Buying AL tank online - Is $65 good deal?

[JoshuaJ]

I know buying used tanks online is a big chance, and a lot of aluminum tanks out there are banned by DOT and aren't trustworthy. I'm hoping someone could shed some light on this one - maybe it's junk, but maybe the attacked reg and backplate are worth it? Or maybe the reg is toast but the backplate/harness is worth the money?

 

[JoshuaJ]

It looks somewhat antique, and I think the tank may be banned and at the very least is not trustworthy and most would not fill it. Still can't tell whether the backplate is any good (if that's even what it is). The reg looks like a style from the 70's-80's maybe?

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

This appears to be one of the older Luxfer tanks (I have a USD Al80 of the same vintage). The tanks you are looking at was originally hydro'ed in 1975. Look closely at the DOT special permit number (SP6498) this I believe identifies it as being among those made of the "bad" alloy (6351-T6):

Hazardous Materials: Aluminum Cylinders Manufactured of Aluminum Alloy 6351-T6 Used in SCUBA, SCBA, and Oxygen Services--Revised Requalification and Use Criteria | Federal Register Environmental Documents | USEPA

This does not necessarily mean the tank is "bad", but it might mean that some shops may not fill it (regardless of whether or not it passes inspection and hydro).

The other problem with buying online is shipping cost.... that needs to be factored in.

If you were buying this from a dive shop that guaranteed they'd fill it, I'd say go for it.

Online.... pass.

Best wishes.

Edit: FYI, these tanks are not banned, but must be properly inspected. I still use mine... will be diving it again this weekend

 

[Stu S.]

No. Shipping + the price of getting that stuff back into service would probably make $65 more like $200. And, an aluminum tank that old may be good, but your local dive shop could choose not to fill it. Also... that old backpack was designed for use with a horsecollar BC, and those are now collector's items.

If a neighbor gave it to me free, it might be worth messing with. I'd say no thanks if I had to pay for it.

 

[spectrum]

Yes, SP6351 makes it a 6351 allot cylinder.

That means that in addition to hydro and visual it will need an eddy current test to get recommissioned. This is usually done for an additional fee. Being 6351 there is a real possibility that sustained load cracking will be detected and it will be condemned.

In all likelihood it ill pass. The downside is that many shops will simply refuse to fill it due to the alloy question. Heck, many shops are black balling perfectly good 20 year old aluminum cylinders regardless of alloy.

Considering the cost to recommission, risk of failure and hostility of shops towards these I would run the other way and find something else to buy.

Pete

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

A few additional comments on 6531-T6 alloy scuba cylinders, quoted from the DOT:

1.) Currently, cylinders manufactured of aluminum alloy 6351-T6 may be used indefinitely so long as they conform to the requalification test and inspection criteria established in the HMR.

2. The requalification process is an effective method of condemning deteriorated or damaged DOT specification cylinders.

3. We are requiring an eddy current examination to be conducted at the cylinder's next required periodic requalification after January 1, 2007, the effective date of this final rule. As a result, the date stamp on each cylinder will accurately reflect the
date of the last periodic requalification, including the eddy current and visual examination.

Note that the "requalification" includes the normal hydro and visual inspection at the 5 year interval that all tanks require.

Best wishes.

Final note: For better or worse, despite the above, you may not get a dive shop to fill an "old" aluminum tank. My dive shop does, so I'm lucky.

 

[JoshuaJ]

Well, it's a local craigslist seller so I wouldn't have to worry about shipping. It sounds like there's a chance that as long as the tank is in good condition, some dive shops would be willing to fill it after a full inspection. Maybe. And it sounds like the reg and harness are useless - I'm not looking to start a museum collection So I think I'll pass. Thanks for the info guys!

 

[mike_s]

I'd "walk away". just my opinion.

It's an older 6351 Alloy. While it's acceptable to use it after "proper inspection", most shops won't fill it. This includes shops on vacation. I don't even know of a shop that will fill them where I dive.

So you pay $65 for it. Chances are it needs a hydro and visual. Hydro usually runs $25 at most LDS's, and visual $10, plus $5 for an airfill. So you've got minimum $40 extra in it. So far you've got $105 in it. AND IT MIGHT FAIL HYDRO.

you'll never get $105 out of it trying to sell a 6351 tank used.

I'd take your $105 and add another $45 to it and get a brand spanking new AL80 for $150. You'll be much happier in the long run.

Oh... unless you sell them to some "collector" who likes old gear, the plastic backplate and reg are worthless.


Oh... if the old J-valve on it is bad also, then figure $45 for a new valve. So your total cost would be about $150 bucks for a "turd" tank. Your money could better spent buying a new tank for that much.


just my perspective.

 

[eelnoraa]

If out of hydro, it is not a good deal. Hydro in my area costs $50, making this tank $110 to put into service. That is assuming it passes. You should be able to find newer AL80, Catalina or Luxfur, in current Hydro for abotu $100. so better tank, ready for immediate use for less money.