how much to get a gas tank recertified? $1600!

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

I sold my D1 and the buyer was to get his own roadworthy.
He rang me today to let me know what was happening as it was sold with rego in my name, the deal was he had to do all the rwc stuff.
The install was twin subas underneath.
They had it for 3 days!, and charged $1600. (excuse was they had $600 labour as they had to remove the tow bar. )Tested and restamped the tanks not new ones, $1000.
If he wanted new tanks they were $600 each.
I would have thought ok, if they take the tanks out the labour would be justified, but $1000 to test. would have thought $300 max for that.
I know the recents rains had wasted away the top soil exposing gold nuggets, but did it also find it's way to the lpg business

[p38arover]

I had a tank recertified and I thought I was ripped off at about $300! You definitely were.

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

I had a tank recertified and I thought I was ripped off at about $300! You definitely were.
The guy that got it done of course is recommending this company NOT

[The ho har's]

Interesting read...we just bought a vehicle that needs the gas recertified and was told upwards of $900.00..then some else said around $400.00:confused:

maybe we need to shop around;)

Mrs hh:angel:

[85 county]

shocked

in NZ you drop out the tank deliver it, pick it up next day $25-50 bucks

[101RRS]

Cost me $125 in 2009 out of the car.

[Jhonno]

cost me $140 at Burliegh tank out in 09

[bee utey]

Tank testing per tank is usually less than $100 per tank. SA and VIC have a company that does mobile testing, ie they come to your workshop. It's even cheaper if you go to them. And labour by an incompetent overcharging grease monkey? Sky's the limit. I personally would allow 4 hours max for me to remove/refit. (including back bumper/towbar removal) Plus any other fittings/hoses/bolts that need to be replaced.

[big guy]

Tank testing per tank is usually less than $100 per tank. SA and VIC have a company that does mobile testing, ie they come to your workshop. It's even cheaper if you go to them. And labour by an incompetent overcharging grease monkey? Sky's the limit. I personally would allow 4 hours max for me to remove/refit. (including back bumper/towbar removal) Plus any other fittings/hoses/bolts that need to be replaced.

There are competent grease monkeys out there too you know.

Sadly some just see $$ signs.

[incisor]

and don't some brands of tanks need the valves replacing when being tested as they are destroyed when being readied for testing?

[bee utey]

Some tanks cost $240 each to test including full valve replacement but are rarely found under D1's as they weren't made in that size.

To properly answer the supposition that there was a rip-off one would need a detailed, itemised in-depth job sheet from the mechanic. Also a grilling from A Current Affair to expose any possibe rorting. Yes it's possible the job cost was justified but personally, I seriously doubt it. That is my personal opinion.

Yes I know there are competent mechanics out there, there must be, oh, at least twenty in each state of this, our glorious nation. And they can charge as much as they like, because they know they are the elites. You will know them by their labour rates. Or possibly not.

[richard4u2]

i am assuming this only gets done every 10 years ???

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

i am assuming this only gets done every 10 years ???
Yes 10 years is the time, if you have 9.5 yrs old BBQ gas cylinders that you own, it's time to take them to Swap and go oulets as after 10 yrs they refuse to refill them.
Strange how as long as you don't sell your vehicle, you can illegally go and refill your vehicles LPG tanks at the servo.
I know everybody ignores the 10 yr retest on vehicles.

One observant Safeway cashier attendant noticed that I didn't have LPG stickers on my number plate whilst I was refilling, I had new paltes and was waiting for the metal tags to arrive the next day in the mail.

[101RRS]

Strange how as long as you don't sell your vehicle, you can illegally go and refill your vehicles LPG tanks at the servo.
I know everybody ignores the 10 yr retest on vehicles.


That must be a Vic thing - here in the ACT, while there is no annual roadworthy test I have to get an annual gas certificate that includes checking the gas tank to ensure it is in certification.

Garry

[DeeJay]

and don't some brands of tanks need the valves replacing when being tested as they are destroyed when being readied for testing?

The valve would be the "all in one" multivalve. It incorperates the relief valve which is usually seperate & is all that needs replacing for a retest.
I have a Stainless steel Mytton one with the multivalve & it cost $220 to retest at home. The tester was almost apologetic that the valve cost $175.00

[DeeJay]

[QUOTE=
Strange how as long as you don't sell your vehicle, you can illegally go and refill your vehicles LPG tanks at the servo.
I know everybody ignores the 10 yr retest on vehicles.

