Torch Geeks please help!!

[Satori]

Ok, so I have a Red Max and my oxygen nob on the large bottom flame is sticking really bad. I'm about 95% sure that there's some grit in the threads. When I turn on the bottom flame oxygen, I always get stuff shooting out the torch. It just shoots out right when I turn the nob, like some grit is getting loose into the oxygen ports and shooting out in the flame. When I'm not turning it, it's working fine. It seems to be slowly getting worse though.

So here's my question. Is there anyway I can go about cleaning the valve for the oxygen?? I don't want to try to take it apart and fuck something up. If someone knows how to do this, please let me know if it's something I can do myself or if I just have to cave and ship it to Nortel. If you know how, a simple step by step walk through would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to do this myself if I can. It's really just more of a nuisance than a problem right now, though I fear if left alone it may get worse and worse until it no longer opens because it's too gritty.

Thanks in advance for any help! :)

[rumplephorskin]

I would call peter norton at nortel he will be able to tell you exactly what to do about it and if you call their buffalo new york office after 5 pm est the switchboard will transfer you directly to their canada office where he is at without hitting you with the international long distance charges ;)

[Satori]

I would love to call them, but I don't have the number...I know it's somewhere on the forum here. Anyone know it off the top of their head?

[Brian Newman]

The valves are easily disassembled, and if you want to call Nortel in Scarborough, the number is (416)438-3325

[Satori]

Brian,
Do you happen to know how to disassemble them? How easy are they to clean?

Thanks!

[Brian Newman]

Turn off your oxygen, and unscrew the sleeve holding the valve and the valve itself. You can then use a blast of oxygen to clear any debris. You should have no problem.

[Satori]

Just thought I'd let you guys know that I fixed my valve! I took it apart and had to pick at the inside of the valve with my fingernail to get some stuff that had stuck on there off. Now it works wonders and it was easier to fix than I thought it might be.

Thanks Brian for letting me know how easy it was to fix myself! I don't think I'd have tried it myself without your help.