Newbie CO2 Questions

[Dirtlawyer]

wife bought me a Haier kegerator for Christmas - gotta love her for that, especially since she is pregnant and can't join me!

Hooked everything up like the manual said, had the CO2 tank filled, tapped a keg of Yuengling. Finally found the right adjustment that would keep the beer flowing and the foam to a minimum (about 8 - 9 PSI). Enjoyed the heck out of it for two days. Went to pour a beer last night and the CO@ tank is empty! Just had it filled on Saturday...

Ok, here's my dumb question.... once I tap the keg and turn the CO2 on, do I leave the main CO2 valve open all the time or do I open it up only when I want beer?

Any thoughts of why the CO2 tank would drain so quickly?

Thanks - looking forward to learning more.

[Dirtlawyer]

Ok - spent some time reading on this forum and I think I answered by first stupid question - yes the CO2 should remain "on" at all times.

Soooo - any suggestions of where to start looking for the leak - apparently it must be a relatively bad one since it drained the cylinder in a matter of days... any help is appreciated.

[joepizi]

Yes - you leave the C02 bottle valve open all the time when the keg is tapped. I usually open mine fully counterclockwise until you cannot turn it anymore, then do a 1/4 turn clockwise.

Are you saying the C02 tank is empty because the beer will not pour or because the gauge on the C02 tank is reading low?

If it is the former, then you probably have a C02 leak somewhere. You can use soapy water in a spray bottle to spray all connections (start with the C02 tank and work your way out) . Do a search on the forum for leak test and you will find a lot.

If it is the latter, it is normal to see a low reading on the C02 tank gauge if the C02 tank is inside the kegerator. Just because the gauge is reading low does not mean the C02 tank is empty. You cannot get an accurate reading when the C02 tank is that cold.

[beerdrinker13]

What steps would you take then to get an accurate reading on your regulator if you leave your C02 Tank in the kegerator? I'm trying to find out if my regulator is reading right? Thanks!

[bard]

On a double gauge regulator, the high pressure side will drop to ~500 psi after the full cylinder cools down inside the fridge. The low pressure side shouldn't change. On a single gauge regulator, you will only have a low side gauge. Refill the cylinder and check for leaks.