Regulators

[DiamondWash]

I'm about to buy new regulators from Kleen-Rite but it's a toss up between Kleen-Rite's 3/8" vs SMC's 3/8" pressure regulator, I have used both in the past Kleen-Rite's seemed to last longer, but my question is does anybody here have a preference? is one better then the other?

Kleen-Rite:
https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-17...ssure-regulator-38-npt-7-gpm-200-2000psi.aspx

SMC:
https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-1785-smc-555-series-balanced-pressure-regulator.aspx

 

[Stuart]

I am sure both are very equal to each other or even the same item just a few changed by SMC to sell to KR. I use the SMC and do not have many problems. The only other regulators I have used are the US Paraplate. They work well to but design of unit is different from SMC's.

 

[mrfixit]

SMC have served well. Repair kit is cheap and easy to replace if needed. Mine are 14 years old. Does that make them better?

If the kleen rite is not repairable, which I don't believe it is, that would be the deal breaker for me. It looks like a knock off, its not rebranded smc I don't believe.

 

[MEP001]

The Kleen-Rite regulator is a JE Adams 7075, and it is repairable. It's not a knock-off, it's made by Adams and just doesn't have their name stamped in it.

 

[mrfixit]

Thanks for clarifying mep, my bad. Well its not smc. So what's the design difference, are they essentially the same?

 

[MEP001]

The Adams and SMC are very similar in design. I've never used SMC but I've seen them fail where they don't regulate properly. The Adams usually just leak and keep working.

 

[mrfixit]

Yeah when they go bad the pressure doesn't regulate well what ive seen is when the trigger is released the pressure will climb a hundred or more than it should at the pump, and it may or may not fluctuate within that range when in use. Like one time 1100 next time 1200 or anywhere between, inconsistent regulation. I assume because its sticking. A new seal kit fixes it, basic 2 oring.

On the JE do you mean leak externally I assume, otherwise it wouldn't regulate correctly.

 

[Randy]

I use a Cat #7002 regulator. https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-1794-cat-regulator-500-2000-psi-5-5.aspx They are over 30 years old and I’ve never had any problems with any of them, no leaks or rebuilding, nothing. There expensive, glad I’ve never had to replace one.

 

[MudMoney]

Dang Randy that is one expensive regulator

 

[Randy]

Dang Randy that is one expensive regulator

They sure are. About 20 years ago I was going to buy one for a spare. I decided I didn't need one after I saw how high they were then, around $225 or so. They are a solid unit, never had problem with any of them. I have never taken one apart so I don't know what's inside of them, there might be some kind secret part inside of it.

 

[2Biz]

Parts for the cw are just like buying car parts. If you cheap out, it will cost you more headaches and $$$ in the long run.

 

[mrfixit]

Quality part, the kind you want to install from the start for sure, so you can make the payments. Lol

 

[MEP001]

On the JE do you mean leak externally I assume, otherwise it wouldn't regulate correctly.

Yes, it leaks from the hole in the end of the adjuster.