Regulator Problem - Fix or Buy Another?

[goodfortune]

I have a calcium reactor, and I am using the Milwaukee regulator with integrated solenoid and bubble counter.

I have had an irregular bubble count from the regulator for the past few weeks. I have recharged my CO2 bottle, but the problem persists. I will adjust the needle valve until I get a rapid bubble count; however, within 10-15 minutes, the bubble count stops almost completely, no matter how open I have turned the regulator needle valve.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you fix it? Were you able to fix or clean the regulator, or did you have to throw it away and buy another?

Any and all responses, as always, will be greatly appreciated.

- Michael

[Mafiaman]

I seem to be having the same issues with a brand new one.

[Schwaggs]

Make sure you adjust the pressure to around 20 psi or so.

I recently had the same problem with mine after 18 months of use. I could remedy mine for a while by screwing the needle valve all the way in then back it off and adjust the bubble count. A month or so of doing this every other day and finally it wouldn't startup again.

I decided to take the thing apart since I had nothing to loose, right I took the bubble counter assembly off the needle valve assembly. Then I unscrewed the needle valve assembly off the regulator/solonoid. I unscrewed the needle valve as far as I could and used a 1/16th drill bit to clean out the passage from the needle valbe to the bubble counter. It appears that this part of the assemble had corroded shut even though I use nothing but RODI water in the bubble counter. I think the joint between the needle valve and the regulator/solonoid was leaking allowing a slight bit of water from the bubble counter to leak back into the passage. I used teflon tape on the joint when reassembling it and it works like a charm now....

[Fahz]

CO2 is considered a dirty gas and it clogs the regulator or the needle valve, you have to find a way to blow it out. The problem is very common just remember it's the gas and not the regulator. The application were using it for isn't common, in fact most gas sellers look at you strangely when you try to explain your application.

Fahz

[Mobius]

I had the same problem and I just disassembled the bubble counter and cleaned it with hot water under pressure and it has worked fine since.

Cheers
Mike

[goodfortune]

Thanks for the responses so far

I have taken off the needle valve and bubble counter. The solenoid is also not working, so I tried to take that off as well; it's on there pretty tight .

Where can you buy a replacement regulator solenoid? Would welding or home brew shops carry them, or is it something that would only be carried by a storefront/online LFS?

- Michael

[jimbeau]

I know that Andy @ My Reef has them locally. Last time I had my bottle filled at a local gas supply the said the did not have one that was for low pressure? Not sure if they were telling the truth or just didn't feel like helping a guy who only spends 20 bucks every 8 months....they are readily available at most all of the online vendors.


I have also had this issue with mine and I think I will take it apart tonight when I get home, hehe wish me luck.
Jim

[Mobius]

Michael
I also had issues with my solenoid, when I first purchased my regulator.
It would not come back on after a power outage, either from the controller or loss of service.
I called Milwaukee and they sent me a new one. 252 443 3630
I talked to Brian Moore.

Good luck.

Mike

[goodfortune]

Thanks Michael; I'll give them a call.

- Michael