Scuba Tank Question

[redfishray]

I bought a tank the other day because the seller stated that the tank was just hydroed and vis in November. My friend picked it up for me and when i received it, I noticed that it was a 1980 (aluminum 80cf) . It was vis and hydro in November 2010 so that was all good. Well I went and dove on it and now I cant get an LDS to fill it. I do know of one place about 35 miles from me that will fill it but it is not worth the drive. That being said, I will sell it really cheap if someone near me wants it. If I cant sell it, what is yall's recommendation. Spare me the paperweight/recycle jokes, just looking for some insight from those who may have had this problem....or someone who wants to buy it CHEAP

[smilin jim]

I can't remember the exact issue but there was an issue with tanks made before 1989 or so, something about the aluminum that was used, a lot of tanks were blowing up, I had to give up two tanks for this reason, I googled it back then and there were pic's of a part of a garage that was taken out by one of these tanks.

[Gary H]

Luxfer produced AL tanks from a composition that could develop stress cracks in the neck. Out of millions and millions sold and serviced, a tiny quantity of them failed. Many of the ones that failed were filled out of hydro and visual inspection. My memory is all of them failed/exploded during the fill process. The AL composition was changed sometime in the late 80's.

Dive shops continued filling them for many years, but most required an additional eddy-current test of the neck. Sounds like there are not any of those shops in your area.

With that said, if only one failed and killed somebody, that is one too many. Google Luxfer AL tanks to be sure your tank truly falls in the years in question. If it does it will probably get harder and harder to get it filled.

Sorry I don't have any good suggestions for you

[kylo1597]

Hit up jetro! He cut the top off one, installed a propane burner and a copper coil that hooks to his washdown and wala...hot water for winter dives. Redneck but effective

[Wishihadgills]

You could always scrap it. it will get you like 15 bucks. Not much but enough for a 12pck

[JPscuba3]

Originally Posted by redfishray

I bought a tank the other day because the seller stated that the tank was just hydroed and vis in November. My friend picked it up for me and when i received it, I noticed that it was a 1980 (aluminum 80cf) . It was vis and hydro in November 2010 so that was all good. Well I went and dove on it and now I cant get an LDS to fill it. I do know of one place about 35 miles from me that will fill it but it is not worth the drive. That being said, I will sell it really cheap if someone near me wants it. If I cant sell it, what is yall's recommendation. Spare me the paperweight/recycle jokes, just looking for some insight from those who may have had this problem....or someone who wants to buy it CHEAP

Almost ALL scuba aluminum scuba cylinders made prior to Jan 1st 1990 were made out of a 6351 aluminum alloy. Those thanks were susceptible to SLC (sustained load cracking) especially Walter Kidde and Luxfers. There were quite a few (but nothing near the amount made) that had cracking in the neck after its 2nd or 3rd hydro. When these tanks were re-filled, they went BOOOOOM. and it was ugly. Here's the funny thing, I have heard MANY shops say that its illegal to fill them. That is not true. According to the CGA and DOT, as long as it hydro and annual viz are current and done properly, there is nothing wrong with it. I am a certified PCI/PSI cylinder inspector and I will fill the tanks all day long. We have plenty of customers that still use, sell and buy them. Where about are you? I could put the word out to my customers and you could probably get $50 bucks if its current.

[redfishray]

JP, thanks for the offer. I will take $50 for it. I am near New Orleans. I am pretty pissed that I have a hydro tank and the nearest fill is 20$ worth of gas away.

[briankinley2004]

PM sent

[MRNOSFL]

Originally Posted by kylo1597

Hit up jetro! He cut the top off one, installed a propane burner and a copper coil that hooks to his washdown and wala...hot water for winter dives. Redneck but effective

Never heard that one, but I like it! A guy here made a mail box out of one. Very nice commercial grade mail box that you will never have to replace.

[CAPTAIN BUCK]

I still have two tanks from 1980's i repainted one and made a lamp out of it for my bar.looks prety good.

[JPscuba3]

Originally Posted by CAPTAIN BUCK

I still have two tanks from 1980's i repainted one and made a lamp out of it for my bar.looks prety good.

I am so going to do that!