Hi, Aimstraight,

Quote Originally Posted by Aimstraight View Post
Out of interest did the test centre confirm that the cylinder had been passed the inspection, checks and hydraulic pressure test?
I ask because the IDEST Information Leaflet (SITA/Information Leaflets/Testing Dive Cylinders) states that the valve has to be checked/serviced and the bottled checked/pressure tested. Just wondering if some test centres delay the pressure test until any corrective action to the valve has been agreed with customer.
No they didn't. All they confirmed at the time was that 'it' had failed because the DIN threads failed the 'no go' gauge test. Because they didn't mention problems with the bottle, I assumed (possibly wrongly), they had already tested it and that it was fine.

Surely, they wouldn't get me to pay for a new valve and then test the bottle? What if the bottle then failed? I'd have paid £61.00 for a valve I'd have no use for... That wouldn't make sense unless they'd have expected me to pay for a new bottle as well? A complete, brand new 3 litre 300 bar cylinder set up can be had for around the £140 mark and wouldn't need testing for another 5 years. It just wouldn't be a viable option. The new valve along with the test / service charge came to £91.00 as it is. If you then added the cost of a new replacement bottle I bet I wouldn't have had much change back from 200 notes.

Quote Originally Posted by Aimstraight View Post
The information leaflet states that when the valve/cylinder are assembled, the cylinder can be stamped up.
Yes

Quote Originally Posted by Aimstraight View Post
If they were to return the cylinder only, it may not be stamped (even if tested); which may be prudent as it might subsequently suffer moisture ingress/corrosion if not fully sealed. Just a thought.
Yes. I don't think anyone would expect a bottle only (without valve), to be returned and stamped as 'passed'. If they did stamp it, that would leave it open to having the wrong / unsafe valve being fitted and would make the whole IDEST cylinder testing procedure a totally pointless one.

The point I was trying to make is that the test centre I dealt with was misleading me into thinking that if I didn't pay for the replacement valve, they would have no option but to scrap the whole lot.. hence the opening post was titled 'Short & Curly's

But we now know this is not the case and there are other options open to customers as mentioned / explained previously in this thread.