Aquatek Co2 Regulator/Solenoid Issue

[Bodul67]

I have the AQUATEK Aquarium CO2 Regulator with Integrated COOL TOUCH Solenoid. It's on a timer to turn on & off at specific times. When the timer switches off, the solenoid sticks in the open position. I have to unplug & plug it back in multiple times before the solenoid closes. I unscrewed the solenoid from the brass regulator and found that the rubber O-Ring has been torn slightly and that's the reason the solenoid wouldn't close properly. I reached out to Aquatek about a replacement O-Ring and they replied by I need to order a new solenoid. Of course they would, they want me to pay $40 for a new solenoid rather than pay less than $1 for a new O-Ring. Horrible!!!

Has anyone had this same problem and how was it rectified? I can't seem to find the exact O-ring to replace. I found one at Lowes and it's 5/16" ID x 1/16" CS, but it's too thick. The CS is half the thickness around 1/32" that I need.

The picture below is the O-ring that I'm talking about. It's NOT a picture of the torn one that I have, it's just a reference to location of O-Ring.

[jayc]

You need to take a measurement of the o-ring.

Measure the OD, ID and thickness.

 

What you need seems to be a Buna N o-ring.

https://www.grainger.com/category/hardware/o-rings-and-o-ring-kits/o-rings

 

Once you have the measurement, search for a Buna N o ring of that size on Ebay.

Or buy it from Grainger if you find it there.

Edited February 17, 2021 by jayc

[Bodul67]

I’ll try thank you 

[Bodul67]

The O-Ring had a little torn piece hanging off and looks like it was jamming the piston from moving. I found new O-rings which are 8mmx10mmx1mm and waiting for delivery. I also lubricated the piston with a drop of WD40 and for the past 3 days seems to be working fine now.

[jayc]

WD40 might not be the best for lubricating. 

Try a drop of lubricating oil, like 3 in 1 or sewing machine oil, silicon spray, or grease instead.