Do CO2 regulators go bad over time?

[polywise]

I seem to be going through much more CO2 than usual.
My regulator is a 2003 unit, and has been working great until recently.

Do they eventually begin to leak?

 

[skene]

Have you replaced Orings lately? Did you make sure they seated properly and did not tear?

 

[polywise]

skene,
I will check the "o" rings tonight. I bet that might be the problem...
Jim C.

 

[ming]

A simple way to test if it is leaking is using soapy water (lysol or something comparable works well) and spray it on joints of the regulator where you suspect it to be leaking. It'll start to bubble if it is leaking. You can also do it on the connection between the regulator and the co2 bottle to make sure your washer isn't cracked and leaking.

just FYI, The solenoid isn't waterproof, so don't attempt to just submerge the entire thing. (Figured it safer just to say it then assume everybody knows)

 

[motortrendz]

also what type of hose are you using? some hoses break down over time and become pourus from the co2 and start to leach the co2 right thru the hose lining and you wont see any actual air bubbles... a cheap fix or cheap investment for making sure its not..

 

[polywise]

motortrendz, I bought and am using the black CO2 lines about 2 years ago.
I did not replace the short line from the bubble counter to the reaction chamber ( it is still the original ) Maybe I sould change that as well

Ming, I'll check with soapy bubbles tonignt, and I am aware solenoids and water don't mix -thanks though