what's this white stuff inside my reg?

[rawbutter]

I got an 8-year-old Ninja tank in a package deal recently. I sent the tank off to get tested before I used it, and that came back fine, which is nice, since I basically got the tank for free. When I took apart the regulator for an inspection, however, I noticed some weird stuff going on. First, there's this fine white powder inside of the regulator. At first I thought it was dry Loktite, but it's EVERYWHERE, not just on the threaded parts. It also doesn't wipe off easily. Or at least a Q-Tip won't clean it up. I need to really rub at it with a rag to get it off.







Also, and perhaps more concerning to me, there's some strange pitting on the shims and spring washers. The pitting is so slight that I can't even feel it, but I can't clean it off either. At least not with a rag. I've never seen wear like this on the inside of a regulator, especially one that's only 8 years old.



Anyone have any idea what could have caused this? Is it safe to keep using these parts if I clean them up? Originally I was planning to rebuild the regulator if I had to, but now I'm leaning towards replacing it all together. Unless someone tells me otherwise.

[Toestr]

Looks like corrosion to me.

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[KMDPB]

I've seen this oxidation/corrosion if there is moisture in the air system, like when a dryer and filter arent used on the compressor

[KMDPB]

As for safety I would say it's fine to use but that's up to your own discretion

[glaman5266]

Yup, looks like corrosion/oxidation.

[EvilCreature]

I had a Ninja reg with the same issue - white stuff all over - and it made it wildly inconsistent (see: blew burst disks randomly). Cleaned it up a bit and rebuilt it and two years later it works fine. I believe Ninja recommends regular rebuilds but especially if you have a field with "dirty" air going into the tanks.

[Cunha]

It isn't an issue unique to ninja, its moisture like everyone else is saying. You can use your own filter like an AKALMP guardian air filter or something else to keep your input air cleaner but if they are using dirt bag air to fill their tanks you're gunna have dirt bag wet air in your tank..impossible to avoid.

[Toestr]

It isn't an issue unique to ninja, its moisture like everyone else is saying. You can use your own filter like an AKALMP guardian air filter or something else to keep your input air cleaner but if they are using dirt bag air to fill their tanks you're gunna have dirt bag wet air in your tank..impossible to avoid.

If I'm not mistaken the AKA filters are just metal? Those will only be good against particulate. You can get small cotton filters on eBay that you can attach to the end of the fill whip, which will be better against both moisture and particulate. Though I'm not sure if I'd trust those just because of the shock fill stations put on the fittings.

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[Cdn_Cuda]

Seriously MCB, more than six replies about a white substance and not a single mention of mayo?!

[un2xs]

Or marmention.

[Target]

The Ninja rebuild kits come with new shims, new piston & orings, burst disk ( 1.8k) and pin seats.
The new piston will only have one oring on the big end . They went back to a single Oring after they saw the 2nd one did not do much.

[Trbo323]

Seriously MCB, more than six replies about a white substance and not a single mention of mayo?!

Wow you are right. We are slacking

Perhaps it's time for another walzmas prank

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