Regulator Question- NEED HELP ASAP!!!

[Murphy2012]

So, I just got done my first brew. I picked up a 5# tank from Airgas, and have a reconditioned corny, and brand new Micromatic Regulator. I just hooked everything up today, and have a leak coming from the two screws in the rear of the co2 tank pressure guage. Is this something of a major concern? I am very confused as this thing is brand spanking new and I wouldn't imagine a big problem out of them. I am thinking of just putting some sort of sealant on the heads of the screws, but dont want a serious issue occuring from that. Please help ASAP as I am carbing the beer and don't want to mess up my first batch as everything has gone so smoothly!

Also, I am carbing at 10 psi at 40 degrees and letting it carb for 2-3 days before serving. Sound about right?

 

[jonp9576]

do you have a picture of this leak. they way you are describing it doesnt seem to me like that could even be a place where there could be a leak. those two screws just hold the housing of the guage in place.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

The guage itself is leaking?

Have you tried to tighten the screws on the guage?

Are you certain it isn;t coming from teh threads of the guage?

Have you tried a leak test or are you going by ear/feel?

Sounds like you might have a bad guage. If it's the tank pressure guage you can prolly get a replacement from Lowes / Home Depot. However, I suspect it's just not seated or sealed properly at the guage thread/stem.

 

[MoRoToRiUm]

Definitely contact them with your issue; They might be able to help you troubleshoot live, and I've seen them ship replacements out for free for ones that got banged around in shipping.

Otherwise pics would help. Good luck!

 

[Murphy2012]

It is from the screws, did a leak test with soapy water. Took pressure off, pulled the screws, siliconed and put them back in, hoping that holds. going to check in a few hours. Doesn't make sense to me either, its a full tank that is reading only 500 PSI. Maybe have to get a new guage? SUCKS the first process went so well too! Is the beer going to be effected negatively if I keep taking pressure from it while carbonating?

I bought the regulator from a store in my area, will micromatic still honor that? There was a little gas/liquid leaking from the area where i pulled the screw out. It is liquid co2, obviously.

 

[BierMuncher]

Shut off your tank and disconnect everything. You're just wasting gas.

Get it back to your local supplier and have them exchange it.

 

[Murphy2012]

Will I have any issues with the beer being effected negatively since it has only been carbed for a short period?

 

[Bopper]

Your beer will be fine. Just keep the keg cold in the fridge until you get your regulator replaced.
Also, FYI 10 PSI for 2-3 days will not yeild sufficient carbonation. At that pressure, it will take about 10-14 days (closer to 14 days). To get it carbed in 48 hours, once the keg is cold, set your regulator to 30 psi. After 48 hours bleed off pressure in the keg and turn your regulator down to 8-12 psi and begin enjoying your creation. (You can also shake the keg at 30 psi to have it carbonated in hours, however, I personally do not reccomend: (1) you risk potentially over carbonating, and (2) you'll stir up sediment. Many people use this method and are happy with it but I've found that I get best results with 48 hours at 30 psi once cold).

If you try searching for "force carbonation" and you'll find a lot of information. Here's one that I just found - there are a lot more https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/whats-best-way-force-carb-keg-44486/

Good luck! It sucks you got a bad regulator. I know its hard to wait on the first keg.

EDIT: PS Welcome to HBT! You'll find a lot of great resources on here. Great recipes too!

 

[Murphy2012]

Thanks very much for the help, took the screws out and teflon taped them, no more leak! Still going to grab a new guage from the guy as he offered one to me.


Side Note: This was my first post but have been browsing this site for weeks. I went to school and brewed with the owner of Woodstock Inn brewery's son, and he had a beautiful conical setup. Been a few years now and getting into it on my own so needing to relearn everything. Learned a ton already due to this extremely valuable site! Thanks for the quick help everyone, I really appreciate it! I have been spending more time on this forum than the Subaru forum I am an admin on!

 

[BierMuncher]

,,,I have been spending more time on this forum than the Subaru forum I am an admin on!

Well really...how much can there be to talk up about a car...compared to beer.....

J/k. Glad we could help.

 

[Murphy2012]

LOL....well its something we started here on the Seacoast of NH and has so far expanded to include over 500 members ranging all over the Northeast and some other random states. All in just under two years. The subaru community is pretty big, believe it or not, and I race my car so there is quite a bit going on. VERY glad to be a part of this place and hope to share as much as I gain!