On Apr 19, 9:36*pm, "
wrote:
So I just pulled the O2 system out of the guy's trailer. * The tank is
39 years old......the regulator is 41 years old.

I understand that some tanks have a service lifespan, but aluminum
tanks are "unlimited". *I think this one is aluminum

Does it make sense to try to use this old stuff, or is it prudent to
purchase new equipment? *Figure the cost of inspection, testing, and
possible regulator overhaul, maybe better to spend that money on new?

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Actually it is a steel tank * *3AA

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The tank may be worthwhile; if you hunt around your local yellow pages
you'll find
some place that does fire extinguisher testing that can do the hydro
test on
the tank. Around here that runs about $30. The 3AA steel tanks don't
have a
life limit, but the 3HT tanks do. The 3AL aluminum tanks also have no
life limit.
New tanks can be had for $50-60 but that's with the medical clamp
connector.
CGA-540 tanks cost more.

The regulator is likely one of the old Bendix regulators that mounted
on the panel.
They were beautiful regulators but they required an overhaul every two
years.
The overhaul kits aren't even available anymore.

You can get regulators and all the other accessories from all the
various
sailplane supply dealers. Some carry M&H, others have Aerox. There's
also medical regulators available if you hunt around on eBay. Beware
that
most medical cylinders have a different style connector, so you'll
have
to look for CGA-540 compatible connectors. I don't have any idea how
to tell which medical regulators are suitable for use in a glider, but
I will
point out that they do seem to be in common use.

I was going through this earlier this year trying to get ready for
wave camp
(I wound up flying someone else's plane actually). However, after
camp was
over I found a complete Aerox portable system for a pretty reasonable
price
on eBay. (Note that I didn't contact any wave this year so I'll be
using this
system in the future.)

-- Matt