Trouble converting Coleman Xtreme 52 into MLT

[metanoia]

So I decided to pick up a 52 qt. Coleman Xtreme cooler to build my MLT (bonus, Kmart had it for $28). I decided I'd follow the directions from this page, and I've followed them exactly (except for using a 2" nipple, the 1-1/2" definitely wasn't working).

However, when I fill the rig with just water, it leaks quite a bit on the outside of the valve. I'm assuming that the rubber washer from the cooler isn't making a complete seal on the inside, but I have both attachments to the brass nipple completely tightened. Anyone else run into the same problem in the past?

Edit: I'm wondering if this line in the directions is part of the problem, though I'm having trouble deciphering exactly what part of the cooler that the author is referencing: "When I tried to insert it into the drain hole from the inside of the cooler, it would no longer fit. I had to enlarge the interior wall of the drain hole a little bit with a rotary tool"

 

[metanoia]

Uh, so I just put in the original fittings that came with the cooler, and it leaks then as well. Manufacture's defect? I guess I'll be exchanging it tomorrow to see if that fixes anything.

 

[metanoia]

Alright, for anyone that cares, it turns out it was a problem with the cooler. Brought the new one home, threw the conversion pieces in the spigot hole, and zero leakage!

Only problem is that I wanted to test this before putting the sealant tape on the threads... do you guys think that's important? I really don't want to take this thing apart and risk a possible leak after getting the sealant tape on there.

 

[UtahNate]

Glad you got it figured out. I recently converted the same cooler to a mash tun as well. Haven't had an opportunity to put it to use yet, but will soon.

I tested it before using the teflon tape and it leaked. Adding the tape to all of the male ends stopped the leaking.

 

[metanoia]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Since it seems okay now, I think I'll let it be and check for leaks right before I try my first mash. If there are any more leaks I'll definitely wrap those threads in tape. Thanks!

 

[501irishred]

Make sure to test it with hot water before going live if you haven't already. Simulate a worst case scenario mash (~160-170 for an hour or two). May find leaks that didn't show initially with tap water, and of course it's much easier to fix now than later.

 

[UtahNate]

Make sure to test it with hot water before going live if you haven't already. Simulate a worst case scenario mash (~160-170 for an hour or two). May find leaks that didn't show initially with tap water, and of course it's much easier to fix now than later.

Excellent advice; that's exactly what I did. Would hate to find out I had a leak with 12 pounds of grain and nearly 4 gallons of water sitting in the mash tun.

 

[metanoia]

Yes, thank you 501irishred for the advice. I've had the MLT sitting with the hottest tap water possible for 2 hours and not a drop has leaked out. I didn't catch a temp reading at start, but from hour 1 to hour 2, the temp only dropped a few degrees, from 130 to about 126. Can't wait to try it out, though I think I might do just one extract beforehand to get myself back in the brewing game (it's been 10 months since my last brew).