[Jalopy]

I've been complaining about my Aquatek regulator for a while now, and seems like I've found the problem. In addition to the stupid O-ring (between the regulator and CO2 bottle) they overcharged me for (5 for $10!), there was another broken O-ring. This time, they don't sell a replacement, at least I can't find it anywhere. It's not on their website or their ebay store. Here it is:

I remember that I couldn't get it to stop leaking when I first got it. Not until I twisted the regulator body a bit. This is the O-ring that connects the CGA fitting to the regulator body.

I fixed it by buying some 1/4" ID by 3/32" faucet O-ring from the hardware store (not sure about the thickness but I know it's not the 1/16" one). It's not going to fit properly so stretch it out by pulling on it for some time. Install it and put pipe dope around the threads before screwing back in. Hope this helps anyone with a leaky Aquatek regulator.

FYI. Here are my theories for why this O-ring failed:
1. This fitting was already loose when I got it (leaking out of the box) so I might have over tightened it when I turned the regulator body.
2. I used the nylon washer that came with the CO2 tank on this regulator so the extra squish allowed me to over tighten the O-ring. DO NOT use the nylon washer that comes with your tank if you have this regulator!

 

[PlantedRich]

This does not look like damage that I would expect from tightening too tight. It looks like it has been cut by working on a damaged surface or the wrong type of surface. Sealing at the end like this is not where I would expect to find an O-ring but rather a flat washer if the seal is to be on the flat end. I think you need to step back and make sure you are putting the right combination of fittings together. This is not making a normal seal.

 

[Jalopy]

The picture is what it looked like when I took it apart the first time. This face is much smaller than what goes between the regulator and the tank. By the way my post said this is the connection between the CGA fitting and the regulator.

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The picture is what it looked like when I took it apart the first time. This face is much smaller than what goes between the regulator and the tank. By the way my post said this is the connection between the CGA fitting and the regulator.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

Please delete this double post. Fat fingers on a phone.


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[whenjenn]

Don't ask Aquatek they won't tell you the size or the o ring so you will have to buy from them. Searched the internet for the answer with no luck so i wanted to share what I have learned, perhaps it will help someone else.
Go to your local mom and pop hardware store. They usually have a big box of different sizes. Take the reg if you can. My local store found one that fit although a little thicker than aquatek. Size for me was 3/8 x 9/16 x 3/32 o ring. Think it cost me 93 cents and no charge for the custom fit by my helpful local hardware staff. Stopped my leak and didn't have to pay double that aquatek charges, uhh if only I had bought a better reg. Live and learn. And yes oil it with a petroleum based product to extend the life and even thought its a little thicker than Aquatek the replacement will probably last longer. No leaks in mine getting the reg to give a consistent bubble count is another story for another question. Hope this helps.

 

[Nordic]

What whenjenn said... had the same problem with a hub filter that had an o ring perish. Just took it to the closest building and hardware shop, the guy had a little tray with different sizes, I took a few and one works perfectly as we speak.

 

[Jalopy]

I think this is a common failure for Aquatek regulators. Who knows how many were thrown out because of this issue. They ought to post this fix on their website. When I contacted them they didn't even sell this o ring. Good to know they will at least sell this part now.