New All-Grain System leaks

[BugAC]

Bought the all-grain system from austin homebrew

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?cPath=178_33_82_449&products_id=13048

I then bought 2-10 gallon igloo water coolers. I installed both ball valves and both of them leak. I have the inside of the mash tun assembled with the nipple, washer, then gasket. I pushed that through the opening in the cooler and connected it to the ball valve on the other side. It still leaks! Same goes for the sparge tank.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BugAC]

The leak comes from between the ball valve and cooler on the under side

 

[Jakeintoledo]

I'm going to take a wild-ass guess at this, because I could be wrong. but if this is under higher temps--and it shoudl be---material expands at higher heat. My suggestion would be to load the coolers with water as hot as you can stand to touch, let them sit for a few, then tighten the hex nuts on the inside of the coolers down. because metal expands, it probably expanded enough to allow a leak.

then again, how badly does it leak? how much can accumulate in 10 minutes? if it's less than a shot glass, I'd suggest it's no big deal, except for cleaning concerns.

While I am a noob with brewing, I am not a noob with fluid handling and plumbing. so good luck.

 

[Stauffbier]

then again, how badly does it leak? how much can accumulate in 10 minutes? if it's less than a shot glass, I'd suggest it's no big deal, except for cleaning concerns.

In my opinion that would be a big leak. It really shouldn't leak at all. My cooler leaked at first so I tweaked it and worked on it until it didn't!

What I did was to apply thread tape on every set of threads in the assembly. Even if you don't think it needs it. I also made extra silicon washers and gaskets for various sections. You can use silicon baking mats for cookie sheets to make gaskets. Just cut them out to whatever size you need. Also, I have discovered that it's best not to over tighten things. When I did these things my leaks all stopped....

 

[Rivenin]

Id say take it outside. Fill it with cool water. Make it sorta loose then tighten till it stops. I have mine that is basically the same thing and havent had leaks after i tightened it up a bit more.
Did you try contacting them? They may be able to add some assistance as well

 

[TheOneBuz]

I have the inside of the mash tun assembled with the nipple, washer, then gasket. I pushed that through the opening in the cooler and connected it to the ball valve on the other side. It still leaks! Same goes for the sparge tank.

Try the washer on the outside of the cooler. I believe it should be valve, washer, cooler wall, gasket, nut, nipple.

It shouldn't leak at all if it is together right.

 

[BugAC]

I'll attempt all of these suggestions. Thanks guys. And i'll call when they open back up tomorrow, as well.

 

[BugAC]

I also tightened it up pretty good, so maybe i overtightened. I had a set of pliars on the inside tightening while turning the valve to get it tight.

 

[passedpawn]

Fluid will run along the threads and cause a leak unless you use several turns of thread tape. Sorry if this was obvious, but I thought it needed mentioning.

 

[BugAC]

I used quite a few layers of thread tape. It still leaked. Again, i'll try again tomorrow before sending it back. Using more tape/less tape, different orientations, not turning as tight, etc....