co2 Question

[wayner]

Backstory... Ran my kegerator for about 16 months or so before my co2 tank ran out. No problem, I had no idea I would get that kind of life out of it, I was more than happy to hear it is only a $16 swap out charge from a local place.

I hooked up my new co2 tank and here is where I have questions... I tightened with a wrench and when I opened the valve on the co2 tank I had a rush of air pushing out so I quickly turned it off. I tryed to tighten again but it seemed tight already, I opened the valve again, more air escaping... So i turned it off again, unscrewed the connection to the co2 regulator and retightened, same problem again.

I did not notice a washer on the old co2 tank, nor is there one on the regulator. I don't know if I misplaced it, lost it, maybe it got stuck to the old tank and its gone, I don't know. I did some searching on the net and saw that yes it is strongly recommended to have a nylon washer. Okay... I found a black rubber washer that I put in place and tightened everythign up, opened the valve and to my happiness i did not have any air coming out...

This was 2 weeks ago... Last night, my tap slowed down and is increasing to slow down so I increased the co2 preasure to find that I am on empty already.

Now.... I closes quite quickly when the air was releasing before putting in the washer, is it possible that it doesn't take long for it to run out and I can fix everything by learnign from this and using a washer and all should be good ? Is the rubber washer not good enough and I had a silent leak that just caught up with me ??

I tried to find a local place that sells nylon washers to eliminate one possibility but I can't find anyone who sells them at a retail store. Any suggestions or should I go online and pay $8 shipping for a 50 cent washer ???

Thanks for any help provided.

[toneyc]

Yep, that rubber washer is not your friend. Austin Homebrew Supply sells the nylon washer (Regulator washer) for 29 cents. Buy several.

:)
Toney.

[HogieWan]

Stock up on other things you may need while ordering to save some $$$ on the shipping.

[brian92]

The place you get your co2 tanks charged/replaced should have the washers. They'll probably just give you a few when you go for a recharge. If not, check with welding supply or fire extinguisher companies.

[hopjack13]

also, if you took other things apart and put them back together you'll most likely need to use more teflon tape or pipe dope to reseal the NPT (if you haven't already). NPT does not seal no matter how hard you tighten.

[wayner]

Originally posted by hopjack13
also, if you took other things apart and put them back together you'll most likely need to use more teflon tape or pipe dope to reseal the NPT (if you haven't already). NPT does not seal no matter how hard you tighten.

I didn't take anything apart other than disconnecting the Regulator from the Tank. I don't use any kind of tape on the regulator/tank connection. Should I ??

I also don't know what the NPT is so I can't say if it is over tightened or not.

[BrewDog]

Wayne-

NPT is one of the standard pipe thread sizes. Not sure what it stands for. N(something) Pipe Thread. Teflon tape is needed to seal it tight.

Your washer probably stuck onto the tank and you didn't even notice it. They have 2 ridges on one side and 1 ridge on the other. Those ridges fit perfectly into concentric 'slots' and stop all the CO2 from escaping. Amazing how a 29 cent part can cost you much bigger bucks.

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by BrewDog
NPT is one of the standard pipe thread sizes. Not sure what it stands for. N(something) Pipe Thread.

National

[BrewDog]

Thanks, Hogie

[Grog]

Originally posted by BrewDog
Amazing how a 29 cent part can cost you much bigger bucks.

No truer words have ever been spoken. I once had a customer come into my store for a 10¢ socket head cap screw that stopped a $1 million machine from operating properly.

[wayner]

Kegworks.com had a 6pack of Nylon Washers for Regulators, figured I can't lose 6 of them now that I know they are there...

My regulator currently shows 6 psi, think it will stay fresh if I just don't use it till the washers come in and I replace the co2 tank ??

I guess I'll have to drink from a bottle for a few days... I hope that's not frowned upon too much around here... It's not like I *WANT* to do it.... :)


Thanx for all the input, I'll let you know what happens.

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by wayner
I guess I'll have to drink from a bottle for a few days... I hope that's not frowned upon too much around here

As long as your not drinking from the actual bottle. Always pour beer into a glass.

[wayner]

Update....

My magical washers came in the mail on Thursday (Nice turn around from Kegworks!) so I swapped out my co2 tank on Friday, connected everything up. I was quite impressed with the washers as they were cut and molded to fit perfectly on the co2 tank. I guess that explains why my generic black rubber washer didn't work too well.... But anywayz, I didn't take any chances and also wrapped the threads in tape and tightened everything up.

Much to my enjoyment, I heard no escaping air once I opened the co2 valve. So after a few hours of getting some extra co2 pumped back into my beer, I have everything balanced out and Sunday's football games were enjoyed the way they are supposed to be.

Thanks again to everyone for their input and quick responses.

Salute'