Hi all. I have a 10 lb CO2 cylinder that I am having problems getting a good, tight seal. The welding shop I picked it up at gave me a black gasket/washer, although I already had one(that looked to have no wear).
(THEN)
Anyway, I am using a regulator, needle valve and bubble counter that I bought a few years from "M3"(Marine something-something) - sorry the name escapes me. Back when I used it a few years ago, I remember having a tough time at first with getting a proper seal. When I initially set it up and tightened the regulator on the tank valve, I tested it, by turning the tank valve(slowly) and there was significant leakage. It seemed to be coming from the connection point, so I took off the regulator and wrapped teflon tape around the threads of the tank many times(6-8 times I bet) and finally got it to where I couldn't *hear* any leakage, so I figured it was fine. The tank, unfortunately, went dry after a few months (2-3 if I remember right), which is VERY fast for a 10 lb'er from what I hear.
(NOW)
I am now setting it up again. I exchanged the old tank for a full 10lb tank a couple weeks ago and was having the same problem with proper sealage. I bought a spool of teflon tape, figuring it would help out, but after wrapping it around the tank valve several times like before, I still hear some air leakage(Note: In doing this test, I have ONLY the regulator and needle valve hooked up to the tank and both are turned OFF. The only valve turned on is the tank valve). Should I add more teflon tape or what? I'm at somewhat of a loss as to how I should be asking this, as I have very limited experience with this sort of thing. I'm hoping that the regulator is still good(it should be) as I don't really want to be shelling out more money. The only other possibility is the little black washer I was given from the welding supply place(but I lost it), as I am using the old one -- but, in its defense, I checked it up close and there is no real sign of wear or indentations, cracking, etc. ---> This regulator was really only used for about 3 months, and that was 2-3 years ago. Does anyone have any experience or wisdom they might provide? Maybe I should just try tightening the regulator onto the tank harder --- I don't have a wrench that size, but was using some pliers and *believe me* it is on tight. Thanks in advance and if there is any more information you need from me, please ask. Sorry for the ridiculously long post, but I felt that providing all information would help you answer the question easier.
(THEN)
Anyway, I am using a regulator, needle valve and bubble counter that I bought a few years from "M3"(Marine something-something) - sorry the name escapes me. Back when I used it a few years ago, I remember having a tough time at first with getting a proper seal. When I initially set it up and tightened the regulator on the tank valve, I tested it, by turning the tank valve(slowly) and there was significant leakage. It seemed to be coming from the connection point, so I took off the regulator and wrapped teflon tape around the threads of the tank many times(6-8 times I bet) and finally got it to where I couldn't *hear* any leakage, so I figured it was fine. The tank, unfortunately, went dry after a few months (2-3 if I remember right), which is VERY fast for a 10 lb'er from what I hear.
(NOW)
I am now setting it up again. I exchanged the old tank for a full 10lb tank a couple weeks ago and was having the same problem with proper sealage. I bought a spool of teflon tape, figuring it would help out, but after wrapping it around the tank valve several times like before, I still hear some air leakage(Note: In doing this test, I have ONLY the regulator and needle valve hooked up to the tank and both are turned OFF. The only valve turned on is the tank valve). Should I add more teflon tape or what? I'm at somewhat of a loss as to how I should be asking this, as I have very limited experience with this sort of thing. I'm hoping that the regulator is still good(it should be) as I don't really want to be shelling out more money. The only other possibility is the little black washer I was given from the welding supply place(but I lost it), as I am using the old one -- but, in its defense, I checked it up close and there is no real sign of wear or indentations, cracking, etc. ---> This regulator was really only used for about 3 months, and that was 2-3 years ago. Does anyone have any experience or wisdom they might provide? Maybe I should just try tightening the regulator onto the tank harder --- I don't have a wrench that size, but was using some pliers and *believe me* it is on tight. Thanks in advance and if there is any more information you need from me, please ask. Sorry for the ridiculously long post, but I felt that providing all information would help you answer the question easier.
