Regulator rebuild - NOT!

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Not welding, but a welding gauge.Yesterday I was doing some carpentry work using my CO2 bottle and a Victor SR 250D regulator for "air".  I always turn it off if I'm not going to use it for a while.  When I turned it back on, I happened to be looking at the low pressure gauge as I was going to reset it to a different pressure for a larger nail.  It was set at 60# previously and when I turned it back on, it zoomed past 60 headed for 200 when I immediately shut the main valve off.I pulled the regulator apart and found the O ring cracked.  I've been using this regulator for years for this purpose as it is rated of inert gasses.  Called my LWS and asked to get a rebuild kit.  I was told that rebuild kits cannot be sold in California.   Hmmm...They said to order it out of state.  Went online and got one.
Reply:I had a friend who bought one of the little paintball sized CO2 nail gun kits Lowes used to stock. To me the paintball cylinders cost way too much to get refilled unless you invested in the gear to do it yourself. I run a small finish nailer off a cheap SCUBA reg and air compressor reg for my finish nailer on occasion. The Scuba reg steps down the pressure to 150 psi so the cheap little air compressor reg can reduce it down to what I need for trim nails. I've already got plenty of large Scuba cylinders I can get filled cheap and all the gear to transfer the gas to the smaller 20-30 cf cylinders I use with the rig..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:it sure is interesting regarding the california deal... Like i know for a lot of torch and regulator parts they say, stuff about cancer lead and california...?what o-ring was cracked? be sure to put the nylon gasket between the reg body and seat cartridge nozzle...VictorPraxairAir LiquideMillerLincoln Electric
Reply:His use of the word "o-ring" is probably throwing you. My guess from the pict is it's that plastic or Teflon "seat" that looks like a "C" in the picture at the end of the stem. When pressures spike like that it's usually indicative of seat failure..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:The white O ring shown at the top of the photo.  Crack is facing toward you.
Reply:Hello orezok, unfortunately, much of today's limitations on what is available to a consumer is governed by the "liabilities" that have been created in our courts by overpaid and opportunistic lawyers. I live in Washington and I believe a similar limitation on parts availability for pressure regulators exist here too. Even some torch assemblies will be limited in what's available for their repair. Glad to hear that you were able to address your need in an alternative way. Also unfortunately, there are a number of folks out there who should not be working on this sort of equipment, they are a part of this scenario as well. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by orezokCalled my LWS and asked to get a rebuild kit.  I was told that rebuild kits cannot be sold in California.   Hmmm...
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55It's obvious.  The kit contains things known to the state of California to cause cancer.  They're just looking out for your well being.
Reply:that small white "o-ring" is not an o-ring and is a nylon ring fitted to stabilize the seat stem. it is supposed to have that "crack" like feature. Like i said about the california B.S it says stuff about cancer and state of california..VictorPraxairAir LiquideMillerLincoln Electric
Reply:Got my rebuild kit ($14), installed and it works perfect!  Hope I don't get cancer or something
Reply:Save your receipt, it takes 50 years for cancer to show up from that "O" ring kit. This will give you an income in your old age, California Lawyers would take the case in a flash.  LOL