#$*@ leaks @#$%$

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What to do?I snugged up all my fittings but something in my TIG torch line is leaking.I shut the tank off and with the tig valve snugged shut the system drains down in about 15 seconds. How to test the Torch and torch valve for leaks? Can I put my torch under  distilled water to see if it leaks? My thinking is that distilled water has no minerals to deposit when it dries out and I don't much care about the errant solvent molecule that might be in it.Hey~!! It's a hobby. It's not supposed to make sense~!!
Reply:If you have an extra back cap, you can strip the collet and screw the extra cap into the front. The o-ring should seal there and you can then check for pressure drop again. Don't forget to check your hose where it enters the handle. they have a tendancy to leak there, where they bend a lot.
Reply:simple test for leaks is to use a soap and water solution in a small spray bottle. Mix up a couple of spoonfuls of dawn in a spray bottle of water and spray it on the connections.If your thinking there is a hole in the lead you can spray it down as well.No electricity of course
Reply:If you have an extra back cap, you can strip the collet and screw the extra cap into the front. The o-ring should seal there and you can then check for pressure drop again. Don't forget to check your hose where it enters the handle. they have a tendancy to leak there, where they bend a lot.
Reply:so I pulled the torch valve apart and looked down at the seat and what did I find?Some moron was in there with something sharp, there's little scratches galore.Now I gotta make a warranty claim.Hey~!! It's a hobby. It's not supposed to make sense~!!
Reply:Wasn't the torch valve.  I can see what looks like scratches but when I dipped it in water  there were no bubbles.Wat then.  Back to the connection at the  valve.I soaped it and got bubbles. OK that's it then.  I berak out a couple of wrenches and start tightening - it was already  plenty tight.Still leaking. I tighten more thinking much more and the threads will give.   I mostly got the bubbles to stop but the pressure gauge still bleeds down  faster than I'd like.  Takes a minute and a half now. Pull it all apart and inspect.  Nothing remarkable.  I'm guessing it's a tolerance problem in either the  valve or the coupling.I think I can get an o'ring in there but I shouldn't have to futz with it like that.Hey~!! It's a hobby. It's not supposed to make sense~!!
Reply:Originally Posted by RaulWasn't the torch valve.  I can see what looks like scratches but when I dipped it in water  there were no bubbles.Wat then.  Back to the connection at the  valve.I soaped it and got bubbles. OK that's it then.  I berak out a couple of wrenches and start tightening - it was already  plenty tight.Still leaking. I tighten more thinking much more and the threads will give.   I mostly got the bubbles to stop but the pressure gauge still bleeds down  faster than I'd like.  Takes a minute and a half now. Pull it all apart and inspect.  Nothing remarkable.  I'm guessing it's a tolerance problem in either the  valve or the coupling.I think I can get an o'ring in there but I shouldn't have to futz with it like that.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255 tiniest dab of Teflon thread sealer