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cdlaine's avatar
cdlaine
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013

could someone 'splain... Propane tank

Warriors,

Noted today my empty grill propane tank had a
"must be recertified" 12 years after born on dating
of Apr 99. Simple cipherin' indicates I am in violation
of Federal Statutes... the math did not seem to bother
Jose at the refill depot.

So, a couple observations... this felon tank appears to
my discriminating eye as new as the day I bought it....no
rust, clean as a whistle, all parts functional... it has
spent a sheltered life under cover in the hidden compartment
of the grill on the back patio... requiring just the occasional
massage to maintain Colgate White appearance.

So I wonder...

-what magically happens at 12 years ?
-how does one go about getting a tank recertified ?
-do they re-stamp the neck with new born on dating ?
-how does one go about getting rid of an old age tank ?
-does recertification cost more money ?
-does recertification buy me another 12 years ?
-am I going to blow the neighborhood up if I use it ?
-if it looks perfectly good, and functions appropriately...
why mess with success ?
-is there a penalty for extending the life cycle ?
-should I just shut up and go buy a new tank ?

Your gentleness in enlightening me is appreciated.

apologies for not using the "search" engine... as you can
tell I am inherently a lazy individual.

Have never tried that Rhino exchange service I've seen ...
might be time to give it a go.... and save some binary code.

Thanks

Charles
Seeking Advice
  • h2guy's avatar
    h2guy
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    My two 40 pounders are a year out of date. Found out a propane dealer in Twin Falls ID will recertify them for free, if I get them filled there.

    Guess what I'm about to do???
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    The way I have heard it,(anyone else feel free to correct me), Tanks are subject to internal corrosion which could prompt failure. Supposedly, they are not painted on the inside as paint could react with the gas, so any moisture in the gas could cause rust. Iny any case, I would empty the tank, and take to a local recycler for disposal. As a leak could be a disaster, I would not take a chance.
  • cdlaine's avatar
    cdlaine
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    So Noel... bears the question... how does
    a "recertifier" verify the condition of the
    internal tank ????

    Charles
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    So I wonder...

    -what magically happens at 12 years ?
    -how does one go about getting a tank recertified ?
    -do they re-stamp the neck with new born on dating ?
    -how does one go about getting rid of an old age tank ?
    -does recertification cost more money ?
    -does recertification buy me another 12 years ?
    -am I going to blow the neighborhood up if I use it ?
    -if it looks perfectly good, and functions appropriately...
    why mess with success ?
    -is there a penalty for extending the life cycle ?
    -should I just shut up and go buy a new tank ?


    Nothing, mine was out of cert for years until "Jose" said get it re-cert'ed or no fuelly. Comprenday?

    I took mine to a propane place and they looked at it, checked the valve for leaks, slapped a sticker on it and said 15 bucks please.

    Nope, with mine they slapped a sticker on it. (I now have my own stickers and stamps) :B

    Throw it away or get it re-cert'ed. Mine was made in 1936 or something like that.

    Yep, about 15 bucks / tank if I remember correctly.

    Nope, 4 if I remember correctly. (not likely)

    Doubt it.

    They did not in my case. The guy asked me if I wanted a new valve on my 1936 tank. I said well, keep my 1936 American made valve on my tank or get a China valve put on........he smiled.......I think he got my drift. My old valve was left on.

    Ya, they won't fill it.

    An American made tank or a now China made tank. What do you thing I will say to do? :B

    My 1936 made tank is made of like 3/16" plate. The new ones are made out of tin foil. Well, not really, but almost. :B
  • jrw1550's avatar
    jrw1550
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    My guess is they will take the top off and look inside with a scope of some type. This is just a guess on my part.
  • deleted-2's avatar
    deleted-2
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    Just did 2 tanks myself.

    Amerigas guy looked at them said they looked nice and stuck a nice aluminum recert label on them.

    They're good for another 5 years.
  • wildwest450's avatar
    wildwest450
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    cdlaine wrote:
    Have never tried that Rhino exchange service I've seen ...
    might be time to give it a go.... and save some binary code.

    Thanks

    Charles


    Just so you know, if you use blue rhino you won't get a full tank for your money. They are thieves and have been sued for it.

    I have my own propane filling station and have NEVER been able to get anymore than 3.5 gallons (yes, I know weight is more accurate)in a bottle that's supposed to hold close to 5. $20 for a 3/4 full tank is outrageous...
  • Bill___Kate's avatar
    Bill___Kate
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    wildwest450 wrote:
    cdlaine wrote:
    Have never tried that Rhino exchange service I've seen ...
    might be time to give it a go.... and save some binary code.

    Thanks

    Charles


    Just so you know, if you use blue rhino you won't get a full tank for your money. They are thieves and have been sued for it.

    I have my own propane filling station and have NEVER been able to get anymore than 3.5 gallons (yes, I know weight is more accurate)in a bottle that's supposed to hold close to 5. $20 for a 3/4 full tank is outrageous...


    You are correct in that they do not fill the tank, but you do get a nicely painted, currently certified and tested tank out of the deal. Living here at the shore, the salt air takes it toll - I trade them in for a new Rhino every year or so when they start looking bad.
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Jul 25, 2013
    i have a tank that was in the building at last home. Is full or close and has the old valve but an adapter fitting for the new 80% stuff.
    Reakon they might fill it?
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Jul 25, 2013
    down home wrote:
    i have a tank that was in the building at last home. Is full or close and has the old valve but an adapter fitting for the new 80% stuff.
    Reakon they might fill it?


    After I use it up.

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