Oxygen regualtor issue

[moya034]

About 3 years ago or soon I got a Harris Steelworker® - Classic outfit. It has a 25-100C-540 oxygen regulator with it. It sees fairly light use.

Sometimes the oxygen regulator whether welding or cutting, makes what I can best describe a "reverberating" sound. It doesn't seem to be affected by the PSI setting of the regulator. It also doesn't seem to affect the welding or cutting procedure and still maintains perfect pressure.

The rig sat idle for practically 2 years, and I've recently started using it regularly again. Now that I think about it, I think I remember it making that sound before it sat around idle.

Is this normal, and if not, what do I about it?

[moya034]

Also, does anyone has any good links to other threads or web sites where oxy-acetylene cutting for beginners is discussed? I'm having trouble getting nice clean cuts and I think I need to re-read up on the subject.

[84ZMike]

I know of regs that have done the same thing and have lasted for a long time doing it but it is time for a rebuild..... the kit for my Victor is / was less than $30 from my LWS......

[calweld]

Moya,

There's a "search" button at the top of each one of these pages ...... it'll probably help immensely with a lot of questions you might have .....

[moya034]

I know of regs that have done the same thing and have lasted for a long time doing it but it is time for a rebuild

Rebuild? I haven't even had to fill/exchange the oxygen cylinder yet, and the regulator has seen EASILY less then 10 hours of operation total.

Is it possible a foreign particle got in the regulator?

[moya034]

There's a "search" button at the top of each one of these pages ...... it'll probably help immensely with a lot of questions you might have .....

I'm perfectly aware of the search function, thank you... I searched already about the sound and wasn't able to find anything useful.

[calweld]

I was referring to this one .......



Also, does anyone has any good links to other threads or web sites where oxy-acetylene cutting for beginners is discussed? I'm having trouble getting nice clean cuts and I think I need to re-read up on the subject.

Try "oxy acetylene cutting" and variations of ......

[Bob the Welder]

Try this. A lot of good info for beginners and old hands alike.

http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/OXY_handbook/589oxy1_1.htm

[moya034]

calweld,
Sue me if I ask a simple side question in a thread I started for another, somewhat related, topic. Perhaps someone has some links that haven't been posted here before.

Bob the Welder,
thanks, I saw that site many years ago and lost the link.

[Roger]

Your regulator is resonating. Instead of opening just enough to maintain pressure at the flow rate it is over shooting and shutting down then opening and over shooting pressure is one possibility. Maybe gas is whistling through through an orifice, causing a part to rattle or a stream of gas is moving over then around a small scratch, bump or sharp edge as pressure waves inside regulator changes. Maybe internal part that should be lubricated isn't. (Only use O2 compatible lubrication.)

A diver once complained his 2nd stage scuba regulator was honking on each inhale. It was set right but stopped honking when I raised diaphram lever a little above standard setting.

[moya034]

I just checked Harris's website and from what I read, they say none of their regulators require lubrication.

I wish I could find my receipt, but near I can tell it is just outside of the 3 year warranty. I'll call up the welding shop tomorrow I bought it at and see if they can find any purchase records. I wish I had thought of this earlier.

Failing that, I'll see if I can figure out how to open it up and see if anything is out of the ordinary. I'm hoping that since it doesn't do it all the time it could be a simple issue.

At least I know the "real" term for what's it doing now and that it isn't normal... I was pretty sure something was wrong, I have no idea why I never asked the welding shop about it the first time it happened. I suppose I figured it was an anomaly and would fix itself.

I should know better anyway... I've read dozens of times if your equipment isn't top condition you should tend to it before further use. Ah well yet another learning experience, at least I haven't hurt or maimed myself yet.

What's really annoying I suppose is that the equipment has seen such little use. That's why I wonder if I got a spec of dust or dirt in there.

[Aerometalworker]

I just checked Harris's website and from what I read, they say none of their regulators require lubrication.

I wish I could find my receipt, but near I can tell it is just outside of the 3 year warranty. I'll call up the welding shop tomorrow I bought it at and see if they can find any purchase records. I wish I had thought of this earlier.

Failing that, I'll see if I can figure out how to open it up and see if anything is out of the ordinary. I'm hoping that since it doesn't do it all the time it could be a simple issue.

At least I know the "real" term for what's it doing now and that it isn't normal... I was pretty sure something was wrong, I have no idea why I never asked the welding shop about it the first time it happened. I suppose I figured it was an anomaly and would fix itself.

I should know better anyway... I've read dozens of times if your equipment isn't top condition you should tend to it before further use. Ah well yet another learning experience, at least I haven't hurt or maimed myself yet.

What's really annoying I suppose is that the equipment has seen such little use. That's why I wonder if I got a spec of dust or dirt in there.

Moya,
Your regulators dampener is shot, quite common on some regulator models. Dirt is not the cause, age usually is. I replace mine every couple years on my harris regulators. Dont go opening that regulator up unless you experienced with them, its not for fiddling with and can be very dangerous. Dont EVER go near any part of your torch set with oil or any lubricant. No pipe sealants, nothing, except products sold for pure oxygen environments.
-Aaron

[moya034]

Is age a factor whether the regulator is used or not? This means the dampener was "shot" from the git-go, cuz like I said, I bought the torch 3 years ago, and I haven't even had to refill or exchnage my oxygen cylinder yet!

Thanks for the warning about opening the regulator :)

Is the dampener user replaceable or does it have to be done by a professional?

What is a dampener and is it only on oxygen regulators? I've never had this problem with either of my acetylene regulators, one of which is older then I am. I only leave pressure on my regulators when I'm actually using them, and I always back out the adjusting screw to take pressure off the diaphragm.

[Sberry]

What kind of settings are you using?

[moya034]

Anywhere from just under 5-20 PSI depending on what I'm doing. The pressure setting doesn't seem to affect the sound.

[moya034]

I talked to the welding shop, and he told me to make sure there's no sort of blockage in the hose. He said occasionally at the factory some small pieces of Teflon tape can get in places they shouldn't be.

He also recommended blowing the inlet and outlet of the regulator out with a can of "dry air" they use for dusting computers. (I'm already aware not to use my air compressor because of the oil, moisture, and possible debris it has)

I'll try that and report back how it goes.

[Roger]

Most places will not sell regulator repair parts because they don't want the liability. Most places that work on regulators always replace all seals, gaskets and normal wear items. It doesn't add much to repair cost and makes repair last longer.

[moya034]

Well I took the welding shop's advice, by using some "dry air" to blow everything out, and I took off my hose from the torch handle and purged it with about 30 PSI oxygen.

I don't know if anything came out, but I do know the oxygen regulator sounds perfect now! :D I ran some welding tips and used the cutting torch at various pressures for a little bit and didn't notice anything.

Time will tell...