanks, but still use several older steel tanks from the 1960s and 70s.

 

[Superlyte27]

I'm pretty sure I answered this previously, but I was referring to pre-90 AL tanks. NOT steel tanks.

 

[Scared Silly]

I have walked into a shop with a sign that said something to the affect that cylinders made before 1990 will not be filled. There was nothing to demarcate between 3AL and 3AA cylinders.