Do I need a new welding guage?

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plumkrazee70

plumkrazee70

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When I open my tank my pressure on the guage goes up like it's supposed to. However, when I'm done, I close the valve on the tank and within a few days, maybe even one (not 100% sure how long) it drops to zero.

Is it suppose to keep the pressure on the guage or do I have a slow leak at the connection somewhere?

Thanks, new to welding.

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It’s going to lose pressure over time if you close the valve. About a day is right, mines been doing it since I bought it new 30 years ago.
 
Mine too......everything to the machine is fine, so I suspect something inside. Just haven't tore it apart to check.
 
I would say a leak, but you should never leave pressure on the guages which really means you are leaving gas pressure on the hoses.....On tig/mig machines, turn your gas off and give the trigger a quick pull to empty the gas. Doing this will relieve pressure on the O rings and solenoid valve parts and regulator diagram, purge the machine.
 
Losing pressure on the gauge is absolutely normal after a day or so.
If it goes to zero after an hour, then I would be concerned.
This applies to all compressed gases used in the welding industry.
I have been in the trade for many years, and I can assure you that it is nothing to worry about in your case.........
 
Almost every time i replace tank, it leaks at the fittings. I check with soapy water and retighten if it leaks. Weeks it will hold pressure. I do not release pressure. The high pressure is in the regulator, low pressure on the hose is no big deal.
Way i see it, a leak is a leak. Gas isnt cheap and fixing the leak is putting money in your pocket.
 
It "might be" the valve packing itself. Acetylene bottles hold pressure in the valve packing, that is, you only open the valve part way during use. But high pressure bottles such as O2 and I think also CO2 the valves are of course packed but have a "back seat." You are supposed to open the valve "all the way" and "snug" it against the backseat just as you would when closing it. This seats a "valve" up in the stem and prevents stem loss.

So with the valve closed, the packing "could" leak. It's also possible hoses might be porous, along with other possibilities mentioned.
 
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