Full Tank with Valve that Won't Turn On

[aalbert]

Looking at a Scuba tank that is for sale (well priced) that has a Hydro from last year, and was originally made in 2012... Issue with the tank is the valve will not open/turn on, so I can't use it / release the pressure.

Is there a safe way to remedy this, or would a tank test company have to deal with it?


Thanks

 

[tbone1004]

it's probably a broken valve stem and/or stripped valve.

If it were me, and this is dependent on your comfort level etc, but you can remove the valve knob, replace the stem if needed, and release the pressure that way to replace the valve if it needs it. It probably just has a stripped out valve stem and or knob though

 

[emoreira]

Another option would be to slowly loosen up the burst disk retainer screw. The pressure will start to hissle. Wait untill all the air is out, then disassemble the whole valve.

 

[tbone1004]

Another option would be to slowly loosen up the burst disk retainer screw. The pressure will start to hissle. Wait untill all the air is out, then disassemble the whole valve.

it is highly preferable to release the pressure by turning the valve seat and allow the air to go through the normal path vs. the burst disc. That should only be reserved for scenarios where you can't manually open the valve seat.

 

[Decotek]

Remove the handwheel and use a small adjustable wrench on the undamaged portion of the square spindle to crack the valve open.

 

[aalbert]

Knob ended up being broken off... Hydro place released the pressure as part of their inspection, and we used a valve that I saved from a pre-90 tank in its place.

 

[The Chairman]

Hydro place released the pressure as part of their inspection,

It's the old "Have someone else do it" trick!

 

[aalbert]

Yup... At that point, they were going in anyway, and did it as a courtesy.