Co2 issues.

[whiteboy87]

Just kegged my first all grain batch. Hooked up my co2 (3/4 full or more) and in 3 days it's GONE. This is my first time kegging, so I'm new to the equipment, but I think I found my issue. Looking at the co2 tank, there is a groove for an o-ring where the tank and regulator meet. This was missing but was replaced by a nylon washer. Could this be the cause of my leak? I picked up a new tank and it has the o-ring in place. I'll attach a pic below. I'm just not looking forward to troubleshooting my regulator and potentially losing $30 of co2!

 

[Hopper5000]

The nylon washer should do the job fine without that o-ring in there. you probably have a leak somewhere. When you hook everything back up stick you head in kegerator/keezer and see if you can hear any hissing. If not then I would do a water test on all of your lines/fittings and spray the top of the keg with some starsan and see if you can see any bubbling.

 

[whiteboy87]

I listened before when I first hooked it up but didn't hear anything. Going to have to try the soap or star san tonight. The problem may be in the high pressure gauge. It is currently not working

 

[firerat]

I listened before when I first hooked it up but didn't hear anything. Going to have to try the soap or star san tonight. The problem may be in the high pressure gauge. It is currently not working

By not working do you mean it's on 0?

Are you sure you have CO2 in your bottle?

 

[mikescooling]

The nylon washer should do the job fine without that o-ring in there. you probably have a leak somewhere. When you hook everything back up stick you head in kegerator/keezer and see if you can hear any hissing. If not then I would do a water test on all of your lines/fittings and spray the top of the keg with some starsan and see if you can see any bubbling.

I respectfully disagree, Regulators are one or the other, ether O-ring or washer. The easy way to test for a high side leak, is turn off the pressure or valve off the pressure to the low side of the regulator gauge. The high pressure gauge should stay at what ever pressure it starts at. With a leak that big you could use soap bubbles or just listen for a hiss.

 

[whiteboy87]

By not working do you mean it's on 0?

Are you sure you have CO2 in your bottle?

Filled it this morning.

 

[mikescooling]

I respectfully disagree, Regulators are one or the other, ether O-ring or washer. The easy way to test for a high side leak, is turn off the pressure or valve off the pressure to the low side of the regulator gauge. The high pressure gauge should stay at what ever pressure it starts at. With a leak that big you could use soap bubbles or just listen for a hiss.

Ooops,,,, you have to turn the tank off too.... My bad

 

[whiteboy87]

I respectfully disagree, Regulators are one or the other, ether O-ring or washer. The easy way to test for a high side leak, is turn off the pressure or valve off the pressure to the low side of the regulator gauge. The high pressure gauge should stay at what ever pressure it starts at. With a leak that big you could use soap bubbles or just listen for a hiss.

So with the o-ring there is no need for the nylon washer, correct?
I was thinking of re-doing the Teflon tape on the threads of my gauges, but don't really feel like messing with them until the leak is located. Going to try soap bubbles for sure.

 

[mikescooling]

Yes, just the O-ring, no washer. My old regulator had the washer and the newer regulator (taprite) has the O-rings. I think with the new O-ring you have the problem fixed, but I would still let the system hold press for a little bit to be safe.

 

[whiteboy87]

Found the culprit (I think), but not before spraying my regulator and keg thoroughly with soapy water! At least they are clean now!
The o-ring where the quick disconnect meets the kegs is super cracked. Easy fix, I just hope that's the actual issue. From what I've read, it all makes sense. No loud hiss, no visible bubbles. I've heard this situation referred to as the "silent" tank killer. Only time will tell!!

 

[mikescooling]

When you turn the regulator out-let off, then turn the tank off, dose the tank pressure gauge stay at whatever PSI (for example 650psi) or dose it start to drop? This is how to check for leaks at that O-ring.