7kg Calor Gas Seal Problem

[Petronella]

I've used two 7kg Calor gas bottles since 2018 when we left the UK. Sometimes refilling has been tricky but we've always managed it.

Recently I had the bottles refilled in Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia and now when I attach the regulator, gas escapes from the cylindrical seal in the top of the bottle. The top of the seal appears to be around 0.5mm lower (photo with yellow cap) than the one in the good bottle (photo without cap). It almost seals but not quite.

1. Is there a way to resolve this without sourcing a new seal? Maybe an additional O ring?

2. If not can I source a new seal and have it shipped from the UK?

 

[rotrax]

Most Calor gas users on here do not use those 'clip on' regulators, so replies might be sparse

 

[jdc]

The problem is likely to be in the clip-on adapter or regulator. The good news is that these are typically serviceable, whereas a cylinder probably isn't.

1. what size clip-on?
2. when did you buy it (6 year life, possibly less, whereas gas bottles need servicing only after 15 years)

 

[andsarkit]

I have a 15kg Calor cylinder (for refilling smaller ones) and it has the same clip on regulator. The seal is a rubber cylinder and mine goes right to the top of the internal recess the same as your good one.
Calor customer service seems to be non existent so I doubt they would be willing to send you a new seal. They will just say return it to them.
Anything you do will carry a risk so I hope you have good drainage from you gas locker. If you can get an O ring under the bottom of the seal it might push it up enough to seal properly.
Would some silicone grease allow the seals to move a little and perhaps stop the leak?
Can you get another type of cylinder locally, even if it means the inconvenience of having to use 2 different regulators?
I believe there are 21mm clip on regulators for Calor cylinders and 20mm for Flogas and others. (I might have got that the wrong way round). Best to check you have the correct one.

 

[Petronella]

Anything you do will carry a risk so I hope you have good drainage from you gas locker. If you can get an O ring under the bottom of the seal it might push it up enough to seal properly.

That did the trick. Thanks. Perfect seal, no leaks.

First Image: Original seal carefully removed.

Second Image: O ring inserted beneath original seal.

John

 

[rotrax]

Well done. A proper PBO fix.