Regulator testing

1600 Views 34 Replies 6 Participants Last post by clopez1, May 18, 2014

clopez1

Discussion Starter · May 7, 2014

So I got my co2 tank this morning and I have just started testing my regulator, first attempt I open up and co2 level in my HP started dropping at a fast rate. I ran to Lowes and got a plug for my outlet and tried again, same thing. I found out it was a fast leak from the regulator itself. Almost giving up I found a plug in the back and tightened it, the pressure dropped even faster so I loosened it and slowly the flow of co2 that was escaping started to slow down till it stopped completely. I guess that was a pressure release valve. Now it's holding and I'll know if it passes by 10 minutes to 7 tonight.

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Bettatail

· #2 · May 7, 2014

picture?

I am not sure the plug from the back, it may be the first stage adjust screw.

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 7, 2014 (Edited)

This is as good a shot as I could get.

Question, I have read and saw in a video that when testing the second stage you open the needle valve. If you have a plug can you still test it with it on or do you have to connect the other parts to be able to open the needle valve?

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Bettatail

· #4 · May 7, 2014 (Edited)

the back of the regulator is the 1st stage adjust screw, loose it all the way, there is no co2 get pass the 1st stage(pass the 1st stage poppet valve).

the leak is somewhere in the 1 st stage, and the chance a broken diaphragm is really high.

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 7, 2014 (Edited)

I loosened it all the way and it has kept the pressure for 2 hours now.

Any advice on the testing of the second stage with a plug?

Bettatail

· #6 · May 7, 2014

the HP gauge actually connects to the passage before the 1st stage poppet valve,
so HP gauge shows 800psi. the diaphragm that control the 1st stage poppet valve actually locate on the other side of the 1st stage valve.

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 7, 2014 (Edited)

So you're saying I have to tighten that screw to get it to go to the first stage? So the regulator is shot?

I was doing some research and found this. Could it have been that they tightened the factory pressure valve too far?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Two-stage-regulator.svg

Bettatail

· #8 · May 7, 2014

clopez1 said:
So you're saying I have to tighten that screw to get it to go to the first stage? So the regulator is shot?

did you use the washer when you mount the regulator to the co2 tank, and crank the nut tight?

if you did, then:
not suppose to adjust the back screw, because you will have trouble to set the pressure between the two stages.
anyway, from the description in your first post, there is a huge leak, and since the HP gauge hold pressure after you loosen the back screw, the only possible leak area is either the broken 1st stage diaphragm or a faulty release valve(if there is one).

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #9 · May 7, 2014

I give up..I'm not chancing buying another broken regulator.

Bettatail

· #10 · May 7, 2014 (Edited by Moderator)

clopez1 said:
So you're saying I have to tighten that screw to get it to go to the first stage? So the regulator is shot?

I was doing some research and found this. Could it have been that they tightened the factory pressure valve too far?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Two-stage-regulator.svg

nada, if they tighten it too far, the first stage poppet valve is useless, because the inter-stage will be 800 psi, and there is big chance the 1 st diaphragm will punch/rupture.

did you turn the regulator handle all the way counter clockwise before you turn on the co2 tank valve?

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #11 · May 7, 2014 (Edited)

I did...Quick question before I throw this reg through the window. If there was an issue with those parts mentioned would the gauge have zeroed out? Before I made that adjustment it would hold steady at 500 psi. I just thought of that and probably should have mentioned that before. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.

oldpunk78

· #12 · May 7, 2014

Contact the seller and tell them the first stage is blown and you want your money back.

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #13 · May 7, 2014

Done..It's a shame, the shipping both ways pretty much left me spending the same amount as the reg for nothing.

Bettatail

· #14 · May 7, 2014

clopez1 said:
Done..It's a shame, the shipping both ways pretty much left me spending the same amount as the reg for nothing.

make sure the seller don't put it up for sale again:icon_excl

time to find another regulator...

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #15 · May 7, 2014

No more regulators for me. I spent more than I wanted to already and chances are too high for failure.

oldpunk78

· #16 · May 7, 2014

Make sure and give them a review that reflects that they sold defective merchandise. You also shouldn't have to pay return shipping. It's not your fault they sold a bad unit.

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #17 · May 7, 2014

They cover their butts with the buyer is responsible for return shipping.

charlie 1

· #18 · May 7, 2014

Sorry to learn of your misfortune. For folks like us that DYI for own use I prefer to buy new regulators, I got lucky with a used Matheson 3810 , only took the risk because both shipping & cost of the reg. made it a small risk.
Maybe someone on these forums who has a stock pile of used regulators , will consider setting you up with a working one.
Good luck

clopez1

Discussion Starter · #19 · May 7, 2014

Thanks.. i'm going to return this one and demand that they pay for shipping or I'll have dabay get involved then I'll see if I want to deal with looking for another or not.

AaronT

· #20 · May 8, 2014

Don't give up now. You've come so far and put together a nice little build. Yeah, it's a shame the regulator didn't work out, but that's not usually the case.

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