Question regarding force carbonating steps.

[jrc64]

Last time I used my keg, I ran out of co2 in 2 weeks. LAst night, with a new tank, I put 10 psi on the keg, checked all connections, lid, etc. No bubbles anywhere. Left 10psi on keg overnight with co2 tank and valve off. Held pressure overnight. Tonight I will hook up beer ut line and put tank on, and see if it holds again. My guess is that the first tank had a leak.

Anyhow, I have what is probably a basic question about the set and forget force carb method. I'm kegging a pumpkin ale in a 38 degree fridge, so I'm going to set at 10psi. My question is, can someone provide the "idiots guide" to the actual steps! For example, do I fill keg, seal it, set pressure to 10PSI, put in fridge and forget for 7 days? When and why do I release pressure? I get very confused about "burping" the keg? Is it done upon filling and BEFORE adding the co2? I know this seems like common sense, but I am a bit confused.

 

[flars]

This article will help out. Probably the most popular way to carbonate a keg.
http://beersmith.com/blog/2008/02/14/how-to-keg-homebrew-beer/

There are other methods, but some have their own associated nuances.

 

[Howhownow]

Here is a nice little reference guide for pressure/temp/style.
Your initial method was correct- set to desired PSI and walk away. Only need to burp the keg right when you hook it up a few times to displace the oxygen in the headspace with CO2, and after that only if you have overcarbonated and want to release pressure to pull some carbonation out of solution.
Remember to look and listen for leaks every time or you'll end up with an empty CO2 tank. Happens to the best of us.