Hello. I recently purchased a TapRite Seperate Pressure Adjusting 2 C02 Regulator. On the tank connection portion of the regulator there is a sticker that reads...O-Ring Seal Use No Tank Washer. The O-Ring seal doesn’t look even and uniform like it think it should look. Will I cause harm if I use a tank washer with it?
This is not recommended. The o-ring seal works by compressing the rubber o-ring against the tank's metal flange . . . it compresses and no gas can escape. The washer (typically nylon) is for connections that don't have a built in o-ring, it works by being compressed between the hard metal of the tank flange and the reg connector . . . it must be compressed to work. If you put an o-ring (soft) against a washer (semi-soft) you are defeating the purpose of both. My Tap-rite has the same setup (built in o-ring) and has never given me a problem over five years (touch wood). It's easy to test: Pressurize your reg to something like 40 psi (with shut-off valves in off position), then close your tank master valve. Let it sit overnight and if the pressure holds the seal is good. This is actually a good test whenever you install any new fitting/connection. If the seal isn't good you might look for a warranty exchange, or remove the o-ring and use the washer only. EDIT: It really doesn't matter where you set the pressure because you're on the high pressure side (700+psi) . . . just look to see that the reg is holding whatever you set. Also, it never hurts to squirt some water on all the pressurized fittings and look for bubbles . . . this would be a good time to check shut-off valves.
Thank you. I just did as you suggested and will see what tomorrow brings. It’s been frustrating... I’ve gone through at least 15 lbs of gas so far. I’ve had my kegerator for about 3-4 years and never had a problem. After noticing I was losing Gas I just decided to buy a new regulator and hose, the TapRite. I saw and read about the O-Ring so I didn’t put the old washer back on. It leaked again. Today I changed the gromet on the keg, 5g Northern Brewery, on the Gas side, made sure all my other connection were tight. 3 hours later I see it starting to drop.
Being on first name basis with the CO2 store clerk sucks. A couple of troubleshooting tips: With a squirt bottle of Starsan or water/liquid detergent you should be able to find the leaks, and don't stop looking when you find one but thoroughly check all the fittings. High pressure (40 - 50 psi) helps (with QD off the keg). You can troubleshoot in stages; i.e, tank to reg . . . reg to shut-off valve . . . shut-off valve to QD. For example; with shut-off valves off and reg pressurized you are dealing with tank/reg fitting, a shut-off fitting, and a gauge or two. If that passes then open the shut-off valves and proceed with gas line fitting, then QD fitting. Don't be afraid to drop the QD into a bucket of water. Until you find the leak(s) I would not go to bed with the Master Tank Valve on . . . you can still pressurize and pour, just don't leave the valve open unattended. A few other thoughts: the reg to tank is not a npt fitting (you are not compressing threads), rather you are compressing a washer. Over-tightening here can actually cause the o-ring to fail. Your other fittings will be npt which calls for teflon tape and and good tight seal, but rarely do you need "killer-tight" force. A few long shots; check your gauges and how they mate to reg (doubtful this is bad on a new reg but you never know). The culprit may be the keg itself, don't be shy about checking all the posts/lid.
Thank you for all your help. So far it looks like it’s holding and hasn’t budged. I will check it in the morning and hopefully I’ll have some time in the evening to try these other things.
So. I woke up this morning to check the gauge and it was a big fat zero!!!! I guess now I will see if I can get another regulator or washer for it. Also, I swap out my C02 tank when they are empty at my local gas store. I think I’m going to need a beer!
You have narrowed down the leak to reg-to-tank fitting, shut-off valve fitting and any gauge fittings. I believe Taprite pressure tests all their regs before shipping but I wouldn't rule out their connections having the leak. Here's where you have to get things a little bit wet. Mix some liquid detergent in water and use something to like a tiny paintbrush to coat all the thread fittings. With 50 psi pressure you will blow bubbles at the leak. It will be the last place you look.
That looks like a beer washer. This thing. It's the wrong washer. They gave you that? Doesn't sound right. Confirm that you have that washer, because that's your problem if you do. That item should not be used with a regulator. It is for liquid beer connections. You'll need it when you open your coupler and it rolls out. Can't get them at the hardware store, so hold on to it. Regulators use a fiber washer or better yet a nylon washer. White, hard plastic. This one. Also can't get them at Home Depot, but you don't need it anyway. You have a Taprite with an internal washer so DON'T USE A WASHER. There is a lifetime o-ring inside, it's just a small rubber ring. That is a nice feature. You can't remove it, you can't replace it and you can'y buy one. So no picture either. If I'm being honest, you can't really screw it up either. Take a look inside the nut to confirm. You will see a black rubber ring. That's your washer, and that is why is says "Do not use a washer". If you don't see anything except brass in there, let us know. Cheers.
Just to be clear. The video shows how it came out the box. I did not add this to it. Maybe I’ll try my old regulator again with its nylon washer.
Regardless of how it looked out of the box, it is not right. Remove that mess and look for the black ring inside the nut like Bill suggested.
Here's what it should look like: This is with retaining nut pulled back. Width of rubber seal is 1/8", it is recessed into a grove and extends above the metal flange by less than 1/16" of an inch. Just got a tank back from hydro today and mounted this tonight. It took less than a minute to attach and run the squirt bottle over it. Master tank valve is off . . . if pressure is holding in the morning then that little dab of rubber is doing its job.
Thank you. Im not able to view the image you posted and I was able to see one online and I know have a full understand on how it should be.
Last night I connected my old regulator with its nylon washer to the c02 tank. Did the regulator test with bumping the pressure to 40 with the valve in the close position and turned off the c02 and left it over night. This morning I saw that the pressure held. I also sprayed all my connections with soapy water and no bubbles. I think it may have been that grommet on the gas In on my 5g Keg that I replaced. Set everything back to normal and I think I should be good. Will find out when I get home. Looks like I need to contact TapRite for a replacement. Thanks again for all your help guys. Its much appreciated.
I don’t think you need a replacement, pull that mess off of it, look inside the nut and verify that there is an o ring inside, and if there is, install it on the gas cylinder and be done.
Yes!!! I now know that is what it SHOULD look like! Hopefully from what I hear I shouldn't have any issue returning it for a replacement.
