CO2 tank not dispensing

[FatNerdBrewing]

Hello, I've got an issue where I'm 99% sure my tank isn't empty yet no CO2 is coming out of it. I got a new fresh tank (both 5 pound tanks) and the difference in weight between them is maybe 1.5-2 pounds which tells me there definitely should be some left in there.

I also probably have a leak somewhere that I need to find but either way... any ideas on what could cause that?

Thank you for the help!

 

[soccerdad]

Co2 tanks dont have a safety check valve like propane tanks. Disconnect the regulator and open the main valve a bit. Got gas?

 

[FatNerdBrewing]

Nope nothing. Guess it really is empty and it really is just a leak (which wasn't a surprise), it just really did feel full. On to try and find the dang leak now. Thanks! It's just strange to me that a full tank vs an empty take would differ in 1.5-2 lbs if they hold 5lbs of co2.

 

[ong]

Both tanks should have a "tare weight" stamped on them which specifies what they weigh empty.

 

[seatazzz]

A spray bottle of Starsan is your friend here. Depending on your setup (1 keg? 2? 3?) your best bet is to first spray every possible outlet (posts, manifold, keg lid) and check for bubbles. If that is inconclusive, shut off the co2 to all but one keg and start over, then do the others. I unplug the kegerator when I'm doing this (and I have had to do this several times) so I can hear any tiny hiss. If you still can't find any leaks, you may have to go whole hog and dunk your keg in a full bathtub of water and watch for bubbles. The usual culprits are 1) O-rings, either the ones on the posts, the dip tubes, or the big one under the lid; 2) poppets inside the posts; 3) where the regulator attaches to the tank; and 4) loose connections at the disconnects, or the disconnects themselves. Sometimes the disconnects can loosen up, use a screwdriver to very gently turn the slot on the flat part until it won't turn anymore. Make sure you're using plenty of keg lube on the big o-ring as well as thread tape on the regulator where it connects to the tank.

 

[FatNerdBrewing]

It's a two keg setup. I'll try the starsan spray bottle method first... though was inconclusive the first time I did it. The tub method might help me here. Cheers!

 

[Dr_Jeff]

Nope nothing. Guess it really is empty and it really is just a leak (which wasn't a surprise), it just really did feel full. On to try and find the dang leak now. Thanks! It's just strange to me that a full tank vs an empty take would differ in 1.5-2 lbs if they hold 5lbs of co2.

look at the tare weight stamped on the tank, do the math from there.
if the math isn't right, the bottle isn't full.
some tanks are steel, some are aluminum.