Regulator Rebuild

[NibbanaFarm]

I have a set of old O/A regulators. My uncle gave them to me 45 years ago. He probably was either given them or had them for a long time before that. He said they were "Victor Gaugeless Regulators". They had no pressure gages but were engraved with a scale on the regulator body and had a corresponding indicator that moves as you adjust the regulator. They did have plugged ports where you could screw in pressure gages. I did eventually put pressure gages in them.

These regulators have worked excellently for most of my life but now the oxygen regulator is starting to creep.

How difficult is it to rebuild these things? I saw some parts diagrams and it doesn't look all that difficult. Should I rebuild it myself or should I send it out? I don't have any confidence in my local welding supply shops. Any suggestions where to send them?

Thanks.

 

[dstig1]

You could look up OA Doctor on Welding Web Forum. That is what he does... Sounds like some interesting old stuff.

 

[muddstopper]

Sounds like a antique, but those old regulators never wear out. My Victor's where several years old when I bought them and I have had them for about 40years. Had both regulators rebuilt right after I got them. I had to have the Oxy regulator rebuilt again last year. 40 years on a rebuild I think is pretty good. While the diagrams make rebuilding a regulator look pretty easy, this really isnt something an inexperience person should attempt. It dont take but one little impurity to turn the regulator into a bomb. I have a friend that lost a hand from a regulator blowing up. You are going to have to pay for the rebuild kit whether you rebuild it or have someone do it for you. There are places on line that will do the rebuild at a reasonable price. I vote to let a professional do the rebuild for you. They can do it with a level of cleanliness that might keep your hand attached to your arm. If you decide you want to try it yourself, just remember, it has to be clean, you cant use any type of oil, and its your health that will pay the price if you make a mistake.