Adding a weldless valve to aluminum kettle

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=12795

I received no instructions for how to install this but used the pattern from the Brewometer I also purchased on the same order..

My installation is like this (outside – In)

Valve Body, Washer, O-ring, Kettle Wall(7/8” hole from a step drill), Washer, Bushing.

I have a leak between the Valve Body and the washer contacting it. I had to replace the Teflon tape on the bushing, it was insufficient. 1 wrap just didn’t work. I tried hand tight to wrench tight.



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Above is a copy of the email i kicked off to AHS, figured you guys here might beat their response time due to the late hour.

5 wraps of teflon tape.....

helibrewer said:

5 wraps of teflon tape.....

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Why do you think I replaced it? 1 was terribly insufficient.

MoreBeer recommends 5 for all SS connections. Is it still leaking?

helibrewer said:

MoreBeer recommends 5 for all SS connections. Is it still leaking?

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The reason this post was made is that it is leaking. And before I even installed the thing I cleaned off their single wrap and did 5-6. I didn't have any "liquid" teflon on hand.

Sorry if i'm being a little short.. being dealing with other crap all day not going right so it may be coming through.

Nova5 said:

The reason this post was made is that it is leaking. And before I even installed the thing I cleaned off their single wrap and did 5-6. I didn't have any "liquid" teflon on hand.

Click to expand...

Sorry, didn't pick that the leak continued after additional wraps.

helibrewer said:

Sorry, didn't pick that the leak continued after additional wraps.

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Guess I could have worded it better.. reading it, it makes it look like I replaced what they had with a single wrap then determined failure. Not so.. replaced their single wrap with a 5 wrap and so far it fails to hold. it has (or had) about 8 gallons in the 10.5 gallon kettle. the thermo has No leaks.

Nova5 said:

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=12795


My installation is like this (outside – In)

Valve Body, Washer, O-ring, Kettle Wall(7/8” hole from a step drill), Washer, Bushing.

.

Click to expand...

I think you have the o-ring on the wrong side of the kettle wall.

My setup goes: ball valve, washer, kettle wall, o-ring, washer bushing.

I have no leaks. Mine is aluminum too.

It came with two and I had one on both sides of the kettle wall problem was more apparent then.

And the leak is between the valve body and the washer against it. The O-Ring is in the proper place I believe.

May just try and crank the damn thing down harder than hell tomorrow. morbidly curious how much water will leak out over night.