Regulator problems...

[Aaron]

When I first purchased my MM251 I also upgraded to the 330CF tanks. I had a heck of a time with leaks. I must've tried 4 tanks before finding one that would seal. They all leak at the joint between the valve and the regulator.

I'll be damned if I'm having the exact same problem again, with yet another bottle. I tried the regulator on several more bottles, and I cannot get a good seal. The leak is always at the same place. I cannot see any reason it won't seal.

I tried the reg from my HH175 and it works on all of them.

Any advise? This reg came with my MM251 at the end of October. The setup is different between my HH175 and my MM251, so I cannot just use my other regulator. I already feel like an idiot for giving my rep so much grief about his crappy valves.....

Can these be rebuilt? Are they warrantied? Help!!!!!

[joehobart]

just a quick thought, can you use throw a few wraps of teflon tape around it? Looking on the web, i see a few of the tape manfs that say they perform well under high pressure. A roll will only cost you a couple of bucks to try it

[Franz]

2.0 if I'm reading this right, you are leaking where the HP nipple meets the female on the valve.
The actual sealing surface is on the taper face where the stem marrys up with the valve. There should be a little space between the collar on the stem and the face of the valve when the stem is inserted and the nut tightened.
If that's the case, either your gas supplier is running a bunch of old cylinders that have scratched/galled females on the valves, or you have a defective nipple on the back of the regulator.
Is the nipple on the back of the regulator threaded into the regulator, or silver soldered in place. If threaded, the nipple is replacable, if necessary.
The usual cause of leaks in this area is a bad cylinder valve mating surface. I'd take the regulator along to the gas supplier, and suggest they prove otherwise. Some gas suppliers tend to run a lot of crappy valves cause industrial users rarely test for leaks or complain.

[Aaron]

Franz,

It is threaded. I thought about pulling the one off my HH175's regulator, but I didn't want to get into all that if I didn't have to. After all, the regulator is less than 4 months old.

As I said, I have to believe it is the reg that has the problem, as my HH175's reg seals up fine, under light pressure. I have to tighten the crap out of the new one to get it to a slow leak, but I know this isn't right.

[tigman]

(just a quick thought, can you use throw a few wraps of teflon tape around it)

Most teflon tape is petroleum based so make sure of what you use. I know that you can get some tape that can be used on regulators that is not petroleum based,but please make sure.
I would not go this route unless it is an emergency. Scott

[Franz]

Originally posted by Aaron
Franz,

It is threaded. I thought about pulling the one off my HH175's regulator, but I didn't want to get into all that if I didn't have to. After all, the regulator is less than 4 months old.

As I said, I have to believe it is the reg that has the problem, as my HH175's reg seals up fine, under light pressure. I have to tighten the crap out of the new one to get it to a slow leak, but I know this isn't right.

2.0, the threaded portion of the stem is irrelevent to the gas seal. the tank connection is like a pipe union, and all the threads do is provied mechanicle pressure to accomplish the seal between tank valve and regulator.
It sounds like you have a dent or scratch on the sealing surface.
Replacement stems are available for a few bucks at supply houses, but on a regulator that age, unless it was dropped, I'd be calling for a warranty replacement. Stems are a bitch to change if you're not conversant with the process.

[donbappy]

HEY GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ask you supplier to give u the white washer that goes between the regulator and the valve . It's a teflone like material and when used properly u don't have to put too much pressure when tightening
the reg.

[donbappy]

Franz is right ! if u have the type of reg. that looks like the attachment that he sent u may have to do like he say's. If u have the old type that has a square end and the valve is also a square end . Then u need to apply the washer. good luck and listen to us old guys.

[donbappy]

remember !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if u apply teflon tape , go around the threads 1&1/4 turns . if u apply too much tape u may crack the nut on the reg. and say good bye to the regulator.

[Franz]

Originally posted by donbappy
HEY GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ask you supplier to give u the white washer that goes between the regulator and the valve . It's a teflone like material and when used properly u don't have to put too much pressure when tightening
the reg.

Those washers are for Co2 cylinders, NOT C25.
Co2 marries up 2 flat faces, not a tapered face like C25.
Co2 is at 800psi, C25 is at over 2000psi.
DO NOT USE A WASHER ON C25!

[fla jim]

I was just over on the "Dark side" Looks like they're going to send 2.0/3.0 a new regulator.

[Aaron]

Yep. And the threaded portion I was refering to (Franzie) was where the nipple threads into the body.

[Franz]

Well dammit 2.0 why didn't you say that in the first place?
Must be them regulators are bein screwed together in China, or maybe they just use Chinese parts that don't fit, and screw em together in Appleton.

[Aaron]

:D

Franzie, you're a hoot!

Regardless, at least they're sending me a new one, and hopefully one that works. I can assure you that this one was never dropped, at least after I took ownership. I cannot see any damage to the nipple itself, so I'm not certain what is going wrong. I'll check it out against the new one when I receive it.

[Franz]

2.0, since I know you suffer from thinkin yer an engunyerer I did a little investigative work. From my observations, it appears the Chinaman who assembled the latest batch of regulators forgot to use pipe dope between the nipple and the regulator body.

[Aaron]

Franzie,

It was leaking where the nipple seats in the valve. The nipple is threaded into the regulator body. I know how easy it is for you ol'timers to get confused, so I'll try harder to be more clear. :D

[Franz]

Dammit 2.0 you just lack any ability to explain your situation in clear plain English.
You need a dang translator or a teck writer.
I swear boy, you gonna get me appoplectic yet.
Don't make me assign you more pushups!