co 2 leak

[txbeer]

Do you know anything about co 2 regulators? We have been going through co2 at least 1 tank per keg, usually 2, we checked the thing for leaks with windex and there was'nt any leaks that were apparent. Is it the regulator that comes with the beermeister too cheap? That's what someone else told me. Anyway, I live in a house with 4 girls and we're all pretty much useless when it comes to this stuff so i really appreciate any advice you may have.

[mmwmike]

You definitely have a CO2 leak. Here are some suggestions:

1. The regulator needs to be connected to the tank as tight as possible - there is 800# of pressure trying to get out at that point. Use a LARGE crescent wrench for this to give you more leverage. If the regulator does not have a built in nylon washer, always use a new grey fiber washer each time you re-connect the tank.

2. Always open the tank valve completely. It is a "double seat" valve and you can have leaks if it is only opened half way.

3. Use liquid dish soap diluted with water or some kids party bubbles to check for leaks. I don't think Windex is elastic enough to make good bubbles. Open the tank, turn on the regulator, tap the keg. Then liberally put the soap on all the connections: tank, hose, gauges, coupler on the keg, etc.

4. Could be the diaphragm/seat in the regulator - you will get CO2 coming out of the regulator bonnet. Could also be a poor seal at the keg with the coupler.

Hopefully one of these will work. From a 5# CO2 tank you should get at least 5 1/2 kegs.

Mike Godwin, Micro Matic USA, Inc. Northridge, CA

[jquigley9]

Try checking the washer on the CO2 side of the tap, sometimes bubbles are hard to see on a very large leak they diminish to quickly. If that doesn't work put your finger over the hole in the bonnet of the regulator tightly, if the pressure on the top gauge goes up your regulator is bad.