Oxy/Acetylene Torch Trouble

[Strapassassin]

The last time I used my torch there was a flame coming out of where you adjust the acetylene on the handle. What would cause this and what can I do to fix it. I'm too afraid to use it since that happened. The torch was made by Harris I believe.

[joncs76]

There's an o-ring inside that valve. unscrew it and change the oring. i would change all of them and the two where the head attaches to the handle.

[gatorgar]

What he said. Those rubber gaskets wear out and cause those leaks.

[Bucksaw]

x3

Also, a spray bottle full of dawn and water will help check for leaks.

[PEC]

Was it the hose connection or the valve itself? Could just be loose. Oring most likely but could just be a loose fitting. Simple either way.

[Strapassassin]

Can I use regular o rings from the hardware store? I took it by a welding supply shop in town and the guy wanted me to leave it to get repaired, but said it would cost $30-$100. I opened everything up and didn't see any o rings in the dang thing. Ive got some that look like they fit but I wanted to make sure before I tried it out. Ive been burned before and don't much care to do that again.

[76truck]

As long as you get Viton rings you will be fine. I think most come with Buna-n nitrile o rings so those will work too. Viton works better in my opinion.

[76truck]

Asked a pal in the trade, he said go with Viton rings and whatever you don't crank down on the hex nut. It will cause the o rings to decompose faster.

[Uncle Saggy]

Once you repair the leak make sure to install back flow preventers

[tallnhairy]

Don't lube the o-rings with oil.

[BBReezen]

Once you repair the leak make sure to install back flow preventers

Worth every bit!