RE: RCGF problem?
I would agree with Richard
It very much sounds like an airleak has developed. Take off the plastic insulator and check it for cracks and level. You may need to sand the insulator (put the insulator on the sand paper which is on a flat surface). Then you can use liquid gasket to ensure there are no leaks and re-install and tighten (but not too much).
Cheers
Henry