Co2 leak???

[pistonsfan70]

I had my kegerator setup sometime in July, then I had a new Co2 put in and it ran fine. Last week, my FIRST co2 finally ran out. I got it replaced then 5 days later, it's EMPTY AGAIN!!!! Is there a leak??? How can I tell if there is? Possible I got a nearly empty C02??

[Larry Tapper]

You have a leak, you didn't say what size of co2 cyclinder you had but the average 1/2 bbl takes less than 1/2 lb. of co2 per keg. Did you replace the gasket between the regulator and the cylinder? This is the most frequient area of co2 leaks.

[Scott Zuhse]

To leak test the entire system, leave all valves open with the keg couplers in on position. Be certain that no one is dispensing while testing. Turn the gas cylinder wheel off and observe the high pressure gauge (indicates pressure in cylinder). If the needle begins to drop, you have a leak somewhere in the system.

To isolate, turn all the valves off and raise the handles on the keg couplers turning beer off but leave them in the keg well. Turn the wheel back on pressurizing system and then again turn off noting the needle on the high side gauge. If it drops, your leak is right at the regulator since the shut off below it is in the off position.

If it does not drop, your leak is downstream. Open the regulator shut off and repeat turning wheel on and off. Continue this process until you isolate where the leak may be using leak detection soap, windex or other method.
__________________
Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[JoelSherman]

Scott, How Soon After Turning The Cylinder Off Should I Expect To See The High Pressure Gauge Drop? Assuming I See No Drop In 3 Or 4 Minutes, Is It Safe To Say That There Is No Leak In My System?

Originally Posted by scott Zuhse

to Leak Test The Entire System, Leave All Valves Open With The Keg Couplers In On Position. Be Certain That No One Is Dispensing While Testing. Turn The Gas Cylinder Wheel Off And Observe The High Pressure Gauge (indicates Pressure In Cylinder). If The Needle Begins To Drop, You Have A Leak Somewhere In The System.

To Isolate, Turn All The Valves Off And Raise The Handles On The Keg Couplers Turning Beer Off But Leave Them In The Keg Well. Turn The Wheel Back On Pressurizing System And Then Again Turn Off Noting The Needle On The High Side Gauge. If It Drops, Your Leak Is Right At The Regulator Since The Shut Off Below It Is In The Off Position.

If It Does Not Drop, Your Leak Is Downstream. Open The Regulator Shut Off And Repeat Turning Wheel On And Off. Continue This Process Until You Isolate Where The Leak May Be. Using Leak Detector Soap Or Other Detection Medium.
__________________
Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[Scott Zuhse]

This should be sufficient for a test. Watch the pointer when you turn the cylinder back on. If it rises, it dropped originally and you probably have a slight leak somewhere.