Help with Oxy Acetylene Torch

[Gordo2]

Folks,

Bought a used Oxy Acetylene torch set (older Harris regs and torch head) and just got the tanks filled. I have't worked with a cutting torch in quite a few years and I'm having a problem that I'm not familiar with:

- I set my Acetylene reg to 5 psi, tank valve open 1/2 turn. Crack open the ace valve on the torch handle and light. When I open the torch handle valve to adjust the acetylene, the flame doesn't adjust - it stays at a low burn producing loads of soot.

Before I tried to light the torch I did a basic leak test on the kit and the pressures held just fine.

I'm thinking either the acetylene line or torch head may have a clog.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Gordo

[KevinP73]

Acetylene pressure too low. Open the tank valve at least a couple turns and let the reugulator do the work of regulating the pressure. Although all that black soot is the result of too rich a mixture. Double check the operation of the oxygen side of the set up.

[Jim Bremner]

sounds more like no O2

[Gordo2]

Figured it out, my bust. I thought I had pressure checked both lines, but apparently only checked the oxygen side - my acetylene line (hose) has a leak. Apparently the guy I bought it off of failed to mention this

Can't complain too much: $150 for a Harris torch head, Harris Acetylene reg, Firepower Oxy reg, mid size oxy & acetylene tanks, and a cart isn't too bad.

Guess I will be looking for a new hose set.

Gordo

[KevinP73]

I've got a spare hose set here. PM me your address and I'll send them to you.

[Gordo2]

Kevin, greatly appreciate the offer; PM'd you. This board and the folks who frequent it are the best.

Gordo

[Pazuzu]

I hate to be "that guy", but get a set uf inline blowback valves installed. I think they were around $50 a set from industrial supply shops when I last looked.

Especially for an older rig like you bought...

[KevinP73]

Blowback valves are probably a good idea. These things will make your ears ring for a week when they backfire into the tanks.

[mb911]

ok here is my check list for properly setting up the torch( I get to teach this all the time)

6psi acet
35psi oxy
open acet valve 1/4
adjust acet to just start to break away the tip slightly
then make sure lower valave is open 1 full turn
adjust upper valve to get a neutrel flame
depress cutting valve to check that the mix does not change from neutrel

Then you should be set.

Make sure you have back flow preventors and good luck. oh and remember that when cutting thin metal your torch should be angle approx 30 degrees in direction of travel. with thicker metal you should be 85 degrees direction of travel

[sammyg2]

Acet. gets set between 5 and 7 psi. Valve cracked open, no need to go much more than that, never exceed 15 psi or you will draw up some liquid which is bad. Don't lay the bottle on it's side and use it. if you have to lay it down, let it stand upright for a while prior to use.
Lack of oxygen is what makes the soot. Check your oxygen, should be set around 20 to 25 for most stuff. O2 valve on bottle should be wide open or completely closed, no inbetween.
Don't use any oil or lubricant on any O2 fittings.

[Gordo2]

Just like we say in the DOD acquisition business: cheap, fast or good - pick any two.

Replaced the hoses today. No joy, the acetylene side still doesn't hold pressure.

The low pressure side should hold pressure for some amount of time after I shut off the acetylene tank valve (with the torch handle valve off). Right now, it drops to zero as soon as the tank valve is turned off. The torch handle ace valve seems to work properly: I can't light the acetylene without opening the valve.

At this point I'm pretty sure the regulator seals/diaphragm are toast. I opened up the the reg; it appears the previous owner was a flashback survivor. Inside of the reg is covered with soot/carbon deposits.

Will order a set of flashback arrestors along with the reg rebuild parts (assuming I can find the parts).

Thanks again for the tips and support,

Gordo

[mb911]

Originally Posted by Gordo2

Just like we say in the DOD acquisition business: cheap, fast or good - pick any two.

Replaced the hoses today. No joy, the acetylene side still doesn't hold pressure.

The low pressure side should hold pressure for some amount of time after I shut off the acetylene tank valve (with the torch handle valve off). Right now, it drops to zero as soon as the tank valve is turned off. The torch handle ace valve seems to work properly: I can't light the acetylene without opening the valve.

At this point I'm pretty sure the regulator seals/diaphragm are toast. I opened up the the reg; it appears the previous owner was a flashback survivor. Inside of the reg is covered with soot/carbon deposits.

Will order a set of flashback arrestors along with the reg rebuild parts (assuming I can find the parts).

Thanks again for the tips and support,

Gordo

pressure relief in the reg? You can send your reg in for refurb at any welding supply store. you don't need flash back arrestors for most cases just use back flow preventors.