Just wanted to get your opinions here. Before I started having problems my 5 lb CO2 tank would last close to 4-5 months depending on usage. Lately, however, my turn-around for CO2 usage has been 1-2 months and I'm unable to find any leaks. I only have two kegs at a time hooked up to CO2. I have a dual regulator with an extra port (3 total) for using with my Blichmann beer gun. I checked (using soap) all points where I could think CO2 is being leaked from - nothing. Pressurized to about 30 psi to check for leaks - nothing. This last round (this has been going on for most of the year) I pressurized a keg to about 25 psi for one day to get a bit more CO2 volume. The next day, the gas was close to empty and I got this CO2 tank 1.5 months ago. On its last legs, I closed the valves to the kegs and gas still went to zero, suggesting I have a faulty regulator. However, I can find the leak for the life of me. If soaped up my regulator so many times, its spotless. Anyone else have tough CO2 problems? What did you do to solve them? Cheers, J
Try a new seal for the tank connection. Slow leaks there can be hard to detect with soap. I replace that seal with every tank exchange now. I think they're only about $0.75. I have some hard to detect leaks like that as well. I think I have mine narrowed down to my secondary regulators. I'm looking for instructions on how to rebuild them (if even possible).
There is a gasket that needs to go inside regulator between it and the gas tank. Its a small plastic piece might be cracked or not there at all. Good luck.
Did you check the safety plug / pressure relief valve that is opposite the regulator on the stem of the tank?
Yes checked that too. Checked both since I have a dual regulator like this one: http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/brewing/kegging/gas-hardware/regulators/double-gas-regulator.html
Right, I meant the pressure relief device -- here's a good diagram of the tank valve parts: http://www.sherwoodvalve.com/assets/base/doc/GlobalValve_10_2009.pdf
Huh... Well, I haven't checked this part - you have me there. However, after changing out the tanks 3-4 times, and getting new tanks every time, I figure this won't be an issue. I'll check when I get back home though. J
Oh, I didn't realize you tried it with different tanks and had the same problem.....so, it's unlikely the tank relief valve... All signs then point to the regulator. I've never done this before, but with the kegs disconnected could you dunk the whole regulator and tank valve in a tub of water all at once?
I like this idea! Will this screw up my regulator somehow? Can anyone else chime in? Anyone try this?
If water is a problem I wonder if you could use alcohol or acetone. Acetone is great because it would dries very quickly. I wonder if it could be used for this. It will dissolve certain polymers and other various other substances, but it probably can be used with a regulator. ULTRASONIC LEAK DETECTION If you know someone who repairs air-conditioning units you might find out if they have an ultrasonic leak detector. Leaking pressurized gasses actually make a lot of noise, but usually it's at about twice the maximum audible frequency range. There are devices that will basically convert the noise from the leak into something you can hear (and see)
I don't think it's a good idea but I have done that, and didn't find any leaks. I 'baked' the regulators immediately after words to dry them. I used a small ceramic space heater with a fan. It seemed to dry ok, and still works, but some of the exterior screws around the gauges do show signs of rust. I've never opened up the assembly to see if there is any other signs of damage from the water dunk test. However, I am looking for a rebuild kit for this though. I'd like to rebuilt it to see if that fixes things. But I can't seem to find a rebuilt kit for a Perlick secondary regulator.
