Bad regulator

[davejcb]

Hi all,

I'm a newb with my oxy/acetylene torches, and think I may have damaged my oxygen regulator, wanted to check with y'all. Before reading the proper usage of the system, I assumed the regulator should be all the way screwed in, opposite of what it should have been, and opened the tank for a bit, pressure just went all the way up.

Now, I open the oxygen tank half a turn, wait a bit until the cylinder settles on the regulator, open the tank fully, then slowly screw in the regulator and set it to ~30PSI. Problem is, the darn thing slowly rises and won't stop, it'll peg the needle if I don't blow out some oxygen. It won't stay at the pressure I set it to.

Something I'm doing wrong, or damaged regulator?

Thanks!

[Zrexxer]

Yep, your regulator is damaged.

[davejcb]

Any idea if these can be repaired?

Thanks!

[84ZMike]

Dave they can be rebuilt for $80.... mine did the same and I got the parts etc for less than $20....but be very very careful when messing with oxy. as the oil from your skin will ignite from the oxy. pressure then the tank COULD go BOOOOOOM

[Zrexxer]

Any idea if these can be repaired?

Thanks!Depends on the regulator. If it's a name brand, more than likely. If it's an Asian import, probably not.

[B_C]

Had that happen before and decided to try and fix it myself......Remove the regulator and put it a vice (with soft jaws) and unscrew the large cover nut...you should see a needle valve(that's what's leaking) I think it's a 9/16 wrench size. Remove and inspect the fiber seal. You will have to replace it if it's got a groove worn into it...(Good luck finding one) But that's what's wrong with the regulator....

[greywynd]

.....I assumed the regulator should be all the way screwed in, opposite of what it should have been, and opened the tank for a bit, pressure just went all the way up.


NEVER screw a regulator in all the way!!! I suggest you take it to a welding supplier and get this one rebuilt, then go find an instructor of some sort before you try again.....obviously you are very new at this and we don't want to hear of your learning in the newspaper.

[Jake_SS]

This is whats known as "creep" There is either a particle on the seat material surface or the surface is slightly worn.
Cheers