Question about o-rings for Female Foster fittings

[bltefft]

Hi all.

I was using my Omega Air Charger Compressor to refill my 66 cu ft 4500 psi carbon fiber tank. The tank was at 4000, going on to 4500, I walked away for a moment and when I came back the pressure in the tank had fallen to 1000 psi and I could hear air coming out on the area where the male foster fitting was plugged into the female foster fitting at the end of the hose coming from the compressor. I looked inside the female foster fitting and here's what I saw:

I have no clue as to how it got so messed up, I can't remember ever separating them when they were under pressure. Anyway, I found some o-rings for the female Foster fitting on Amazon and watched a YouTube video of how to replace one - seemed pretty simple.

BUT, i have a question: Shuold I put a dab of silicon oil on the o-ring before I slip it into the female foster fitting?

Thanks, Bobby

 

[nervoustrig]

Silicone grease is optional for installing the O-ring in a female Foster. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it makes it squirt around where you can’t get it to tuck into the groove.

 

[bltefft]

Silicone grease is optional for installing the O-ring in a female Foster. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it makes it squirt around where you can’t get it to tuck into the groove.

Oh, ok, optional - grease, not oil. I have to see if I have any. I think I only have silicon oil.

 

[nervoustrig]

Oil is fine too in this application. 

 

[Gerry52]

Check the finish on your MALE foster. They can develop slight burrs that can be taken care of with Emery cloth & LIGHT pressure. 

 

[bltefft]

Check the finish on your MALE foster. They can develop slight burrs that can be taken care of with Emery cloth & LIGHT pressure.

Thanks for the tip, will do.

 

[bltefft]

Strangest thing happened. I was attempting to take out the o-ring and it took back on its round shape, so I plugged the female Foster back into the PCP and it aired the gun right up. Regardless, I still plan to replace it with another o-ring.