Haas VF-OE: can I use Argon instead of Nitrogen for the counterbalance?

[Bented]

Why are you asking us? Go ask Haas.

Haas will charge you $14.00 per question asked, no homeshop person will spend more then $00.00 to learn something.

[no704]

I think nitrogen has less slip stick! 😅 lol. It’s fine, just more$

[Dan Dubeau]

Haas will just try to sell you the whole contained system. Running an F1 team is expensive.

I just went through this at work with our VF3. I got a charging kit from McMaster, and got a bottle of nitrogen dropped off from our welding gas supplier. Back in business.

[RB211]

Why are you asking us? Go ask Haas.

[Doozer]

I installed a Mini-Split A/C system in my shop
and I wanted to purge the lines and do a pressure
check overnight. I did not have nitrogen, but I had
argon at a few hundred psi. I filled my lineset with
350 psi argon, checked for no pressure drop the
next day, then I pulled my vacuum.
I also did a "dry-break" on the vacuum a few times
using argon to catch every last bit of moisture.
Been working fine for over 6 years now.
I did a few pressure check on A/C systems with
argon over the years, because it is what I had for
my TiG welder. I would for sure charge a shock
absorber with it in a heartbeat.

----Doozer

[macona]

FWIW since it is a little late now, argon will be just fine, if there are any leaks it will just leak a little slower.

[paulsheer]

Update:

I have posted a full overhaul thread here with a complete list of components:

"Overhauling counterbalance and rebuild thread: full parts list and procedures"

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/v...0-post3739785/

[johansen]

The kinetic diameter of argon and N2 is almost the same. As is the molecular weight.
its isnt going to leak any faster.

[paulsheer]

Do you have what the spec is for pressure on the machine?

it's in the picture - 750 psi

[paulsheer]

Two reasons, first is cost with nitrogen being dirt cheap. The second is that I believe Argon is much more difficult to seal so it likely will leak out fairly quickly. However definitely no harm done.

I am guessing maybe you might be confusing Argon and Helium. Argon molecules are in fact bigger than Nitrogen.

No?

[garyhlucas]

Two reasons, first is cost with nitrogen being dirt cheap. The second is that I believe Argon is much more difficult to seal so it likely will leak out fairly quickly. However definitely no harm done.

[Sparky_NY]

Do you have what the spec is for pressure on the machine?

[paulsheer]

(My Notes)

"High-Pressure Inflating Connection Schrader 1/8 In NPT Male, Manufactured by:Amflo, Toolsource #:106074, Manufacturers Part #:556, Also Known As:AM556"

https://www.toolsource.com/air-couplers-and-fittings-c-1421_372/highpressure-inflating-connection-schrader-18-in-npt-male-p-106074.html

Toolsource is an idiot company that sent me the wrong thing. Trying www.PegasusAutoRacing.com.

"JGB Enterprises-A171-1004-0048 JGB-JFlex Hydraulic Hose, 1/4"x4', Male NPT x Male NPT Connection, 1-Wire, 3265 psi, Black"

https://www.amazon.com/JGB-JFlex-Hydraulic-Hose-Connection-1-Wire/dp/B0107O99DC

"Legines NPT Reducing Coupling Brass 1/4" Female x 1/8" Female, Hex Reducer Coupler Adapter Pipe Fitting 1200psi (Pack of 2)"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07486QJKK

"2 Pack 1/4" x 1/4" NPT Coupler, Brass Female Pipe Fitting"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082V8FJQJ


Choice of these two:

"UNIWELD, Nitrogen, Specialty Gas Regulator, CGA-580, Single Stage, Brass, 50 to 800 psi, Item # 39DM34, Mfr. Model # RHP800, UNSPSC # 40142201, Catalog Page # 2428"

https://www.grainger.com/product/UNIWELD-Nitrogen-39DM34

"Harris Single-Stage 25GX Argon/Nitrogen/Helium Regulator — 500C PSIG, 580 CGA Fitting, Model# 3000606"

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200715962_200715962

[paulsheer]

One of the ....

I am now doing some research and it seems this question has been asked before over the years, about other mechanical accumulators:

Nitrogen is used only because it is cheaper, but Argon is perfectly fine.

100%-Argon for welding would have no impurities of course.

Still, there is no one I can find that says, "Yes, I used Argon for ten years and everything is good."

I have decided I am using Argon.

If anyone has doubts about the long term prognosis, then please comment below. It's easy enough for me to purge and replace.

[Sparky_NY]

One of the reasons "dry" nitrogen is so popular for a variety of uses is that it is one of the cheapest gasses available as well as being inert. Argon is considerably more expensive. I have no idea if bottled argon's moisture content is as low as "dry nitrogen", something to consider. I would think you could sub argon without issue, but that's only a guess.