regulator problem??

[gerrymoore]

I've just fitted a new bottle of gas to my mig but can't get it to flow:-((

The left hand gauge shows 1000psi so I know the bottle is full but I can't get any pressure on the lpm gauge...even with it disconnected from the mig hose.

It was working OK when I used it last week and left the gas on by mistake:-((

Can I strip the valve down to have a look inside?? Or any ideas what could be wrong...?? piccies below ....... valve off the bottle now:

 

[weldequip]

Definately don't strip it down! Has it been 'hissing' gas at all from the hexagonal nut with the hole in the middle? If so it's goosed...that's a pressure relief valve, in place for safety, and the main valve assembly inside will have failed.
weldequip

 

[gerrymoore]

No...haven't had the slightest problem with it until I changed the cylinder....I failed to 'purge' the darn thing first and suspect I now have dirt in the reg. There is no hissing sound...in fact no sound at all :-(

I took the low pressure gauge off and reconnected the valve with it wide open....turned on the cylinder valve and gas came out where the gauge fits. I refitted it and gas was flowing as it should do through the outlet...for about 30 secs then it stopped again:-(

There must be a way I can 'flush out' any muck from the needle jets?? I have a powerful compressor but not sure where to point it??

 

[shenion]

Does sound like the orifice is plugged. That is usually part of the output nipple. You might remove it and blow it out.

 

[gerrymoore]

Me again:-(

Tried everything with the regulator but can't get any output flow...now I've managed to snap the output nipple as well ...woram I like!!!! (as scousers say!!)

Over here (in Spain) it's difficult to get anything 'technical' so looks like I'll have to get one shipped over....anyone recommend a good make and supplier of same who may post it out.....on a bit of a budget as well :-(( ..presume I can keep my gauges and just get the regulator??

Any help appreciated................

 

[Omniata]

You'll have to buy one complete IMHO

Best bet might be to look on the Spanish side of eBay, see if anyones got a CO2 reg for sale...
More than likely you'll be able to swap the gauges once you get it

 

[gerrymoore]

Thanks Om..I'll take a look at EBAY.......also wondering if the local pub may have something seeings that's where I got the bottle of CO2!!

 

[gerrymoore]

Update on this......I couldn't get hold of a regulator anywhere local so decided to try and fix it myself............

Took the low pressure side apart but couldn't find anything amiss..theres only a spring, plate, diaphram and needle valve and they all looked fine.

Undid the high pressure side and there is a sort of needle valve with a seal that looked in very bad condition. Got hold of a 5mm o/d O ring for 15 cents at the local ferreterria (ironmongers) and it fitted quite well. Put it all back together and I am welding again :-))

.......hope it helps someone else living in 'the sticks' !!

 

[Jake SS]

Update on this......I couldn't get hold of a regulator anywhere local so decided to try and fix it myself............

Took the low pressure side apart but couldn't find anything amiss..theres only a spring, plate, diaphram and needle valve and they all looked fine.

Undid the high pressure side and there is a sort of needle valve with a seal that looked in very bad condition. Got hold of a 5mm o/d O ring for 15 cents at the local ferreterria (ironmongers) and it fitted quite well. Put it all back together and I am welding again :-))

.......hope it helps someone else living in 'the sticks' !!

I hope that nobody takes your advice!!!!
The seals etc. are made of specific materials by the manufacturer. You cannot go messing around with something that you know nothing about.
The regulator is basically a HIGH pressure vessel in a compact size.
Would not use it under any circumstances.
If you do hope your insurance is up to date.

 

[bigbadbugga]

I don't understand why people ask the advice of others and then totally ignore it

more than one highly experienced member specifically warned that the regulator should not be disassembled and have repairs attempted.

you might be welding, but remember, it's not as easy to weld a man back together.

 

[Tino]

Some one correct me if I'm wrong but in the UK you are not allowed to repair or replace any part of a reg now. We used to replace bit's or get an exchange reg but if any part is now damaged it's scrap. If these rules apply in the UK they may also apply in Spain (European Union) could be worth checking if what you've just done is legal.

 

[weldequip]

Gas regulators are not worth repairing nowadays...they did used to be an expensive item but, like most other things, are now throw-away. I've still got boxes full of regulator spares, and used to be able to charge 20 quid for an overhaul! but you can replace the complete unit for that nowadays! The regulator in question is the cheapest of the cheap & I wouldn't hesitate in binning it once a problem occurred. Industrial British & American gas equipment is the best available, and can be bought for very little money now...just replace it.
weldequip