I’ve noticed that the 155 leaks a little air between the main AB body and the two piece head. I’ve looked at the Badger exploded diagram for this AB and it doesn’t show an O-ring at that point. There is a small, probably 1/16th inch gap between the head and the body when the head is screwed down tight. Is this normal? I’ve just put a very thin piece of Teflon tape in the gap and that seems to have stoped the leak but I’m not sure whether I should leave it there or not.
One more question. When determining the operating air pressure are we talking about the pressure before actuating the AB or after? The pressure obviously drops when the AB is actuated and pretty much to the same pressure regardless of the setting before operation. The air flow however is clearly changing. I don’t try to control pressure by using the AB itself. There is not enough control in the valve.
My Omni leaks slightly right there to, but it has an o-ring. As long as it sprays properly it doesn’t bother me. The picture of the 155 on Badger’s web site shows the gap you are talking about so I’d say it’s normal. Give them a call if you are concerned about it, their support is first rate.
It doesn’t really matter since it’s just for reference anyway. Find two gauges that read exactly the same and I’d be surprised. Some people use the static pressure reading (no air flow) and some use the dynamic pressure reading (air flowing through the regulator). Any time I mention a pressure it is with air flowing, but that’s just my preference.
Specifications for compressors will normally give both or specify it as xx psi at xx cfm which indicates that air is flowing.
mine leaks a little too John, I don’t think it is abnormal… if I leave the compressor full and walk away for a while, I willl come back and the tank pressure has dropped a little…
As far as spraying pressure, like Scott I also use the “while spraying” pressure as my reference point. I just depress the trigger and hold it and dial it in to the pressure I want…
yup mine has a small gap and it leaks the teensiest bit. i didn’t notice it until i had a small drop of water on the nozzle and it bubbled a bit. doesn’t bother me at all.