Oxy Regulator malfunction?

admin

Hi all, firstly I'm new to the forum and new to welding. I have been doing stick welding for a while now but just purchased an oxy-acetylene rig. After working with it for a few days, the oxy regulator seems to be problematic. To get any oxygen to pass at all, I have to tighten the valve down on the regulator until I can hear it escaping from the regulator itself, quite loudly. At that point you can also hear it when you open the valve on the torch. However, if I back the valve off on the regulator, until it is no longer escaping from the regulator, then it also is not getting to the torch. There is over 1000 psi on the tank. It's an old Victor setup.Advice? It was working fine at first!Thanks for answering the first of many dumb questions I'm sure I'll be posting
Reply:Busted diaphram?In any case, if it's leaking gas from the regulator you need a new one, or get that one rebuilt.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Take it in to get an estimate to fix it. Don't even try to use it the way it is. It's always a good idea to loosen the regulators when finished but most people don't and then stuff like this happens. They can just wear out too.
Reply:Reg is shot. You either need a new one or get it rebuilt like was mentioned above. A number of members have had good luck getting stuff rebuilt from these guys.http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/repairservices.phpThey can tell you upfront whether it's worth rebuilding your reg, or if it's cheaper just to start looking for a new one.DO NOT TRY TAKING THIS APART AND TRYING TO FIX IT YOURSELF! Everything burns in the presence of 100% O2 under the right conditions, and HP O2 coming out of a cylinder just increases those odds. You don't even need an ignition source as the friction of the escaping O2 can some times get things hot enough to light up some contaminants like lint or oils. An O2 fire is a very BAD thing. It's not a 'Whoops my reg is on fire... I guess I should put it out..." It's a "BANG, you are dead" kind of fire many times if HP O2 is involved..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Reg needs to be repaired.The proper way to use any regulator is as follows:1) properly secure the cylinder / source with chains etc2) remove the protective cap3) install regulator 4) ENSURE THE OUTPUT PRESSURE ADJUSTING SCREW IS BACKED OUT COMPLETELY (i.e. no pressure is released to the lines) everyone gets comfortable and misses this step and it is extremely important ... yet i have NEVER seen anyone else do it.5) SLOWLY crack / open the valve on the supply tank / source ... DO NOT OPEN IT QUICKLY!  a 2500 psi shock can and will eventually damage any system. (For oxygen, open the valve completely, they are double seat valves and a partially open valve will eventually blow out the seals in the tank valve. for most fuel gases open the source valve 1/4 - 1/2 )turn only so it is easier and faster to shut off in the event of an emergency6) set the proper pressure with the adjusting screw.Proper Shut down is as follows:1) close the supply / source valves completely2) bleed the excess pressure out the system3)back out the pressure adjusting screw until there is no pressure on the diaphramfor storage 4) remove regulator and hoses.5) install protective cap on tank / sourceAWS CWI xxxx21711968 SA200  Originally Posted by WelderMike  I hate being bipolar, It's awesome.
Reply:Thanks guys, based on your advise I went out and bought a cheap new reg. Works fine, no problems. I'll get the old one serviced if it is repairable then I'll have a backup!