Acetylene regulator question

Well we did not take the regulator apart completely, but we did remove the tube that goes from the tank to the regulator, There must be an inline filter in the pipe and it must have been plugged. We could not blow through it tried cleaning with various chemicals and it was still closed. Finally we took a small drill and cleaned out the filter (?). Some black thick tar like substance came out. We blew out the pipe and we could get flow throught the pipe. I understand concerns about safety with playing with a regulator, but using common sense we solved the problem and it did not blow up (at least yet). On a farm you have to improvise sometimes, it not like in the city where you can run to get a new thing all the time. Thanks for all your comments.
Alex

: : The Harris ace.reg. pressure drops to 0 PSI when the fire is lit. We want to take it apart. Are all threads left-handed like the connection? How do you take it apart to fix it?
: : Thanks : : Alex

: Well we did not take the regulator apart completely, but we did remove the tube that goes from the tank to the regulator, There must be an inline filter in the pipe and it must have been plugged. We could not blow through it tried cleaning with various chemicals and it was still closed. Finally we took a small drill and cleaned out the filter (?). Some black thick tar like substance came out. We blew out the pipe and we could get flow throught the pipe. I understand concerns about safety with playing with a regulator, but using common sense we solved the problem and it did not blow up (at least yet). On a farm you have to improvise sometimes, it not like in the city where you can run to get a new thing all the time. Thanks for all your comments.
: Alex Alex,
That black tar like material is carbon produced
when there is a backfire in the system. This is a condition where the gas ignites inside the hose and or torch. It is dangerous and requires attention..... The material you drilled out is supposed to be porous and is intended to prevent the backfire flame from entering the regulator, additionally it is intended to help prevent the acetone in the cylinder from getting into the torch. (an explosive condition as you know if you have worked with acetone.) Please go get yourself another tube. You may think that we are really after you but what would you do if someone was on the track and the train was a comin'. Take good care, C J P.S. Also get yourself some Flashback arresters for your system.

: : Well we did not take the regulator apart completely, but we did remove the tube that goes from the tank to the regulator, There must be an inline filter in the pipe and it must have been plugged. We could not blow through it tried cleaning with various chemicals and it was still closed. Finally we took a small drill and cleaned out the filter (?). Some black thick tar like substance came out. We blew out the pipe and we could get flow throught the pipe. I understand concerns about safety with playing with a regulator, but using common sense we solved the problem and it did not blow up (at least yet). On a farm you have to improvise sometimes, it not like in the city where you can run to get a new thing all the time. Thanks for all your comments.
: : Alex
: Alex,
: That black tar like material is carbon produced
: when there is a backfire in the system. This is a condition where the gas ignites inside the hose and or torch. It is dangerous and requires attention..... The material you drilled out is supposed to be porous and is intended to prevent the backfire flame from entering the regulator, additionally it is intended to help prevent the acetone in the cylinder from getting into the torch. (an explosive condition as you know if you have worked with acetone.) Please go get yourself another tube. You may think that we are really after you but what would you do if someone was on the track and the train was a comin'. Take good care, C J P.S. Also get yourself some Flashback arresters for your system.

CJ, Thanks for the information. I am going to send your reply to my uncle who has the torch. Thanks again.
Alex

You can get your regulater rebuilt for 40-100 dollars, a cheap good new one will run 80-120 dollars, I'd go with new, as only the high dollar regulaters are worth rebuilding (Victor, etc), And the same goes for torches, when they start to leak alot, get them rebuilt or replaced (a TOTAL rebuild for my Victor torch is $50, as compared to the few hundred a new one costs!) Regulaters will last a long time if taken care of, (my acet. reg is 50years old), but when they give trouble it's better to leave them alone and replace. Because you can't be replaced!!!

Strongly advise that you NOT take it apart.

: Strongly advise that you NOT take it apart.

"WHAT THEY SAID" !
They're both right in asking you not to take the regulator apart because there really are "No user serviceable parts" inside. First off, you need parts, which due to the liability issues may not be had from the normal sources. Second, you really should have some "hands on" with regulators which carry stuff that won't blow up your barn or house or kids due to leaks before you try one of these that could cause you to regret your actions.
Am I trying to scare you? Maybe a little.
There's really not much to a regulator (or dummies like me couldn't fix em), but the comment that a new unit is cheap compared to what it might cost you is an understatement.

Enjoy your life, get a new one or have it serviced by a pro...

: : Strongly advise that you NOT take it apart.

: "WHAT THEY SAID" !
: They're both right in asking you not to take the regulator apart because there really are "No user serviceable parts" inside. First off, you need parts, which due to the liability issues may not be had from the normal sources. Second, you really should have some "hands on" with regulators which carry stuff that won't blow up your barn or house or kids due to leaks before you try one of these that could cause you to regret your actions.
: Am I trying to scare you? Maybe a little.
: There's really not much to a regulator (or dummies like me couldn't fix em), but the comment that a new unit is cheap compared to what it might cost you is an understatement.

: Enjoy your life, get a new one or have it serviced by a pro...

it's o.k. if you want to take it apart, just don't put it back together