I must be the exception:cool:
Not so strange will be the insurance companies response if you write off the vehicle, coz they do check em.
I expect the ownership of vehicles is rare for over 10 years nowadays, but if you do own one for that long - or longer I would think the insurance companies will put the onus back on you.
Expect to be dumped if there is a fire or gas loss.

[bee utey]

There is a difference between running an out-of date tank and actually filling it. The first is a simple defect, the latter is an offence and can result in a heavy fine, especially if you are a business. If you are caught and the authorities get nasty it can end up being an expensive exercise. Doesn't happen often though, except in the short time after a LPG explosion is reported in the media.

[DeeJay]

There is a difference between running an out-of date tank and actually filling it. The first is a simple defect, the latter is an offence and can result in a heavy fine, especially if you are a business. If you are caught and the authorities get nasty it can end up being an expensive exercise. Doesn't happen often though, except in the short time after a LPG explosion is reported in the media.


You remind me of a customer - I put a tank at his house ( I work for a LPG distributor) who got sprung filling loose 45 kg cyls at a servo by a DG inspector ( now energysafe). Some of them were OOT They took all his details including what appliances he was running & issued a warning but allowed him to use up the gas & then dispose of the cylinders.
They paid him a visit 3 months later at home & said we estimate you will have bought approx 20x 45kg cyls by now, we want to see some invoices or proof of purchase:eek:- plus we want to check the cylinders you have. Same serial numbers- last I heard he was going to court..

& Yes, he was filling at one of the few servo's that dish out Propane.

[landrover dave]

and don't some brands of tanks need the valves replacing when being tested as they are destroyed when being readied for testing?

By law all valves are replaced when a lpg tank is tested!!! Failure to do so is not worth the cost or trouble. Multivalve tanks cost more because of the cost of the valve, where as an APA tank or similar should cost less than $200 to be tested.

[bee utey]

By law all valves are replaced when a lpg tank is tested!!! Failure to do so is not worth the cost or trouble. Multivalve tanks cost more because of the cost of the valve, where as an APA tank or similar should cost less than $200 to be tested.

No, not true. Specifically the relief valve and the rubber seals between the valves and the tank must be replaced. On a multi valve the relief valve is part of the valve block and often not available as a spare part, hence a whole new valve. APA tanks cost me $100 to test, some testers charge more, some less, some valves fail the test and add cost but not often.

[pfillery]

Should only need to remove the tank if it is in an awkward spot shouldn't you? A tank in the back of a ute etc should be accessible as most work would be around the box on top. But assuming it has to be emptied of gas before testing if valves have to be replaced, do you lose what gas is in it, and how does this work with lpg only vehicles? Drop the tanks at home, put them back in and you'd need a tow to the servo.

I'm guessing you need to have them removed and refitted by a gas installer though, not just pull them out in the backyard?

[bee utey]

Should only need to remove the tank if it is in an awkward spot shouldn't you? A tank in the back of a ute etc should be accessible as most work would be around the box on top. But assuming it has to be emptied of gas before testing if valves have to be replaced, do you lose what gas is in it, and how does this work with lpg only vehicles? Drop the tanks at home, put them back in and you'd need a tow to the servo.

I'm guessing you need to have them removed and refitted by a gas installer though, not just pull them out in the backyard?

Nope. The gas tank must be completely removed and inspected for rust and damage over its entire surface. Utes are really bad for collecting rubbish and leaves around the gas tank causing rust. Even sedans can have damage from poorly mounted tanks rubbing on metal parts for 10 years.

There are procedures for emptying a tank detailed in Australian standards. Where a tank has substantial amounts of gas it should be decanted into another cylinder. I have two forklift bottles around the workshop for this job. Enough of this gas can be refilled into the tank after testing to drive the vehicle to a servo.

All work on a LPG vehicle on any liquid carrying component is legally required to be done by a licensed gas fitter. Many people do this kind of work themselves and don't get caught but don't fool yourself, it's illegal just the same.

[pfillery]

No, not true. Specifically the relief valve and the rubber seals between the valves and the tank must be replaced. On a multi valve the relief valve is part of the valve block and often not available as a spare part, hence a whole new valve. APA tanks cost me $100 to test, some testers charge more, some less, some valves fail the test and add cost but not often.

