CO2 tank leaking out valve

[Dland]

I recently started using a 20# Airgas exchange tank of CO2 I had in reserve. Looks to be new aluminum tank, but appears to have an older valve. The darn thing leaks out valve packing when I open it. Sometimes it leaks more than others if I move valve around, but always leaks some. I don't see a way to tighten packing, I did try.

Anyone ever have this happen, know a possible solution? Unfortunately I can not return tank to current Airgas dealer, dealership has gone to a differnt buisniness since I got the tank.

I'm sure they would exchange tank as an empty, but would not give any credit for the gas, and it is almost full. It is not a big deal, but exchange tank is over $40 around here, so trying to get some use out of it by turning on only when dispensing.

 

[Bobby_M]

Have you tried opening the valve all the way and hard? Some valves have a design that put extra pressure on the packing when backed out fully and tight.

 

[Dland]

Thanks for the reply, but that did not work.

For some reason, the top of valve stem is peened so knob will not come off either, so I can't get an 11/16 socket on the packing valve and torque on it. Going to grind an old 11/16 open wrench thin enough to get in there, but I have my doubts there is much I can do.

Have to keep in mind it is a full gas cylinder, after all, so I won't get too creative. {;