[TimB]

I am new to TIG and gas regulators.
My regulator leaks argon constantly from the holes in the regulator head.
Is this the way they work or do I need to repair of replace the regulator?

This is an old Smith regulator that came with the Lincoln Idealarc I bought about 12 years ago and just finally got set up for TIG welding.

I am new to TIG and to this forum. Looking forward to learning!

Thanks

[Arno]

That sounds wrong..

Regulator should not leak/vent any gas when in use, except out the bit where you want the gas to come from

Are the ports perhaps for gauge(s) or such?

Bye, Arno.

[TimB]

The holes in the housing of the regulator head are, I am guessing, to allow a diaphragm or such to move inside.
This being a 45 year old unit and the regulator not having been used for over a decade, probably some dried up O-ring or diaphragm leaking.

Thanks

[Poland308]

Most high pressure regulators are metal to metal sealing faces on the diaphragm. Probably a crack in the diaphragm.