Help with a CO2 Regulator

[porpoiseaquatics]

I'm not sure but I think I blew the packing out of my Milwaukee CO2 regulator today. There's a small port on the left side below one of the gauges and when I open the tank valve, gas comes out that port. It's on the opposite side of the solenoid valve and bubble counter.

Here's my regulator: http://www.milwaukeeinstruments.com/site/component/content/article/53-solenoid-valves/257-ma957">http://www.milwaukeeinstruments.com/site/component/content/article/53-solenoid-valves/257-ma957</a>

Is the gas leaking mean the packing inside has blown? I barely get to open the tank valve and it comes out. The instructions say to turn the tank valve all the way on but I'm afraid to.

 

[redstang]

porpoiseaquatics;1001852 wrote: I'm not sure but I think I blew the packing out of my Milwaukee CO2 regulator today. There's a small port on the left side below one of the gauges and when I open the tank valve, gas comes out that port. It's on the opposite side of the solenoid valve and bubble counter.

Here's my regulator: http://www.milwaukeeinstruments.com/site/component/content/article/53-solenoid-valves/257-ma957">http://www.milwaukeeinstruments.com/site/component/content/article/53-solenoid-valves/257-ma957</a>

Is the gas leaking mean the packing inside has blown? I barely get to open the tank valve and it comes out. The instructions say to turn the tank valve all the way on but I'm afraid to.[/QUOTE]

Pretty sure that's a relief valve in case of an over pressure situation. Just get your tank filled?

If not, then it's probably just an o-ring seal that busted. I believe you can adjust/remove the relief valve with a screw driver but double check with someone/google before trusting me. No idea on what size o-ring but you may be lucky and be able to pick up an appropriate size at HD/Lowes.

 

[acroholic]

Jeff,
Initially it sounds like you may need to replace the tank pressure gauge of your regulator, if the leak is on that one and not the step down gauge, but just a guess there.

Here is a thread that may help with understanding the different parts of a CO2 regulator. It is a DIY on how to build a CO2 regulator from Reef Central. Might lead you to your defective part, or give a fun project for you, hehehe!

 

[hnguyen]

I've had the same thing happen to me a long time ago with the same regulator. I hooked everything up and turned the knob on my co2 tank wide open and next thing you know I had a cloud of co2 blasting me in the face. Needless to say, after an underwear changing I took everything apart to inspect and tried again with the same result. The gas was coming out of a small hole on the side of the regulator which I was told it was a pressure release valve. Pretty much had to throw it out and replace the regulator.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Thanks guys. I sent and email to Milwaukee support and the gasket on the inside of the regulator has a tear in it allow gas to bypass where it shouldn't. They are sending me a rebuild kit at no charge. What a great service company!

Hoang....that's a shame you threw it away. They probably would've sent you a rebuild kit as well.

 

[elfloyd]

I think your tank is too small and you need to upgrade.