looking for CGA320 stem for Matheson 8L-580 regulator

P

pglenn

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Apr 7, 2006
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I picked up a Matheson 8L-580 regulator without any stem on it. So I need to get either a 580 stem and adapter to 320, or else a 320 stem that will fit. I have read that the 8L models use a thin-thread stem so I cant just put any stem on it. so that leads me to two questions

(1) can I put a thin-thread 320 stem on this regulator? or are the 580 and 320 not interchangible? I believe I can use a 320

(2) where can I purchase a thin-thread 580 or preferably a thin-thread 320 for this? I have seen one place that has them for $20 and really hoping I can find one cheaper (ie ebay has the standard 320 for $5)

Patrick
 
Older Harris built regulators (Matheson Model 8s, and others) need the fine threaded CGA nipple/stem. Matheson Model8s are made by Harris, who uses a strange inlet port thread 1/2" 27 thread. Your gonna find that what you need is the Special nipple CGA 320 Inlet Nut and 2-1/2 long Nipple and 1/2-27 fine thread connection but the CGA320 side is standard. Just your threads are different.

The other issues your gonna find...... Most Local welding shops have to order them. Guess what else. They are $20 or more even though the local welding supply. Its because its a VERY uncommon piece and only the older Harris built stuff use them.

Also one last question...... Matheson/Harris built more then one model of this particular regulator. Some of them are useable by us for fish tanks and some are not. The easiest way to tell is if you can tell me what the Max PSI readings are on each gauge. If I know that i can tell you if its able to be used or not.
 
constevens said:
Older Harris built regulators (Matheson Model 8s, and others) need the fine threaded CGA nipple/stem. Matheson Model8s are made by Harris, who uses a strange inlet port thread 1/2" 27 thread. Your gonna find that what you need is the Special nipple CGA 320 Inlet Nut and 2-1/2 long Nipple and 1/2-27 fine thread connection but the CGA320 side is standard. Just your threads are different.

The other issues your gonna find...... Most Local welding shops have to order them. Guess what else. They are $20 or more even though the local welding supply. Its because its a VERY uncommon piece and only the older Harris built stuff use them.

Also one last question...... Matheson/Harris built more then one model of this particular regulator. Some of them are useable by us for fish tanks and some are not. The easiest way to tell is if you can tell me what the Max PSI readings are on each gauge. If I know that i can tell you if its able to be used or not.
Click to expand...


still awaiting to receive in the mail, but assuming the picture is accurate, the two gauges go to 30 and 3000
 
pglenn said:
still awaiting to receive in the mail, but assuming the picture is accurate, the two gauges go to 30 and 3000
Click to expand...

correction - I received in mail today and it was not the one pictured. The left dial reads 0-7 (red)/0-100(black) and the right dial reada 0-3000(red)/0-20000(black)
 
Hmm. The red on the left is PSI and the black is Kpa. That would mean all you have is a max of 7psi working pressure. Probably wont work for our application. Minimum working pressures that work for our applications are 15psi.
 
reconfirmed and the left is kg/cm2 and is maxed at 7... I realize 7 is low, I dont use a diffusor, I use a hagen ladder. as long as it produces bubbles I am happy. would it work? I would assume it would at least produce bubbles at a low rate
 
It "might" work fine. But just remember that when running co2 levels without enough can be bad as well. Lots of algae and deficent issues can be due to low levels of co2 wonderful stuff like BBA and hair slate. All I could say is try it. See if it works
 
so then it may work, we'll see. now for the original question, where can I find the fine-thread stem online?
 
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