co2 regulator bad?

[Frozenguy]

I don't know much about regulators.

It hisses. Increasingly as I increase working pressure.

The cylinder is opened fully and it starts hissing around 10 psi getting louder as I increase. I didn't go past 20psi because I'm scared to death of these things.

I do get gas coming out of the flow meter and I can adjust that just fine.

What does this mean?

No hissing if adjustment screw is all the way counterclockwise.

 

[overbudjet]

Did you have a gasket between regulator and bottle during your test?

 

[Frozenguy]

Hey thanks for the response.
Yeah I looked and saw a black o-ring set inside the inlet where it meets the cylinder.

I've read differing reports on whether or not you can spray with soapy water looking for leaks. Maybe some units get damaged?

 

[growshopfrank]

from the description I would have to guess that the diaphragm in the regulator is leaking
many regulators have vent holes around the outside perimeter check for leaks there

its important to slowly open the valve on the CO2 tank to help prevent this type of failure

i would bring the unit to the local welding supply shop they would be the most likely place to have repair parts

soapy water is OK just be sure to unplug the unit first

 

[Frozenguy]

Thanks for the help! Will bring the unit into a shop.

 

[LandscapeEscape]

Teflon tape, check all nuts for tightness. Make sure your main connection between the tank and reg isn't bottoming out. Easy way to check this is to see if you can rotate your reg. If it doesn't feel very solid, then it is too loose. There is also a purge valve on the tank and reg. It should be a nut the size of a dime that has 2-4 holes drilled through the side. That nut has a thin copper plate between the nut and pipe. This is designed to fail if the tank exceeds safe operating pressure. Sometimes these get bent from pressure or the seal on them dry out.

 

[LandscapeEscape]

Soap and water test. Go heavy on the soap. Bubbles will be easier to see. These tanks constantly get covered in fucking soda syrup and sit outside. You're not gonna hurt anything. Just don't soak the plastic covering for the solenoid and you'll be good. I've worked around co2 for years. Nothing to be afraid of. Even in the event a 20lb tank blew a seal and dumped into your room, it will leak out and hug the floor. When that much comes out its heavy and its cold. It may be 10,000 ppm near your shoes but 2,000 ppm at head level. I wouldn't take a nap on the floor or do jumping jacks but you'll make it. Only thing that you don't want to do is breathe in a direct blast. Don't crack a tank and let it spray anywhere near your face. It take about 8 seconds for the co2 to fully expand. If you breathe that shit in its like water. It will expand and sit in the bottom of your lungs. Lay down and take deep breaths immediately to get it out of your body.

Figure out where the leak is and it'll make things a lot easier.