Leak caused by washer?

Hey guys,

So my AG system is completely ready to brew my first AG batch (EdWort's Haus Pale Ale)-well sort of. I have leak tested my mash tun, it doesn't leak when hand tightened. My HLT with spigot, sightglass, and thermometer doesn't leak when I tighten the locknuts inside about a quarter turn with a wrench. And finally, my BK leaks.

Before tightening my HLT spigot (it leaked when hand tightened), I observed leaking that was dripping from the washer. This is the same place that the boil kettle is leaking from.

The assembly goes as follows: locknut on the inside threaded onto the nipple, against the pot wall on the outside, there is a silicone washer which is compressed against the wall of the container by a 3/4" plated washer (no need for SS as it's not in contact with wort), and finally, the ball valve w/ hose barb is threaded onto the nipple so that the silicone gasket is crushed to make a seal.

So far, none of my assemblies have worked when hand tightened (my mash tun manifold fits very tightly, when creates a really good seal against the tuns original gasket. I've tried the silicone gasket on the inside, and on the outside, I found the outside to provide the best results.

Does anyone have any thought on what I can do/what I am doing wrong? I hope to brew tomorrow, so hopefully I can make a fix!

Thanks again!

 

Are you using teflon tape? Most leaks occur along the threads ...

 

I have a couple wraps of white teflon around the tips of each end of each nipple... I shouldn't have to wrap the middle though right?

I guess since I'm using white I should try wrapping it a few more times?

 

White teflon tape is very thin. I use 4-6 wraps of it usually to get a good positive seal.

 

Thanks guys, I'll try that tonight!