Victor Medalist EXL

admin

It was probably at least 10 years ago that my then local welding supply recommened the Victor Medalist EXL 0/A regulator torch kit.  It was still working like new when it ended up being put in storage for 5 years or so.Today I finally got around to leasing cylinders and hooking this outfit back up.As I began to adjust the oxygen regulator I heard a groaning/rasberry sound until it reached around 20 psi at which point the noise stoped.  It seemed to be working properly from that point though I did hear a short "grunt" from it a couple of times but nothing like the continous noise from 5 to 20 psi the first time.  I tested it with a No. 0 cutting tip and like I said it seemed to work fine.  I do not remember ever hearing that noise from these regualtors before they were put in storage (only the oxygen reg has made this noise).What I am really trying to find out  is if anyone here thinks I should be concerned by this, or just continue on and hope the noise goes away (which it seems to be doing).  Also as the Medalist line seems to no longer apear on the Victor website I'm wondering if they proved to be less than reliable. As I remember the outfit did cost over $200 back then so there were cheaper outfits available from Victor and others as well.Any advice from the informed would be much apreciated.Last edited by Larwyn; 04-02-2008 at 04:51 PM.
Reply:Well my 1968 model Victors groan when you start adjusting them though the oxygen is much loader (acety just hisses). My year old Harris regs do the same thing.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Thanks for the reply.  The oxy regulator developed a new trick today, now the pressure climbs continously even with the adjusting knob backed completely out.  Serching the net now for my next O/A outfit.  Any suggestions....????
Reply:I bet you can get it repaired for a lot less than a new outfit.HH 187Miller Bluestar1EAHP AlphaTig 200X
Reply:You got some trash in it....have it rebuilt....
Reply:I really apreciate the replies.I'm not sure that there is a place within 60 miles of here that can rebuild it, I seem to remember being told that the only drawback to the regulators that I ended up with is the rubber diaphram, but the techs at the welding supply where I bought them were able to rebuild quckly at the store.  Problem is, I now live 250 miles from that welding supply and the techs are probably all retired by now....LOLI figure next time I go in to Austin or San Antonio I will carry both regs in for rebuild.  In the mean time I am looking for either low cost temps or high quality replacements.  I need to have a working torch here this evening, so a day or more for rebuild is not a real option at this time.
Reply:I encountered exactly the same problem with a Victor 350 deluxe Firepower Outfit. I purchased it new and shelved it for 10 years before I deiced to use it only to find problems with the O2 reg.I brought it to my LWS and they replaced a bad Seat Assembly. It was the only problem and  now the set works fine.$25 parts and labor.
Reply:Dead thread from 08..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:Yes. I hit it when I searched for my O2 reg problem.