Leaky Gas Filler

Peter Butler · Post by **Peter Butler** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:25 pm

On my recently acquired Roundhouse Billy, the brass filler tube which push-fits onto the gas cylinder leaks gas everywhere. There are rare occasions when it works OK but generally it doesn't.
I have tried my fitting on another loco and it leaks, however, another filler also leaks on Billy!!!!!
What is going on?

Dannypenguin · Post by **Dannypenguin** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 8:57 am

I find that mine leaks quite often, but it can be tamed by holding it upright and pushing it hard, however I'm sure you're doing that anyway

DLRdan · Post by **DLRdan** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 9:04 am

Is it possible to replace the O ring on that type ? They do go brittle after a while.

Peter Butler · Post by **Peter Butler** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 2:46 pm

Thanks for replies guys, I attach photographs to show the gas cylinder type (which is probably standard to Roundhouse models anyway?). I haven't yet worked out how the gas seal is made and whether the leak is coming from the top of the cylinder seal or the connection between that and the filler pipe.
Is it possible the end of the filler pipe could be damaged?
The model is only just over a year old and little used.

I'm guessing there are no user repairs to this unit?

DLRdan · Post by **DLRdan** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 11:08 pm

The gas filler valve on top of the tank can be changed with a little tool from Roundhouse but it is possible your filler nozzle is damaged. The seal is made with the two faces being the same angle and smooth, similar to an oscillator.

kandnwlr · Post by **kandnwlr** » Sat Jul 26, 2014 8:12 am

I suggest using another filler pipe (if available) before trying anything brutal. They´re more damagable than you might think at first sight, and tend to knock around in our loco equipment boxes rather than being wrapped up safe like the locos.

GTB · Post by **GTB** » Sat Jul 26, 2014 9:13 am

Peter Butler:102932 wrote: I haven't yet worked out how the gas seal is made and whether the leak is coming from the top of the cylinder seal or the connection between that and the filler pipe.

I'm guessing there are no user repairs to this unit?

Is it leaking only while being filled, or does it leak all the time? If it leaks all the time, then the valve is faulty.

The filler valve looks OK. You are aware that the Ronson type filler valve vents gas as the tank fills with liquid? When the tank is full liquid comes out of the vent.

If the extension tube on the gas can doesn't fit the filler valve properly, it will leak liquid while filling.

You are right, the Ronson filler valves aren't repairable, by either the user, or the supplier. If faulty, it has to be replaced.

If it is leaking all the time, the gas leak can be located by putting a drop of soapy water on the joints, one at a time. If the gas leak is small, you will see bubbles appearing from the leak. This doesn't work on large leaks though, as the gas blows the water out of the way, instead of forming bubbles.

Graeme

Peter Butler · Post by **Peter Butler** » Sat Jul 26, 2014 10:42 am

Thanks again to all who replied. I will try later to see whether the gas leaks elsewhere in the system, though I have doubts about that as running time seems to be adequate when I do get the cylinder to fill!
As for the leak whilst filling, again I will follow all advice and see if the seating is faulty between nozzle and receiver. I undrstand there must be a smooth and undamaged surface between the two to prevent leakage, so possibly there is a fault or damaged area which my ancient eyes can't pick up?

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