Presto-Lite torch rebuild

[Chuck in E. TN]

 I am in the process of rebuilding my Prest-O-Lite Acetylene (originally Union Carbide) torch. It’s 60 or so years old, inherited from my Dad. The o-rings in the valves have all hardened and the 401 handle leaks gas around the valve stem. I have ordered the proper o-rings from WeldingSupply.com as per the original instructions/parts list from Prest-O-Lite. I tried o-rings from a kit from HF with no joy.
My question, should I use some type of lube on the new o-rings when I install them?
Chuck

[Lew_Merrick_PE]

My question, should I use some type of lube on the new o-rings when I install them?

No! -- unless you use one of the special lubricants formulated for use with oxygen.  30+ years ago I knew all the oxygen compatible lubes off the top of my head because I was working on that side of the universe, but I can assure you that general lubes and oxygen are a recipe for disaster...

[Chuck in E. TN]

This is an acetelyne/Air torch, no Oxy. Still apply?
Chuck

[Lew_Merrick_PE]

This is an acetelyne/Air torch, no Oxy. Still apply?

Yes, to a lessor degree.  I believe you can get away with a silicon lube for most air usages.  Adding fuel (carbon) to oxygen inside the flash-over valve is just asking for an unplanned pyrotechnic event...  (We learned that the hard way with B17's during WWII.)

[PTsideshow]

Standard answer is NO! none are needed. By the way when Prest o lite let their patent laspe, and everybody knocked off their torch almost all brands of the Prest o lite torch are interchangeable. I think there are around 6 different brand labeled ones currently.

[Chuck in E. TN]

I have ordered the proper replacement o-rings for the Prest-O-Lite. Still waiting for delivery 2 weeks later. In the mean time, I picked up one of the knock-offs, an Acet-O-Lite torch kit by Goss, at a flea market, complete, and in it's origional packaging, for $10US. If the new o-rings don't fix Dad's Prest-O-Lite, I'll use the other.
Chuck