plastic flared washer --leaking

[mike_57401]

Hello.

I recently started setting up a keg fridge. I removed the gas line from the regulator a few times in the process. When I finally got it set up the way I wanted, I heard leaking gas at the regulator.

It appears the re-tightening (3rd or 4th time in the life of the regulator) caused the plastic washer to flatten some and fail.

I ordered 5 more so I have them on hand when I need them. A few questions:

1. How tight should this fitting be torqued? I probably overdid it.

2. I assume these are common wear items. Anyone else see this before?

 

[mike_57401]

After looking at the washers online, I am pretty sure the two flared metal surfaces would never seal with the smashed washer I was using.

I'm just hoping I didn't damage the flared brass fitting on my regulator, or else it will be another part to mail order and wait for......

The morals of this story are two: 1. Keep extra washers on hand (they are about 20 cents each, from certain suppliers) 2. Don't over tighten fittings like this. I suspect they don't need much torque to seal.