Broken gauge..?

[seanb]

I bought a 5 pound CO2 tank with the dual gauge economy regulator, had the tank filled and used it once last summer to dispense a half keg over the course of a weekend. According to the FAQ there should be plenty of CO2 left in the tank. However, the gauge which indicates tank pressure now reads 0psi. I'm pretty sure that the gauge is broken because the tank feels heaver then I recall it being when empty and when I open the primary valve the output gauge reads pressure. I'm perplexed as to how the gauge could have broken over the intervening months. It’s been sitting undisturbed in my heated basement since the last time I used the tank.

So, my questions are... Is it likely that the gauge would just stop working of its own accord? Is it likely that the tank has somehow bled its CO2 even though both values where closed and the output gauge reads pressure when I open the primary value?

Any thoughts..?

Thanks,
-Sean

[Scott Zuhse]

Take a closer look at the gauge. Even a slight hit can jam the back plate against the needle and it will be unable to move. With a 5 lb cylinder, you should be able to pick it up an rock it back and forth to determine if the liquid gas is sloshing back and forth. If this is taking place, you should have a considerable amount of gas left. A five pound cylinder should be able to displace at least six, possibly seven half barrels providing there are no leaks.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute