Propane Regulator Lifespan?

RedHotBeads · #1 2010-06-13, 1:22pm

Hi,
Does anyone have any idea what the lifespan is for a propane regulator? I have a Radnor, almost 10 years old, but I am getting WAY too much reduction w/ my boro and it's the only thing that hasn't been replaced in the last year or two (ie, torch, hoses, oxygen source -- all have). I'm running a Lynx on an OGSI Generator.

Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Kelly

tela · #2 2010-06-13, 3:33pm

Hi Kelly,
Well, I don't know the answer to your question about lifespan, but I was having trouble with my regulator, and my propane flow. I was sure I needed a replacement, as it has been in severe weather being outside in New England, and I thought it was kaput.
I tried spraying the open /close knob threading with a lubricant spray, and opening it up and screwing it closed a few times to spread the lubricant through the moving parts.
It worked like a charm.
Maybe that will help....
jo

RedHotBeads · #3 2010-06-13, 3:35pm

Thanks, Jo - it's sure worth a try. I'm in Michigan, so winters aren't kind here, either!!

Kelly

Lisi · #4 2010-06-13, 7:20pm

I have a single stage propane regulator that I've used for near 7 years on a full time basis. It was exposed to the elements of south FL, which is a lot of sun and rain, and it's still fine. Last year I dropped it and it was "stuck" and I went in a panic. My then BF opened it up, straightened out the dial panel and the needle, and ever since then it's been fine.

Dale M. · #5 2010-06-13, 7:25pm

Typically a regulator that has not been abused can last forever.... I have some that are over 35 years old and function fine.... Some times you need to exercise the knob and change the pressure setting a bit to keep inner part free and functioning.... Not a real fan of sprays on regulator parts but regulator kept clean and dry will function indefinitely with a little exercise.... Most regulator failures happen from inferior parts breaking down or abuse.....

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum...c.php?f=12&t=8

Any chance in flame chemistry (reducing) is probably from way you have torch adjusted.... Regulators are mechanical and probably have very little to do with the "chemistry of the flame".... Try cranking oxygen up a bit or propane down a bit at torch....

Dale

pam · #6 2010-06-13, 7:33pm

My regulators were over 20 years old when I got them in the early '90s. Since then my propane regulator has been sitting outside in sun, wind and rain. I only take it off when a hurricane is coming.

Lisi · #7 2010-06-13, 7:35pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale M.

Typically a regulator that has not been abused can last forever.... I have some that are over 35 years old and function fine.... Some times you need to exercise the knob and change the pressure setting a bit to keep inner part free and functioning.... Not a real fan of sprays on regulator parts but regulator kept clean and dry will function indefinitely with a little exercise.... Most regulator failures happen from inferior parts breaking down or abuse.....

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum...c.php?f=12&t=8

Any chance in flame chemistry is probably from way you have torch adjusted.... Regulators are mechanical and probably have very little to do with the "chemistry of the flame"....

Dale

Dale, I got real lucky then! When I dropped mine it looked broken and didn't function. The needle fell off and the dial was out of place. I was calling up all the local welding shops to price theirs and got ready to hop in the car, and then he fixed it. My husband truly was my hero that day! LOL

From that day forward whenever I change my tank, I always put the regulator down on the floor and it stays there until I'm ready to pick it up and attach it to the tank. How I dropped it before was that I placed it in a box on the table and when I accidently pulled on the hose stepping over it, I pulled the box over.

RedHotBeads · #8 2010-06-14, 6:15am

Well, I'm running my oxygen full-on but still getting too much reduction. I'll tweak with it a little more -- this gives me hope that maybe the regulator is OK after all! 35 yrs, Dale - that's amazing - and good to know. This one hasn't been abused at all - but I also haven't moved the adjuster a whole lot either, so I'll give it a whirl tonight. Thank you all!!

Dale M. · #9 2010-06-14, 8:31am

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHotBeads

Well, I'm running my oxygen full-on but still getting too much reduction. I'll tweak with it a little more -- this gives me hope that maybe the regulator is OK after all! 35 yrs, Dale - that's amazing - and good to know. This one hasn't been abused at all - but I also haven't moved the adjuster a whole lot either, so I'll give it a whirl tonight. Thank you all!!

Turn fuel down some (at torch) ....

Dale

RedHotBeads · #10 2010-06-14, 11:34am

I've had it down really low at the tank - like 1.5. I'm not sure it'll help, but I'm going to turn it up to 8-10 and then turn it down at the torch.... wish me luck. I sure hope after all these years I haven't blown the diaphragm.