Testing for gas leaks

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What is the correct way to check for gas leaks with a TIG welder? I know you have to spray the fittings, but I don't feel like electrocuting myself.kidtigger24  They think I’m crazy, but I know better. It is not I who am crazy. It is I who am MAD!
Reply:Get a water bottle and poke a small hole in the cap the add some dish washing liquid to the water and shake.  You don't need to put very much water because it will bubble immediately if it is leaking. As long as your not touching the tungsten while hitting the foot pedal as the machine is on, I imagine you won't get shocked.
Reply:All the connections up to the solenoid valve can be pressurized with the power off.  To check from the solenoind to the torch you'll have to block off flow at the torch and activate the solenoid.If you have a floating ball type flowmeter, and the ball is floating when the solenoid valve is shut, you know you have a leak.  This happened to me, the solenoid valve was sticking open slightly so a little cleaning and light lubrication solved that.
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserAll the connections up to the solenoid valve can be pressurized with the power off.  To check from the solenoind to the torch you'll have to block off flow at the torch and activate the solenoid.If you have a floating ball type flowmeter, and the ball is floating when the solenoid valve is shut, you know you have a leak.  This happened to me, the solenoid valve was sticking open slightly so a little cleaning and light lubrication solved that.
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserIf you have a floating ball type flowmeter, and the ball is floating when the solenoid valve is shut, you know you have a leak.
Reply:Originally Posted by kidtigger24I don't have a ball type flowmeter. How do you block the flow at the torch?kidtigger24
Reply:Well, I pressurized the system and turned it off and the gauges didn’t move at all over night, so I’m good there. I stuck a cork in the end of the nozzle and hit the pedal. I have a leak at the torch, but not at the threads, but the brass swivel on the hose. Is there anyway to fix this, or should I take this as a sign the welding gods want me to get that WP-26 torch I have been looking at since I have to replace the hose anyway?kidtigger24  They think I’m crazy, but I know better. It is not I who am crazy. It is I who am MAD!