Posted by Glen of Idaho [70.41.236.55] on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 11:15:48 :
In Reply to: Startlling experience with torch -- anybody else had this? posted by Sherman in Idaho [72.47.153.112] on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 22:37:52 :
With a new act bottle last week. Came from Norco. I could smell gas after changing out the empty, which is normal, but the smell continued.
I checked everything including the hoses with soapy water and found the leak at the valve stem. It would stop when the valve was completely open and seated. I don't like using them that way because it is slower closing them in a panic so I tried tightening the packing nut that wouldn't budge.
I have been using it with the valve full open now because it is the largest tank they have and I live out in the back country and won't lug it into town.
Another good test is to back off the adjustment valve on the regulator before turning the tank valve on. Then you can test the tank valve stem and the regulator mounting fitting without pressurizing the entire system. Then turn in your adjustment valve to operating pressure, I use 7# for cutting, down to 3# for small welding tips and up to 10# for a large rosebud. Then check the regulator with soap around the adjustment threads and the little vent hole. That will tell you the diaphragm is not seated or shot.
The burnback check valve are a good idea especially on higher pressures and large flows.
Remember Act could spontaneously explode over 15#.