How strict are date stamps on tanks?

[rla216]

This may be naive but I have a dedicated Crown Vic that says that the tanks expire in 2013. Is this date hard and fast or is it more of a cya from Ford? With inspection can the tanks last longer? I know it's early but I want to plan ahead if they need replacing right at the expiration date.

Also, can tanks be purchased and not used until then and extend the expiration date of the replacement tanks?

[MrComment]

Re: How strict are date stamps on tanks?

Its a hard date, and the tanks cannot be re-certified to "last longer". Using expired tanks is not wise, since the tank could fail during filling due to fatigue.

For the maximum life you would want the installer to order new tanks when you are planning on having the work done. Since the expiration date on the tank starts when the tank is manufacturered, not when they are installed. One good thing however is that alot of the newer tanks that are being manufactured with 20yr expirations rather then 15yrs from just a few years prior.

Regardless, old tanks cannot be recertified beyond the date shown by the manufacturer.

[ggf1938]

Re: How strict are date stamps on tanks?

I have been in the LPG, CNG and fire extinguisher business. ALL pressure vessels are like Dairy products, they have an expiration date. MOST can be hydro tested and begin life anew; look at the MFR date on Nitrogen cylinders. But with CNG cylinders, expiration is expiration, at least for now. Don't play with fire (CNG), you'll really get burned.

[larrycng]

Re: How strict are date stamps on tanks?

To take this thread 1 step further, the tank expires at the end of the month in which it was manufacturered 15 years down the road, not the end of the year. This is what I teach in the inspection class.

15 years be 15 years and not a month more (I've never seen a manufactruer day)

Later
Larrycng

[wrenchmonkey]

How strict are date stamps on tanks?

How strict are date stamps on tanks?

Stricter than God...

[1996crownvicman]

Re: How strict are date stamps on tanks?

To take this thread 1 step further, the tank expires at the end of the month in which it was manufacturered 15 years down the road, not the end of the year. This is what I teach in the inspection class.

15 years be 15 years and not a month more (I've never seen a manufactruer day)

Later
Larrycng

can CNG tanks not be re-hydrotested and have another 15 year shelf life, I have a 1996 crown Vic with 50,000 miles runs fantastic but tanks expire 12/2010 does that really mean I have to spend what $6000.00 for 6 tanks mine has the extended range 2 tanks for a total of 6 tanks.. What is the Truth!!???

Thanks

[1996crownvicman]

Re: How strict are date stamps on tanks?

can CNG tanks not be re-hydrotested and have another 15 year shelf life, I have a 1996 crown Vic with 50,000 miles runs fantastic but tanks expire 12/2010 does that really mean I have to spend what $6000.00 for 6 tanks mine has the extended range 2 tanks for a total of 6 tanks.. What is the Truth!!???

Thanks

It is September now so with a expiration date of 12/2010 that means I have only 2years and 3 months... what is the cost of new tanks?????

[larrycng]

Re: How strict are date stamps on tanks?

Cylinders can not be hydrostatically tested and have their life extended. The information will be found in the ANSI NGV2 standard and from the cylinder manufacturer. In you vehicle the factory installed cylinders would probably been manufacturered by Press Steel Corp. (there is a remote possibility that they could have been manufacturered by Lucas).

Sorry

Larrycng