Possible Regulator Leak

I believe I have a hole in the stem of my regulator unit at the flange where it connects to the CO2 tank. I have always had problems with it leaking gas there, but have always managed to get it to seat so that it was not leaking, until now. This is the first time I've actually looked and noticed the hole in the flange. I'm assuming this is not normal, and I've just been lucky to get it to seat before. Please see the following photos.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/Zman3382/Regulator%20Problem/SNC00311.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/Zman3382/Regulator%20Problem/SNC00312.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/Zman3382/Regulator%20Problem/SNC00313.jpg

I've circled the problem area in each photo. If this is normal, then is there some trick to getting it to seat correctly? If this is not normal, can just the affected stem be replaced?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Dunno about the hole, but there should be a washer in between the metal flange of the stem and the tank. Does yours have this washer? It should work like a garden hose, with the washer inside the female side, (reg side in this case), to seal the flange against the tank flange.

Also, if that truly is a hole, then you would be able to hear and feel the CO2 being forced out. Check your washer.

There is a washer embedded in the regulator flange where it would contact the CO2 valve, but not then a separate one that would cover the entirety of the contact surface. I've read about the weep hole... but I get the impression that would be more on the body of the regulator. In regard to being able to feel and hear CO2 escaping, it gushes out extremely fast and audibly... seemingly in whatever direction that apparent hole is oriented...

From my understanding a "weep hole" weeps if the diaphragm of the regulator is damaged.