When do manifold O-rings need to be replaced?

[DaMaDo]

I broke down my doubles to get them VIPed and was wondering if I should replace the 2 pairs of barrel O-rings or just clean them and relube with tribolube.

What should I use to clean the isolator threads/O-rings? Just soap/water?

If I should replace the O-rings are they the "1/2 OD for High-Pressure Port/Hose (7/16 UNF) Manifold and Manifold Port Plugs" sold here?

If I don't need to replace them now, when should I replace them?

Also, how often should the entire manifold be rebuilt with a full kit?

 

[cbrich]

I replace all o-rings every year, they cheap, and takes 5 seconds to replace. I also oxygen clean my manifold every year too. However, I only replace the seat, crush washer, and plastic washer when they need to be replaced. My oldest tank is 10 years old, and the seat looks new still, just a slight impression from the valve.

 

[Prof Diver]

It's a general rule to have your values and manifolds serviced every time you get a hydro. In Australia that is done every year, so we do it every time our hire and school cylinders need a service. However, many people don't bother to get their values services until they can't turn the spindal

 

[Wookie]

I service the manifolds when I hydro the cylinders. I inspect all parts, replacing what needs replacing. If the seats look good, I re-use them. If the o-rings are soft and supple, I reuse them. I don't bother O2 cleaning everything because doubles (mine anyway) don't ever see elevated PPO2, just the opposite, actually. I do ultrasonically clean everything while it's apart.

 

[DaMaDo]

Thanks for the responses.

I decided to change the o-rings on the manifold. Wish they didn't charge $1.50 for each one...but I didn't have any 012.

I will definitely have my own set next VIP.

 

[halocline]

I would not simply replace them every year. You might be replacing them with o-rings that are actually older than the ones on there. They're static o-rings, and they are crucial, so what I would do is if the manifold is fairly new and the o-rings look good, lube 'em and leave 'em. Or, you could (if you're really anal) switch them around so that the back-up ring is taking the pressure. If you do replace them, make sure you get good quality o-rings. I'd use duro 80 or 90 EPDM or viton o-rings bought from a place that sells a lot of them. You probably don't want nitrile o-rings that have an unknown durometer or age. This is all assuming you're using the doubles in an overhead environment where a manifold failure would be very serious.

It is a good question, that what type of maintenance really does lower the risk of a manifold failure....since that risk is very low with back up rings, but it is potentially serious, it's worth considering. I don't believe that simply replacing all o-rings every year is likely to lower the risk as opposed to using known good quality o-rings and letting them stay put for a few years.

 

[DaMaDo]

Thanks halo,

I hadn't thought of older ones being put in there. The manifold's only a year old...that is if halcyon doesn't keep old inventory.

Now that's got me thinking... I guess I have no idea if the ones that were put on are older or not especially since the LDS I went to doesn't work on manifolds that often.

I'll order a new set of O-rings next week and replace them after next weekend just in case.

Would these be ok as replacements?

 

[halocline]

I'd probably go to oringsusa.com or a similar place, that way you can specify a higher duro.