[shunut]

It says you double checked the orings, but even the smallest imperfection that you can't see, can cause a leak. I'd change the orings.

As far as your friend's pressure not going past 100psi, is the marker still operable? It is possible the gauge is broken.

If you haven't figured this out, I could give you my address, you could come to my house and I could look at them. Let me know, I'm free today after about noon. I have tons of orings and extra parts.