As a newcomer to the hobby I wonder if anyone can help/ I have a machine mart/Clarke Bodyshop Filter / Regulator - AN3. I should like to know how to take it apart to clean the filter. it has a large knurled nut holding the gauge to the body but I cant turn it. Also there is some sort of (I assume) drain off tube at the bottom, with a small knurled nut which again I cant undo. Is this to drain water out?
- Thread starter dwdwwdwd
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rtbcomp
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The small nut at the bottom looks like a drain, but I would guess any water that collects would drain back into the receiver anyway.
The knurled collar at the top does look like it's where the body unscrews, can you see any threads at the bottom of it?
To be honest I've never had the need to clean a filter.
The knurled collar at the top does look like it's where the body unscrews, can you see any threads at the bottom of it?
To be honest I've never had the need to clean a filter.
I agree seems feasable that water would drain back when machine is turned off, so wonder why there is that drainout?
Have had agood look (see pics) cant see any threads the top unit is held on with allen headed bolts, wonder if that is how you get to filter?
I was going to check filter as on machine mart site it says bodyshop reg' but I think there is water coming out with the air so not good for car spraying.
Have had agood look (see pics) cant see any threads the top unit is held on with allen headed bolts, wonder if that is how you get to filter?
I was going to check filter as on machine mart site it says bodyshop reg' but I think there is water coming out with the air so not good for car spraying.
rtbcomp
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The drain would be necessary if the pipe layout was such that the came down from above.
I'd be inclined to leave those allen-headed alone.
It could be that the collar is there to hold the regulator while you tighten the bottom connection, maybe it's not a joint at all and you're not supposed to open it up.
If you're spraying I'd fit a better regulator, 1/2" instead of 1/4", and to be honest Clarke regulators aren't the best in the world.
I'd be inclined to leave those allen-headed alone.
It could be that the collar is there to hold the regulator while you tighten the bottom connection, maybe it's not a joint at all and you're not supposed to open it up.
If you're spraying I'd fit a better regulator, 1/2" instead of 1/4", and to be honest Clarke regulators aren't the best in the world.
Think your right about the allen bolts would seem a major undertaking to undo all those just to get to filter.
collar doesnt look like a good casting to grip with molegrips etc, so might be better to look for another reg'. Can you recommend a good make? I assume that 1/2 in would allow more air throughput so could power bigger tools?
collar doesnt look like a good casting to grip with molegrips etc, so might be better to look for another reg'. Can you recommend a good make? I assume that 1/2 in would allow more air throughput so could power bigger tools?
rtbcomp
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I have a Parker regulator which has given me years of service - Google it and look around for a good price, they seem to vary quite a lot.
1/2 will give more flow and 15mm compression fittings have a 1/2" BSP thread on them so it makes connecting up to pipework easy.
1/2 will give more flow and 15mm compression fittings have a 1/2" BSP thread on them so it makes connecting up to pipework easy.
