Is it worth it to have torch rebuilt?

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I got out my old Victor 100c torch,  cutting head, and regulators, thinking I would go ahead and hook them up to my new tanks and use them.  They have not been used for about 8 to 9 years.Then a dim memory came out of the back of my brain with a warning.  These things need maintenance.  OOPS.So I got to checking,  and found that a full replacement kit with everything I can get for about $230 on a Victor performer kit.Since no one prints their prices on repair/refurbish of my old unit,  I don't know if it is worth it.  Will it cost nearly as much as the new kit to fix the old one?ThanksLast edited by Housedad; 01-08-2012 at 02:30 AM.Victor Oxy weld/cut Setup Meco Midget Torch outfitEverlast 2016 250EX & Power Cool W300Lincoln Power mig 210MP  w/amptrol and Spool GunEverlast Powerarc 200 Hypertherm Powermax 45Bandsaw, Lathe, grinders, press, Bridgeport, etc.
Reply:i would hook them up and test them for leaks. i would buy new hoses though(cheap). as for the torch and regs i have a couple sets of victors 30 plus yrs old that have never been rebuilt and are going strong.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:I agree with jbmprods; give everything a test before you spend any money.  Everything may be just fine or need only minor tweeking to be put right.e.g.Give the hoses a visual and flex test looking for cracks.  If bad, replace the hoses - cheap.If OK, hook everything up and test for leaks at the fittings between hoses, regulators and tanks.  If bad, reseat the fittings and try again.If OK, I'd dip the welding torch tip into a glass of water to verify that when the torch valves are shut off neither of them leaks.Checks out the regulators: Shut the torch valves, shut the tank valves and time how long it takes for the high pressure gauges on the acetylene and oxygen to fall to zero.  Anything over a half an hour is very good; 15 minutes is good.  Anything less means the gas is likely leaking around or through the diaphram inside the regulator and perhaps should be replaced (the diaphram).Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:The Harris set I have was in storage for probably 15 years. When I started using it again, the acetylene reg would spike hard enough to peg the low pressure gauge and damage it. Fortunately the regulator didn't explode or catch on fire (what with how unstable acetylene can be under pressure). I think it cost $50 to have a local Norco shop rebuild the reg and it's been fine ever since.
Reply:Thank so much for the replies.   Yes,  careful checking makes a lot of sense.   I will follow that route.   I'll do the testing on the regs  outside on the driveway in case something happens, and stay to the side of the regulator when I turn it on.1/4 turn safety.on the tanks during the checkout.I guess it makes sense to do the same checks and O ring replacement with my Meco Midget and Meco aircraft torch..I have found a place for new O ring sets for the tips and cutter on the torches.   They all have old check valves on them..   How do I check those?Thanks again for the advise.Last edited by Housedad; 01-08-2012 at 03:49 PM.Reason: spellingVictor Oxy weld/cut Setup Meco Midget Torch outfitEverlast 2016 250EX & Power Cool W300Lincoln Power mig 210MP  w/amptrol and Spool GunEverlast Powerarc 200 Hypertherm Powermax 45Bandsaw, Lathe, grinders, press, Bridgeport, etc.
Reply:Prices are posted here. It is cheap compared to new torches and regs.http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by Housedad..They all have old check valves on them..   How do I check those?...
Reply:Originally Posted by HousedadThey all have old check valves on them..   How do I check those?
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550Check valves are very inexpensive to replace - maybe $10 or $15 for a set of 2.  I would just replace them, or upgrade to flash arrestors instead.  You can search on here to learn the difference.I agree that now would be the time to replace the o-rings, then test your connections with soapy water and replace the hose if there's any question of it's condition.The Victor 100 is a fine medium-duty handle - I would spend the $$$ for a rebuild if it needs one vs buying a new one.  Or send it to me if you do decide to buy a new one.    I might part with a little cash for it to come to a new home.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manDidn't you just sell a bunch of torches, because you bought too many?Oh, and you'll offer him cash for his "medium duty Victor", but you feel it's ok to come and steal my heavy duty Smith's while I'm not looking! You're really somethin else, man.