oxy/acetylene torch issue

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I tried using my Harris torch over the weekend for the first time in 1 1/2 years and experienced an issue that I hope you can help with.  Problem is the flame is very small, weak (like a match flame), and putting out tons of soot even with handle fuel gas valve open a couple of turns.  I'm stumped... What would cause this?*** SPECS ***#1 tipbottle 150 PSIregulator 7 PSILast edited by LooseCannon; 01-13-2014 at 10:25 PM.
Reply:Why is the oxygen supply deficient? Read the book and back to the basics.
Reply:I can't give it ANY oxygen without the flame going out. Problem is with the gas flow/supply, but I don't know where to look.
Reply:You don't have your hoses kinked, do you?  Does your setup have flash arrestors on it?  If you shut off your acetylene tank valve and then open your torch fuel valve, do both of your tank gauges go to zero?  EDIT:  Do you have a second torch or fuel regulator you can swap in to eliminate one or the other?  Also, do you smell leaking acetylene anywhere?Last edited by tbone550; 01-13-2014 at 10:39 PM.
Reply:You didn't just add a flashback arrestors and/or check valve did you?I've seen people put them on the wrong end of the hose, won't flow that way.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:What does the flame look like, when you have it the acetylene 'open two turns?'  If it is not bushy, then you aren't getting enough acetylene flow.  Is your tank empty (or "near" empty...acetylene doesn't have as much energy near the end of the bottle.  Sometimes, even when you have pressure left, the acetylene isn't 'as good.'  I don't know why, but it isn't.  I've been at that point it looks like you have a little pressure left in the tank, but the acetylene just doesn't have enough ooomph to give you a decent flame.  You may just need a new tank).What size tip are you using?  Is it too large for the size of the bottle you have?  I know that on my victor torch, I didn't even buy tips above "7," because my acetylene bottle won't put out enough gas for an 8 or above.  You can only draw out (or put in) 1/7th of the volume of the bottle each hour, because the acetylene is dissolved in acetone.Before you start your oxygen, you want a bushy flame and the flame must be 'attached' to the tip (if there is a clear space between the end of the tip and the beginning of the yellow flame, you need to adjust the flame until it 'reattaches' to the tip.  It will definitely 'blow out' with oxygen added, if the flame is not attached to the tip before turning on oxygen.That's all I can think of, that is any different than the comments above.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Thanks guys for the suggestions...    - flash arrestors are installed correctly     - using #1 tip    - tank has 150 PSI    - no kinks in the line    - will try to get a pic of the flameIt's definitely not getting enough gas because as soon as oxygen is applied it starts popping then goes out.  Guess all that's left is the regulator?  Maybe my local AirGas can test the regulator? Do regulators go out often? I bought the Harris kit 3 years ago and have hardly used the thing...Thanks again
Reply:If you have had everything disconnected for a year or so, the dirt daubers or roaches laid eggs, etc., might have taken up residence in the hoses.Disconnect everything and blow air through the hoses and see if you get anything out...Good luck and please post your results!Classic 300D LN-25Plain Jane O/A
Reply:Start at the beginning. Does the high pressure gauge read that there is pressure in the oxygen cylinder? Disconnect the hose from the outlet of the regulator,back out the adjustment screw and trun the cylinder valve on. Slowly turn the adjustment handle clockwise,do you get oxygen flow?. If yes hook the hose back up(with gas supply shut off) and disconnect at the torch and test again.
Reply:Originally Posted by LincolnguyIf you have had everything disconnected for a year or so, the dirt daubers or roaches laid eggs, etc., might have taken up residence in the hoses.Disconnect everything and blow air through the hoses and see if you get anything out...Good luck and please post your results!
Reply:Originally Posted by LincolnguyIf you have had everything disconnected for a year or so, the dirt daubers or roaches laid eggs, etc., might have taken up residence in the hoses.Disconnect everything and blow air through the hoses and see if you get anything out...Good luck and please post your results!
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanDon't blow air through the oxygen hose.  The possibility of getting oil contamination in there is very dangerous.The OP clearly has an issue with acetylene flow, not with oxygen flow.1) take off the acetylene regulator, and crack open the acetylene cylinder valve for a split second.  See if gas comes out2) put the regulator back on, but with no hose.  Crack open the acetylene cylinder, and see if gas comes out when adjusted to 5PSI on the output side.  If so, shut the cylinder, and leave the regulator at this setting.3) put the hose back on, but with no torch.  Crack open the acetylene cylinder, and see if gas comes out the hose end.4) put the torch handle back on the hose, but with no tip.  Crack open the acetylene cylinder, and see if gas comes out the handle end.Are you getting the idea?
Reply:Just want to close out this thread and say that the flashback arrestors on the torch were impeding the flow.Thanks again for the recommendations.