I have aquired a nice Victor VTS 450D O2 regulator that leaks where it connects to the tank. Otherwise it works perfectly. The fitting looks good. I have tried 3 different tanks ( all I have ) and two other O2 regulators. Both the other regulators seal on any of the three tanks with a normal wrench snugness. I can not seem to get the VTS regulator to seal on any of them no matter how tight. So, my question is can I just replace the regulator to tank fitting? If so, what is a O2 rated pipe dope? Or does the whole thing need to be sent in?
The leak is bad enough that living with it does not make sense, and I do not roll that way anyway.
Do not use Pipe Dope. That fitting seals by its compression against its little mate inside, not via the threads. get a weld shop to have a look at it. They deal with these leaks daily.
shouldnt be a problem. i didnt do an oxygen reg but it was a bear to get apart. you have to use a locker made for oxygen though
"We strongly do not recommend using any threadlocker in oxygen rich environments due to the risk of fire or explosion. Henkel has only one Loctite product that is recommended for sealing threads in systems carrying oxygen. LOCTITE® Thread Sealant for Oxygen Systems™ is suitable regarding technical safety for use in liquid and gaseous oxygen systems at temperatures below 60°C and pressures below 30 bar(435 psi) as a result of BAM testing. If you choose to use this product, Henkel Loctite recommends that you test the adhesive under simulated or actual end use conditions to ensure the adhesive meets or exceeds all expectations."
You can never fix leaky regulator inlet fitting except by replacement after tightening or cleaning and tightening doesn't work. Your local welding supply should sell you the fitting and install it or tell you how to install it. Double scuba tanks used the same system and would often fail due to normal use or abuse. Once it starts leaking it erodes metal over time or maybe gets dent from abuse. This is one reason to always leak check after attaching regulator to cylinder valve. When leak checking nipple and socket joint I have never seen bubbles at threads only at hole in swivel nut. Shake leak check solution and place foam on area your checking so you can see full coverage and the leak. This also uses minimum solution.
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