Welding Tips and Tricks

nomatter what i do i cant get the flow meter to go above about 22
iv never had a flow meter before only regulators.
i do hear a slight hissing/flow of air from the top of the flow meter any time the tank valve is open, is that normal
any help would be great, thanks

No that is not normal. Sounds like the flowmeter is leaking causing you to loose pressure. Mixed up some soapy water in a spray bottle and spray around all the fittings and the relief hole with the tank valve open. If you have a leak it will blow bubbles.

there are no leaks anywhere other than from on top of the flow meter tube inside the black rubber thing where the brass pc and the screen is

Im not following you on where the leak is, but differant brands are all a little different from each other. If the flowmeter is leaking anywhere it has a problem.

is a flowmeter any better than a regulator or vise versa
since i am looking to replace this one
thanks
will be for c25 or straight argon

They both do essentially the same thing. Get whichever, but always check for leaks.

WIth a gauge you just need to remember to set it when the gas is flowing like during pre-flow. It'll read higher when the gas isn't flowing and that messes some people up.