Ball Valve Leaking

[Garrett]

Purchased the ball valve weldless kit from bargain fittings to go on my new 62qt ss kettle. Did everything according to the instructions of drilling the hole out and taking the proper steps to ensure a good seal with teflon tape on both sides and the silicone gasket. I have tried over 5 times now and i still get a small drip leak every minute outside of the kettle wall from under the shim. The ball valve also moves a little bit, cannot get a tight fit fully. I tried tightening the locknut a ton but ended destroying the gasket and had to use the spare they give you. any ideas on how to fix this?

 

[Toad32]

Two things...

I have the same setup your talking about and I had a lot of leaks (6 valves on my rig). I found that I was over tightening them. When I just got them snug...they held water like a champ for all but one. On one of the valves I went back to an o-ring instead of the washer and that solved that issue. I will likely replace all those washers with o-rings eventually. They just seem to work better...and all ya need is a snug tight...maybe just a tad over finger tight.

 

[tasq]

Two things...

I have the same setup your talking about and I had a lot of leaks (6 valves on my rig). I found that I was over tightening them. When I just got them snug...they held water like a champ for all but one. On one of the valves I went back to an o-ring instead of the washer and that solved that issue. I will likely replace all those washers with o-rings eventually. They just seem to work better...and all ya need is a snug tight...maybe just a tad over finger tight.

Agreed. 1/2 turn passed hand tight works for me.

 

[Garrett]

i have done all this, so you are saying i should put an o-ring outside instead of the shim washer? how do i get the ball valve to stop moving?

 

[Toad32]

i have done all this, so you are saying i should put an o-ring outside instead of the shim washer? how do i get the ball valve to stop moving?

Thats what I have done...I think the o-rings work better. As to the valve moving...mine can be twisted but still be water tight. This doesn't seem to affect their performance.

 

[Toad32]

Sorry wait...I replaced the silicon washer on the inside with an o-ring...I still have the ss shim washer on the outside. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[tasq]

OUTSIDE: valve > nipple > shim washer || INSIDE: o-ring > NUT > coupler

 

[Garrett]

OUTSIDE: valve > nipple > shim washer || INSIDE: o-ring > NUT > coupler

this is exactly how i have it set up.

 

[Zamial]

this is exactly how i have it set up.

+1

Mine will also turn if I try to twist it. The plus side is I have been able to easily clean the bottom side of the hardware inside the keggle.

Did you deburr the hole good?

 

[altenmuenster]

I overtightened mine and had the same s l o w drip that frustrated me.

My valve will shift if I put some pressure on it, but it's watertight.

 

[Garrett]

still cant figure it out!

 

[tasq]

Take pics?

 

[BargainFittings]

Hello,

Are you using teflon tape on the threads? The white teflon is pretty thin and can take 5-7 wraps to get a decent amount to seal the threads.

Another problem can be the o-ring itself can get a cut on it from the threads. I found that flexing it under a bright light can revel any small nicks or cuts.

You can call for support if you need to:
(972) 836-7023

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

I have several Bargain Fittings weldless connectors. All of them seal great, but the one in my HLT. Dang thing will NOT seal, no matter what I do.

So, I used a bit of Aquarium Silicone on the outside. Works like a charm.

 

[CidahMastah]

+1 on the spinning once installed, yet no leak.

I think you might have over tightened and the high temp washer has been compromised.