oxygen regulator problem

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I just bought a set of two stage older victor regulators that look like they have never been used.  The oxygen regulator is a VTS450D.  When I open the valve on the cylinder, the relief valve opens when the high side gauge gets to 450-500#.  The low side works great, I can change the setting with the T handle and get it to go up and down just fine.  It's just the relief valve that is leaking.  Valve is stamped '400 do not alter'.My question is, since the low side and adjusting mechanism work fine, and there isn't anything leaking anywhere, do I have a faulty relief valve or is it possible the internals are messed up?  I don't want to send it off if it is just a bad seal on the relief valve.  Again, the regulator is shiny new and doesn't even have a scratch or use mark on it.Thanks.
Reply:sorta sounds like needle and seat my be bad working on O/A gauges takes some caution in doing i would send to a pro for service --oxy fire or explosion aint something to tinker withidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:i guess i will have to send it off then.  just wanted to make it completely clear that the gauges are working and holding fine and adjustment works, it's just the popoff starts opening at 450 psi +/-.
Reply:guess while i am waiting for monday i will ask another question about the 2 stage oxygen regulator.  does the relief valve protect intermediate pressure, after the high pressure stage reduction, and before it gets further reduced by the low pressure stage?  That's the only way I can picture a 400# popoff valve being appropriate.  tks for reply.
Reply:Originally Posted by cabguess while i am waiting for monday i will ask another question about the 2 stage oxygen regulator.  does the relief valve protect intermediate pressure, after the high pressure stage reduction, and before it gets further reduced by the low pressure stage?  That's the only way I can picture a 400# popoff valve being appropriate.  tks for reply.
Reply:Your relief valve should basically never open unless something is catastrophically wrong. You need a new relief valve. VTS450 series regulators are very good quality and should command an excellent price. Take care of them. Especially on two-stage regulators, and especially on the oxygen cylinder, crack the cylinder as slowly as you can, always always always with the regulator adjustment handle screwed way out. Otherwise when the pressure wave hits the diaphragm it will likely shatter the seat when it slams home. I have a good pair of Victor 2 stage, VTS450 and VTS460, have used them for years. I also like the large 2-stage Airco regulators. Can't decide which I like better.A few years ago you could have sold the pair you just got for about $500. Times are tight now, probably not that much, but still they are top quality US made regulators.metalmagpie