160EN Torch gas valve faulty?

[cloudy]

Long time reader, first poster - hey all


I have just bought my first MIG (2nd hand) and converted to big bottle, But there is a constant flow of gas through the torch when the reg is on. This increases when you pull the trigger, but doesn't stop completely when you release... Is this by design? If not can I perform any maintanence on the valve in the torch? Can I buy spares?

James

 

[oddball90]

Gas valve should close the gas off. Take torch to peices to see if it has a gas valve in. If no gas valve in torch then there will be a gas valve in the welder. PM weldequip for spares.

 

[matt1978]

I am definitely not a service engineer, so don't slate me if I am talking Boll*** but the Torch hasn't got a gas gas valve fitted. The only gas valve (Solenoid) will be in the machine and it sounds like its sticking or maybe your regulator isn't working properly and is not adequately controlling the pressure into the machine.

Try using a diff regulator on the bottle first, if it makes no difference seems like the gas valve in the machine has had it.

Only gas valve on a Torch I have ever seen, is on a Small tig torch when used on Scratch start MMA units.

 

[malcolm]

The Clarkes often do have a valve in the torch - it's mechanical rather than electrically operated, looks like a big brass block with a button on it. Photo of a similar SIP one.

Mine used to not seal well. Tapping the side of the torch against a hard surface would unstick the valve and seal off the gas flow. I think the valves can be obtained as spare parts.

 

[matt1978]

See........told you I was talkin Sh**e Haha. I really didn't know that. I have not had much experience with the Clarke/Sealey end of the market. Thats my "new thing" learned for today!

 

[cloudy]

OK will see what hitting it does for me, cheers guys !

 

[weldequip]

I've got replacement torch gas valves off the shelf if you need one
weldequip

 

[martin reed]

Hi, I'm having the same problem. Been using my 110EN for 4 years in gas-less mode. When I changed to using co2 with a half size bottle and new reg my trigger locked up , then once I got it free it would not shut the gas off. I bought a new gas valve,the mech type inside torch.... same thing, sent it back, got a replacement, same again, it makes no difference when trigger operates, gas flow is the same.No difference if I alter pressure, other than change in pressure is noticeable at nozzle. I stripped my old valve and could see no damage, theres.. virtually nothing inside other than a plunger with 2 seals and a spring. Am I just buying cheap rubbish? £27 COMPLETE WITH NECK ...EBAY