So Bee utey, I've been told as far as tanks go that either APA or Manchester are the pick of the bunch. Is one better than the other? I've been looking for a tank for my Series 3 and have been offered an apa and a manchester secondhand, both only 3 or 4 years old and in test, but the apa was out of a sedan and has 45 degree angled mountings where it fitted into the boot (down into the spare tyre well no doubt). Is it legal/safe/advisable to make up brackets to mount this to a flat surface or am I better going for a flat mount tank? I'm guessing theres no safe way to cut off brackets so as to leave the tank cylindrical and then use universal brackets?

What's your advice?

[bee utey]

What's your advice?

At the end of the day the only way you qualify for a LPG rebate is to have it done by a licensed fitter. Take both tanks to your local fitter and have him advise. Yes you can cut brackets off a gas tanks but no heat damage is allowed to the tank itself, ie paint bubbling etc. Manchester and APA are roughly equivalent, the tank to choose is the best fitting one.

[RR P38]

Tank testing........
I had a VT commodore pull up out side my place on the week end.Boot opens and i see a fitted gas tank behind the rear seat BUT behind that is another tank which looked something like one you would see on a 2T forklift, this was held in place with rope.
Some time later i hear hissing and smell gas, this guy is refilling 9kg gas bottles from his boot (for his mates)3 of them.
I didnt see any LPG stickers on the number plates.
Obviously some people are fitting their own gas setups:o

[pfillery]

At the end of the day the only way you qualify for a LPG rebate is to have it done by a licensed fitter. Take both tanks to your local fitter and have him advise. Yes you can cut brackets off a gas tanks but no heat damage is allowed to the tank itself, ie paint bubbling etc. Manchester and APA are roughly equivalent, the tank to choose is the best fitting one.

That was the idea, to get as much as I can secondhand and then have a fitter do the bulk of the work, certify it and install everything new that is needed like service lines and filters, converter etc. Then should still qualify for the rebate but reduce costs significantly especially if i mount the tank where I want it, cut any holes where needed so they don't put things where I don't want them, and fit the filler point (into an original landy fuel filler on the passenger side so it looks standard). I'm hoping he will let me sort out some of the wiring at least, so everything on the car currently still works, because I don't think he's fitted one to a series landy before. Might have to give them a copy of the wiring diagram.

[bee utey]

That was the idea, to get as much as I can secondhand and then have a fitter do the bulk of the work, certify it and install everything new that is needed like service lines and filters, converter etc. Then should still qualify for the rebate but reduce costs significantly especially if i mount the tank where I want it, cut any holes where needed so they don't put things where I don't want them, and fit the filler point (into an original landy fuel filler on the passenger side so it looks standard). I'm hoping he will let me sort out some of the wiring at least, so everything on the car currently still works, because I don't think he's fitted one to a series landy before. Might have to give them a copy of the wiring diagram.

Actually mounting the gas tank is as highy regulated as the plumbing side of things. Please liase with your gas fitter before you attempt any component mounting yourself. Ask to read his copy of AS1425 to familiarise yourself with the regulations first. I have seen too many dangerous installs to imagine "common sense" can produce a safe conversion.

[pfillery]

Actually mounting the gas tank is as highy regulated as the plumbing side of things. Please liase with your gas fitter before you attempt any component mounting yourself. Ask to read his copy of AS1425 to familiarise yourself with the regulations first. I have seen too many dangerous installs to imagine "common sense" can produce a safe conversion.

When I discussed the install with them, they told me that they will advise where the tank can go and we will mark the holes where I want them, I'll drill, cut etc and then take the whole lot to them for the bolt up, that way at least I know it is correct.

The tank I'm looking at will go across the width of the car at the front of the cargo area behind the front seats. Don't really want it going lengthwise if I can help it. That way I can still fit some seats in the back unless there are any rules to preclude this (however I've seen falcons etc with third row seats right above the gas tank)

If I supply the tank alone they have told me it will be about $800 cheaper, even more if I supply a whole kit. But it is probably better to start with a new converter and all the other under bonnet parts and just use a secondhand tank. At least it gives me a good baseline to start from.

[The ho har's]

We picked our 101 FC today with a certificate, total cost was $1302.40.

