Regulator ruined from being outside??

[Silver Mist Studios]

So mom had put down lampworking for a long time!
She finally got the momentum to pick it back up. Got some new bead release and fire blanket.

Her regulator was literally maybe only a couple months old as she had bought it replace her old one that the diaphram went bad. Then she took a long hiatus.

It has been on the propane tank since and it has been maybe 10mos. since she's used it. We live in Texas in the heat, and really it hasnt even gotten as hot here as normal summers.

She works on a minor with a oxycon and propane mix. She uses the bar-b-que sized tanks.

When my dad took it off, it has all of this nasty brown crap all on the nozzle of it or whatever. The dials are showing nothing!!

Do we have to blow another $75 or so for a new one again?

[Dale M.]

Two things... Wipe off brown stuff as best a possible with clean cloth, be sure regulator is screwed in to tank as far as possible. In some cases the safety-flow valve in tank connection may not be opening, yes there is a safety no-flow valve in tank neck and if regulator is not tight it will not flow propane... Also there is a filter in inlet of neck (tank connector), it may be plugged with the gunk. Inlet piece could be replaced if necessary....

If still no success take regulator to welding supply and have them service it (at least check it)....

It should NOT go bad just sitting there....

A Little About Regulators. (http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8)

Dale

[Silver Mist Studios]

Thank you Dale, I will get them to do it tomorrow when we can see what we are doing. I was thinking also it shouldn't go bad just for sitting there.

I think the only welding supply place we have is in Austin. So if not, we will look into getting them to at least check it.

[My Bloody Valentine]

Hi Misty, we get hot summers here in australia and my tank and regulator is outside too. I know this doesn't help your immediate problem but after you get the regulator fixed you might find this useful. I made a "cover" for the top of my gas bottle and regulator by sewing stiff reflective and insulative type fabric together and leaving one end open (like a bag). I put weights down the bottom half to stop the wind blowing it away and stuck it over my regulator. It protects it from the elements and keeps the dust and spiders out. Had the tank for a year now and I take long gaps between torching also cos of university and everything is working great. :)