Presto-Lite torch rebuild

[chucketn]

I am in the process of rebuilding my Prest-O-Lite Acetylene (originally Union Carbide) torch. It’s 60 or so years old, inherited from my Dad. The o-rings in the valves have all hardened and the 401 handle leaks gas around the valve stem. I have ordered the proper o-rings from WeldingSupply.com as per the original instructions/parts list from Prest-O-Lite. I tried o-rings from a kit from HF with no joy.
My question, should I use some type of lube on the new o-rings when I install them?
Chuck

[warmstrong1955]

Absolutely not!

Oil + Oxygen = 'poof'

Bill

[ken572]

I am in the process of rebuilding my Prest-O-Lite Acetylene (originally Union Carbide) torch. It’s 60 or so years old, inherited from my Dad. The o-rings in the valves have all hardened and the 401 handle leaks gas around the valve stem. I have ordered the proper o-rings from WeldingSupply.com as per the original instructions/parts list from Prest-O-Lite. I tried o-rings from a kit from HF with no joy.
My question, should I use some type of lube on the new o-rings when I install them?
Chuck

Chuck,
Oil and/or Grease are a BIG NO

Please see the SAFETY info below.

These might load a little slow..

http://www.usmra.com/repository/categor ... tylene.ppt

http://www.airgas.com/documents/pdf/001001.pdf

Ken.

[chucketn]

This is an acetylene/air torch, not Ox/Acet.

Would silicon grease be o.k.?

Chuck

[warmstrong1955]

This is an acetylene/air torch, not Ox/Acet.

Would silicon grease be o.k.?

Chuck

The big problem is any oils or grease around oxygen.....but I still would not use any oils or greases on any compressed gas. I don't use it on inert gases either....would it make the o-rings last longer....maybe.... but it's just a NO-NO. O-Rings are cheap.

I really don't know if acetylene is reactive with silicone grease or not. Not something I would experiment with.

Again. O-Rings are cheap.

Bill

[hammermill]

i would check this out in detail

there is a selection of greases that do not contain any hydrocarbons.

The stuff is called PFPE for poly-fluorinated-poly-ether.

The related oils are marketed as FOMBLIN or KRYTOX. (used in pumps that pump oxygen)

The grease (in USA) is marketed as Braycote by Castrol. I am sure that it is suited for your application.

Have success.

having said that i would resurch the brand names before aplication.

for my personal 2 cents i want everything dry.

[ken572]

chuck,

Here you Go.

OC® Three – Oxygen Compatible PTFE Paste (Includes Acetylene)

http://www.mptindustries.com/oc_products/oc3.htm

Ken.