We found out they, we have 2 tanks, are APA tanks with a total capacity of 183litres so we thought not a bad price, (they haven't been tested for 11 years) which includes the certificate for registeration:D

that's the next step:)

Mrs hh:angel:

[pfillery]

I just bought the tank for the install on my series 3. Cost $60 for a Manchester tank only 3 years old so no test needed for a few years and it is still 3/4 full of gas. Most quotes I've had for retesting are between $99 and $200 but I guess that is with the tank removed already. Must be a one way valve on the filler inlet because there is no tap on there and the gas stays put.

Next step decide where the tank is going and work on the hardware to mount it in. Then look forward to finding another way to get to work for the day while it is in the workshop.

[The ho har's]

I just bought the tank for the install on my series 3. Cost $60 for a Manchester tank only 3 years old so no test needed for a few years and it is still 3/4 full of gas. Most quotes I've had for retesting are between $99 and $200 but I guess that is with the tank removed already. Must be a one way valve on the filler inlet because there is no tap on there and the gas stays put.

Next step decide where the tank is going and work on the hardware to mount it in. Then look forward to finding another way to get to work for the day while it is in the workshop.


The actual retesting cost $550.00 for both tanks, they got sent to a place in Caloundra, as 1 tank is more than 100 ltrs capacity it costs more apparently. While it was in the workshop for the 4 days we got them to rerig up the petrol side of things so now we have both:)

Mrs hh:angel:

[Tikirocker]

Sorry to drag up an older post but my LPG tank is due for its 10 year check up, I just asked my mech today and he quoted $180 ... $1000 is INSANE!

Simon.

[Bigbjorn]

Doesn't everybody get their portable gas cylinders updated by the well known firm L.T.R. & N.O. Punch?

How about this one. Friends let their house for three years whilst they were working overseas. Same tenant for three years. Always paid rent on time, house always clean, tidy, undamaged. When the tenants moved in there were two full 100lb gas cylinders. When the owners moved back in there was one empty 100 lb cylinder standing outside the back door and a 20 lb almost empty cylinder hooked up to the system sitting on a stack of loose timber and a bucket to bring it up to height. Where is the other cylinder? Mystery.

Edit- Further information from the owners. The loose cylinder left at the back door has "foreign" numbers. It is not one of the two that should be there. The gas company owns the missing bottles as well as the loose bottle which should have been at another address some distance away, had gone missing from there some time ago, and was out of date. Gas company not happy and wanted to charge the owners for the missing bottles but the a/c was in the tenants names and the estate agent confirmed that the bottles were missing on their vacating inspection whilst my friends were still overseas.

[Disco_owner]

Yes 10 years is the time, if you have 9.5 yrs old BBQ gas cylinders that you own, it's time to take them to Swap and go oulets as after 10 yrs they refuse to refill them.
Strange how as long as you don't sell your vehicle, you can illegally go and refill your vehicles LPG tanks at the servo.
I know everybody ignores the 10 yr retest on vehicles.

One observant Safeway cashier attendant noticed that I didn't have LPG stickers on my number plate whilst I was refilling, I had new paltes and was waiting for the metal tags to arrive the next day in the mail.

That's all well and good Until you need a Pink Slip in NSW , not sure about other states , They Won't issue one if your tank has past it's inspection date.:(

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

That's all well and good Until you need a Pink Slip in NSW , not sure about other states , They Won't issue one if your tank has past it's inspection date.:(
In Vic we don't have pink slips.
No annual inspections, same as Tassie.

We just pay the yearly a rego fee which includes the CTP insurance all in one. The only other insurance that we aquire ourselves is accident insurance ,fully comprhensive or third party only or you don't bother and drive uninsured and suffer the consequences if you damage another parties property.

When we sell a vehicle with plates attached we are required to supply a roadworthy certificate which lasts 14 days, in order to have the registered owner name changed.

If we sell it without a RWC we are required by law to remove the number plates and hand them it,

[101RRS]

I thought that even in states where no annual roadworthy is required, a gas inspection is required annually. In the ACT no annual rego inspection for my 101 but I do need to get a gas inspection done to renew the rego.

Garry

[bee utey]

I thought that even in states where no annual roadworthy is required, a gas inspection is required annually. In the ACT no annual rego inspection for my 101 but I do need to get a gas inspection done to renew the rego.

