popping sound

[Curt]

just wondering if anyone knows why I am getting a continuous popping sound when I am adjusting my oxy/acetylene torch for cutting----I must be doing something wrong huh?

[DDA52]

Clean tip, check all o-rings in torch, check all hose connections. May clear it up.

[Curt]

Thanks, I will do that----it's a brand new unit, so I assume it is the connections--------????

[DDA52]

Never assume anything. If it is an O-ring, it could have been nicked during assembly or during inspection, etc. All it takes is a small irregularity and the ring is trashed. It could even be missing altogether. Check everything to be safe.

[HWooldridge]

Too lean a flame will also pop as will a faulty acetylene regulator. Watch the secondary gauge and see if it oscillates when you experience the noise.

[dob]

check your pressures. What size tip and how many psi

[DDA52]

All correct. The culprit I'd look for first would be the torch tip seat or a bad ring there. It is very easy to get that tip in just a little crooked and then the fun starts. Then I'd check everybody else. Loose connections ( hose x 2, gauges x2, regulator, and torch handle) will cause pressure drops as well. If it is the tip, you may see a small blue flame at the tip collar when you hear the pop.

[TiggerAaron]

Is the popping extinguishing the flame? If it is you may be adjusting the oxy too fast when turning on the valve. If it is a machine gun type popping without exinguishing the flame it is preignition meaning the acetylene and oxygen pressures for the tip you are using are too low. Give it 1 or 2 more psi each and try it again. If that doesn't solve the problem, STOP USING IT and get it fixed.

[Sberry]

Turn the gas pressure up a couple pounds and see what happens. Trying to make too small of flame does it too. It needs gas, dont starve it.

[Only2cylinders]

Pressures too low for the size tip you are using

[Jay O]

Only2cylinders,

Are you alright? The thread seems to be over 5 years old.

[duaneb55]

Maybe that's 'V8FiringonOnly2cylinders'.:laugh::jester:





OH COME ON!!!! That was funny and I just had to!

No biggie Only2cylinders. I think we've all revived dead threads from time to time but I must say, you had to go back a ways for that one.:D I'm sure someone will benefit from seeing it just the same.:drinkup:

[OAdoctor]

I know this is an old thread, but for anyone that reads it, I would like to explain why a torch makes the "popping sound" I think the original poster was experiencing.
If an oxy/fuel torch "pops" continuously with the preheat flame lit, but stops popping or the flame goes out when the cutting oxygen lever is depressed, the tip is not seating in the torch head. That is the only thing that can cause the continuous "popping".
The tip seat is leaking and allowing mixed gas to travel up the cutting jet hole of the tip. When the mixed gas reaches the flame, it ignites with a "pop". All of the mixed gas in the cutting hole of tip is consumed; the mixed gas starts up the tip again. The severity of the leak can be determined by the frequency of the "pops". The "popping" goes out when the lever is depressed, because the cutting oxygen has filled the cutting tip jet and there is no fuel to ignite. I have seen a bad tip seat allow the flame to be blown out.
First, always make sure your tip is tight. Then try a new tip. Have the torch head reseated by a repair shop is the finally step.

Jim