Got my PowerMaster 205

[Mikenstein]

After a long wait I got my PM 205! I had to modify my cart that I custom built to house my units, (I purchased a MIG250D and Super 160P back at the beginning of the year) since the PM 205 is not even close in size.

I finally got the cart done, and set up the machine and was anxious to play! I ran into only 2 problems so far, the plasma torch had a loose wire, and I had to take it apart and fix that problem. The plasma side of the unit works great and I love being able to cut with speed and accuracy. The second issue is that the argon regulator that came with it is defective. As soon as I turned my tank on, argon was escaping from the regulator like mad. I took the regulator from the tank on my MIG and hooked it up and was able to try out the TIG function.

I'm still learning the controls, and trying to translate the manual to fit the new design, but I'm having a lot of fun playing and learning. So far I haven't had any serious issues with it, and have finally filled the need in my shop for a TIG.

[performance]

Mike,

I didn't hear from you after your call, so I was wondering if the wire was the problem. Occasionally, one of the wires does come loose from inside. Which wire was it?

The regulator is often pressed hard inside the box and damaged. I don't know if that is the case or not. Where is it leaking from?

I use a Smith regulator on my units as it allows good control of the flow, especially at lower flow rates.

Please note that the flow regulator you have is in lpm, not standard cfh for the US. To get a loose conversion, double your lpm and you will get close to the cfh minus about 10% or so.

[nooch8it]

I had the same issue with my regulator its junk and just leaks $. We should see if others are having the same issue.

[everlastsupport]

Well nooch8it,

I must tell you we have a lot of the regulators out there and you have one. I use them as well. I've had many harris and uniweld regs. Still have a good harris and a set of uniwelds on my O/A tanks.

I have Everlast regulators well over a year old with no problems? I have a harris that works and one that has a bad diaphragm, I guess they fail too. And no one local will fix them anymore.

Working in tech support I think I've heard of one or two people that had a bad regulator. I'm not just a users of Everlast products, I work for Everlast and take technical support calls.

Regulators are not even a though in my mind unless someone did not receive one with their unit.

There's a remote chance you have a bad regulator? It does not make the thousands out there bad.

I would think if the regulators are bad, the forum would be plastered with this problem and we would have heard about it in tech support.

If you need yours replaced, you can contact customer support at 1-877-755-9353 ext 201.

[nooch8it]

I think the Reg is ok its just the over pressure(safe) valve that leaks. When not welding pressure builds up so that when I hit the trigger to weld again a huge gush of gas comes shooting out of the nozzle. I think this is do to the hose being on the cheap side and exspanding. I have an argon Reg. from my lincoln so I should be fine. Thanks again for the tech support the other night Mike.

[jericho777]

I have a slightly different problem with my regulator. It does not want to seat tight to the tank. I have to tighten it a little more than I would like. But as long as I don't have to remove the tank from the regulator it's OK.

[everlastsupport]

Thinking more about it. We are talking about the gas regulator, not the air regulator right?

On the gas regulator, we have plans for a new connector system and hose in the future. I agree the hose clamps can be a pain if they are put on and off a lot. I normally cut 1/2" off when I do it.

I've seen the internal hose expand when running over 150 PSI (though rated for 300 I believe) and I have sent that to the factory. My concern was at some point the clamp might cut through the hose. I am pretty sure that was changed though.

[jericho777]

I use 12 AWG house wire with the coating left on to make hose clamps. Just wind around a couple of times then twist the ends together with pliers. It does less damage to the hose and holds air pressure just as well.

[performance]

If a regulator won't seal down to the tank, USUALLY it is a problem with the tank itself. I have had many occasions where my Smith or Prestolite regulators would not seal and it was a problem with the tank's inverterted flare fitting being scarred up or the threads being corroded or dirty. When they are refilled, many times this is not checked thoroughly. Proper procedure for connecting a regulator is to open and close the tank valve very quickly to allow a short 1 second burst of gas to escape and clear any dirt from the valve sealing surfaces and threads. Usually two quick bursts are in order. Wear a pair of saftey glasses while doing this of course. I've managed to dislodge some pretty nasty stuff and it flies at high velocity.

That is not to say there might not be a problem with a regulator not sealing or leaking, but usually the tank is the problem.

[jericho777]

If a regulator won't seal down to the tank, USUALLY it is a problem with the tank itself. I have had many occasions where my Smith or Prestolite regulators would not seal and it was a problem with the tank's inverterted flare fitting being scarred up or the threads being corroded or dirty. When they are refilled, many times this is not checked thoroughly. Proper procedure for connecting a regulator is to open and close the tank valve very quickly to allow a short 1 second burst of gas to escape and clear any dirt from the valve sealing surfaces and threads. Usually two quick bursts are in order. Wear a pair of saftey glasses while doing this of course. I've managed to dislodge some pretty nasty stuff and it flies at high velocity.

That is not to say there might not be a problem with a regulator not sealing or leaking, but usually the tank is the problem.

The tank has a new valve on it. I haven't used a tank yet but when I exchange it I wil let you know. Also when I attach the regulator I do open the valve for a second.

[Mikenstein]

My regulator is leaking from the bottom, overpressure device. It leaks as soon as the tank is turned on, and leaks constantly. When I took the regulator off my MIG tank, it worked just fine without any leaks.

[everlastsupport]

Earlier today after reading this thread about a leaky regulator, I closed off my gas valve, cracked the bottle open and closed it. 8.5 Mega Pascals (getting a little low). I pressurized the regulator only

Many "hours" later. 8.0 Mpa. So it lost a little gas, but nothing I would get excited about, a loose hose clamp will loose a lot more. The bottle was off as I do when I am done welding so it would not be a big deal.

Mikenstein, if you have a bad regulator, we can get it swapped out. But I myself have had no calls related to this, maybe Mark has? Maybe we have a new regulator I have not seen yet as you mention over pressure device?

This is the multi-function unit, we are not talking about the air regulator for the plasma right? It is the argon regulator that is leaking?

Can you post a picture of the regulator?

[performance]

I believe one customer had one that was visibly damaged in shipping, cracked to a point of leaking.

But that's it.

[Mikenstein]

yes it is the argon regulator not the air regulator. I'll try to get a picture posted for you tomorrow