Old Regulators still good?

[Maverick986]

My father has an old (we're guessing 45-55 yo) CO2 tank and regulator he is giving me. I know the tank will not be good to use anymore, and will need replacing. We just dug this out and it needs a cleaning, but should the regulator still be usable, or do they need rebuilding?

 

[mabrungard]

The diaphragm might be cracked due to age, but you'd know pretty quickly upon opening the tank valve. If it doesn't leak, you're good. The only other problem could be a stuck needle valve.

Those 4 screws get you to the diaphragm and needle valve. Its easy to take apart and put back together. You can do it. It's a very simple machine.

 

[IslandLizard]

There are some rubber components and seals inside a regulator, they may have dry rotted. You'll know when you connect one to a full tank...

That tank can probably be swapped out somewhere. They may or may not charge you for a hydro test, depending where you buy the new one from. I'd give it a good clean so it doesn't look as old, and call around for swapping it out.

My last tank was due for a hydro test, and I was able to swap it out for an almost brand new one at Praxair. I now keep swapping them, cost me about the same as a refill in this area, around $30 for 20#. That way there's no wait or the need to pick it up a few days later, or getting it tested every 5 years (~$25-30 each time).

 

[mabrungard]

I had a really nice looking tank that I bought several years ago. But after considering the cost to have it hydrotested, I just exchanged it. Now I live with a less attractive tank.

 

[Maverick986]

Awesome. Thanks for all the feedback!