Victor Cutting Torch valve problem

[Gary Fowler]

Better check the price first. Some time the rebuilds cost more than a new gauge. I just bought a new rig rather than replace the 2 gauges on my Victor rig. The gauges were $20 each at the LWS and for $68 I could buy replacement Harris gauges or $189 get the whole rig including new gauges, hoses, torchhead, mixing barrel and #4 brazing tip. So $50 each to rebuild or spend another $90 and get a new rig + a $70 brazing tip. I went for totally new Harris rig. Later I found some gauges at Atwoods to replace all of them on my Victor for less than half of what they cost at the LWS so now I have a spare cutting torch set.
Question: did $50 get you new pressure gauges on the regulators or just new diaphrams in each gauge? Likely not ,based on what the gauges were priced at my LWS. Since you overpressured the low pressure gauge, you need to replace that also.

 

[Gary Fowler]

SAFETY LESSON: One thing that I would say most folks dont do when they are finished with their torches is prior to turning off the valve on the tank, they should unscrew the pressure regulator to reduce all pressure on the regulator and leave them in this condition until ready to use them again. This will save blowing the diaphram when opening the tank valve. Also open the tank valve very slowly to avoid suddenly pressurizing the regulator, then adjust the pressure back to where you need it for your task. Also never stand in front of the regulator when turning on the bottles. With a busted diaphram and quickly opening the tank valve, a sudden pressurizing of the regulator could eject the set screw from the regulator like a bullet.

 

[ptexer]

Good safety review Gary. I had my victor regulators rebuilt and had one guage on the oxy replaced for 50. This is at a place I have been going to for a while and know everyone. You should always get a price before having them rebuilt.