Garry

The national standard AS1425 recommends annual inspections, but in SA I see so many out-of date systems on the road, I can only guess at the competence of the workshops that service vehicles here. Some of the vehicles I see are referred to me by local workshops, they don't ever look at a tank on a vehicle as they don't do gas. I point out to them the insurance issues of having out of date tanks in vehicles in their workshops. I suppose not enough of them have blown themselves up for the SA gov't to notice...

[zapata1]

they must do things differently... the labour is one thing but the re-testing its about 150.00 per tanks normally....
I sold my D1 and the buyer was to get his own roadworthy.
He rang me today to let me know what was happening as it was sold with rego in my name, the deal was he had to do all the rwc stuff.
The install was twin subas underneath.
They had it for 3 days!, and charged $1600. (excuse was they had $600 labour as they had to remove the tow bar. )Tested and restamped the tanks not new ones, $1000.
If he wanted new tanks they were $600 each.
I would have thought ok, if they take the tanks out the labour would be justified, but $1000 to test. would have thought $300 max for that.
I know the recents rains had wasted away the top soil exposing gold nuggets, but did it also find it's way to the lpg business

[ozscott]

Is testing a Manchester 3 scuba set up done as one test or are the 3 little tanks charged per item? Cheers

[bee utey]

Is testing a Manchester 3 scuba set up done as one test or are the 3 little tanks charged per item? Cheers
It is one tank with one set of valves that is made out of 3 cylindrical parts. No scubas were hurt in its manufacture. It is called a "manifold tank" and should cost no more than any other tank to test, unless it needs some valves replacing. The valves are more prone to wearing out because they go from full to empty every time you bomb around corners.

[ozscott]

Thanks matey

[scarry]

Are the LPG tanks in the vehicle stamped with a test date,or is it the test date on the vehicle modification compliance tag that is used to determine if the tank is within date?

Just asking as the tanks on some of our vans are behind a guard and not readily visible.One van is 10yrs old this year,so i presume the tank is now out of date.

For those of you in Brisbane there is a guy at Alexandria Hills who tests portable LPG and refrigerant cylinders,but i don't know if he does the auto tanks, i would be surprised if he doesn't.

[DeeJay]

Are the LPG tanks in the vehicle stamped with a test date,or is it the test date on the vehicle modification compliance tag that is used to determine if the tank is within date?

Just asking as the tanks on some of our vans are behind a guard and not readily visible.One van is 10yrs old this year,so i presume the tank is now out of date.

For those of you in Brisbane there is a guy at Alexandria Hills who tests portable LPG and refrigerant cylinders,but i don't know if he does the auto tanks, i would be surprised if he doesn't.

The tanks are individually date stamped. In Vic, it is a requirement that the tanks can be accessed easily for inspection. Not sure if that includes using an inspection camera though.
A mate just went through the hoops to become a test station for camping cylinders & I asked if that included auto & he said no...

[scarry]

The tanks are individually date stamped. In Vic, it is a requirement that the tanks can be accessed easily for inspection. Not sure if that includes using an inspection camera though.
A mate just went through the hoops to become a test station for camping cylinders & I asked if that included auto & he said no...

I checked the van i have at home ATM,and on the modification compliance plate is scribed the test date of the tank.Maybe this is a reg for QLD only?
And it is due late next month:(

[Davehoos]

in Newcastle.


2006 falcon wagon. R&R tank, clean and paint tank.
replace fuel gauge that wasnt working. apa pressure valve restamp tank.
total was around $430.


tank inspection part was $110

[bee utey]

I checked the van i have at home ATM,and on the modification compliance plate is scribed the test date of the tank.Maybe this is a reg for QLD only?
And it is due late next month:(
No matter where else on the vehicle the tank test date is inscribed, the one stamped on the tank ID plate is the ruling date. The date on the compliance plate is simply a reminder to check the tank itself. Someone may have even replaced the tank during the life of the vehicle without doing the correct documentation. If the test date plate on the tank goes missing for some reason the tank is deemed to be untested. If you are lucky and have documentation from the original tank manufacturer or the last tank testing agent sometimes you can get them to issue replacement tank test ID plates. A gas tank can go out of date too without ever having been fitted to a vehicle.

Oh and all Australian states use exactly the same standards for LPG cylinders and their installation, just that some jurisdictions have additional rules for documentation.