My regulator gauges failed and oil is everywhere

[wahoowad]

I use this gauge assembly when I want to shoot tethered to one of my tanks. Today I discovered the cap that keeps the oil inside had come off of both gauges and the oil was all over the regulator and a bunch of other stuff that I kept stored in the same drawer. Do you think any oil seeping into the regulator would affect it's performance? Are gauges typically filled with mineral oil, and all I need to do is fill them back up enough to cover the gauge needles?

 

[blackdog899]

I use this gauge assembly when I want to shoot tethered to one of my tanks. Today I discovered the cap that keeps the oil inside had come off of both gauges and the oil was all over the regulator and a bunch of other stuff that I kept stored in the same drawer. Do you think any oil seeping into the regulator would affect it's performance? Are gauges typically filled with mineral oil, and all I need to do is fill them back up enough to cover the gauge needles?

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I recently got the same gauge on the right . I was filling 9 liter for the first time. It was laying on its side and under pressure started pouring out. Nothing wrong with gauge they’re meant to be standing up little rubber on top.

 

[blackdog899]

Mine leaked 1/2 oil out. I thought something was wrong with gauge. The tank now resides in a cushioned box with an amzon dolly under to roll easily around my cellar. I researched on line, special oil you can get but don’t really need.
I got the initial info from a poster on here. I’ll look it up to give him credit.

 

[rock4gzus]

Recently, this exact thing happened with my Joe Brancato pressure gauge. It was storred in a foam pistol case. I simply injected some mineral oil and secured the plastic cap. I have no clue how the cap came loose but all works well again.

 

[blackdog899]

It was Ta-Ta Toothie that informed me , us.
thanks again toothie.
I did contact Joe from Air Tanks For Sale thinking the gauge blew and he sent a new one which is still in its box.

 

[beerthief]

I would buy a bottle of mineral oil @ a drug store or drug section of a store That way it is pure , no additives .

 

[Ezana4CE]

What’s all this talk about mineral oil? I was under the impression that gauges are filled with glycerin oil.

Edit: Thank you Gerry for the correction.

 

[grackleblast]

They are filled with glycerin......................and it is not necessary . Liquid filled gauges are used on running equipment and the fluid keeps the needle from fluttering. In air gun use , the liquid is just bling and messy . Most of my gauges have been drained of the "magic" goo by yours truly............

 

[Ezana4CE]

They are filled with glycerin......................and it is not necessary . Liquid filled gauges are used on running equipment and the fluid keeps the needle from fluttering. In air gun use , the liquid is just bling and messy . Most of my gauges have been drained of the "magic" goo by yours truly............

@grackleblast That was my understanding as well due to vibrating equipment.

 

[Ta-Ta Toothie]

Those filled gauges need to be burped from time to time. Pressure builds form the glycerin expanding and probably pushing the plugs out. Also should be facing up.

 

[grackleblast]

Here's a good example of when the secret sauce goes bad...........I recently bought a SCBA fill set from a forum member here , knowing that the gauge was looking funky. I figured I'd replace it . Instead , I drained the goop out and it looks fantastic . If ya don't need it , don't use it . YMMV

 

[Ta-Ta Toothie]

Definitely not needed for our use, sales tactics. But it just may give "some" damping to gauge when you crack it open...

 

[wahoowad]

Any suggestions on how to clean the oil off? I feel like I need to spray it down with something to help get the oil off, otherwise it will just be oily as heck.

 

[blackdog899]

Any suggestions on how to clean the oil off? I feel like I need to spray it down with something to help get the oil off, otherwise it will just be oily as heck.

Sticky stuff

 

[blackdog899]

Definitely not needed for our use, sales tactics. But it just may give "some" damping to gauge when you crack it open...

Lost the little cap . Permanent burp

 

[Ta-Ta Toothie]

Any suggestions on how to clean the oil off? I feel like I need to spray it down with something to help get the oil off, otherwise it will just be oily as heck.

Maybe rubbing alcohol.

 

[JamesD.]

I would clean it up/drain it and leave it out. It’s for dampening running machinery. No need for Airguns

 

[Humdinger]

Maybe rubbing alcohol.

Rubbing alcohol, Goo Gone, or a soap solution like Dawn dishwashing soap and water. Glycerine is easy to clean up with most grease cutting products.

 

[Gerry52]

Glycerin, not "oil". A rag and some alcohol should clean it up. Wipe off as much as you can with paper towels & then try the alcohol. 98%, not 70%. You can probably find tighter fitting rubber plugs at hdwre. store.

 

[Ta-Ta Toothie]

There is nothing wrong with the plug that comes with it. If you're using a filled gauge, you need to relieve pressure either by piercing a hole in it or by lifting it up. It's that simple. Most filled gauges state this on the body.