Help with Mystery CO2 Leak!

[TimmyR]

Thought I found it...just came home to another empty CO2 tank after changing some hoses (splitter plus shut-off valves.)

After the switch I pressurized, put my ear to all the fittings and checked every 15 min (2-nights ago.) No leaks noted no drainiage. Kegs were all good the next night and I did not touch them yesterday.

I assume I need to refill my CO2 bottle (again) connect, pressurize and leak-check...

What has everyone found to be the most effective method to check for leaks and what have you found to be likely "mystery" culprits.

I changed nothing over the last 24+hours....

Thanks!

[Lars]

Soapy water is your friend. Refill your tank re-pressurize your system and spray all the hoses and connections with the soapy water... look for bubbles and there is your leak.

[J.Brew]

I get some leaking sometimes around my ball lock connections, not sure if its common though. Any pressure from side to side can cause it to dribble co2. Another spot I try to always stay on top of is my keg lid o-ring. My kegs are used and sometimes tricky to seat, especially on other kegs. As far as checking for leaks, I have had the best luck with a starsan and water solution in a spray bottle. It works a bit better if you step up the starsan a bit from the recommended dose so the solution is a bit more viscous. If you don't use star san just use a mild soap solution. Spray and look for bubbles.

[TimmyR]

Thanks Fellas I figured soapy water was one option, but I like the StarSan option since I keep a spray bottle full all the time (mixed a little strong with RO water)...at least it was just a 5lb cannister I drained. I know I have a leaky poppet, but it seals with the QD attached and the leak came off my splitter side 'cause the beer lines were slightly cavitated.

Maybe I just need to drink my beer faster....especially if I keep up my new brewing pace with kegging.

Less time bottling = more time brewing = equals way more time drinking (a function of beer on tap in basement.)

[codewritinfool]

I've used a bottle of Fantastik cleaner. I know, strange but it works.

[TimmyR]

Mystery Leak Update: Leak Found but not fixed

Sprayed StarSan on all connections and located the leak in my Y-connector to shut-off valves on my 2nd regulator. Disassembled and reassembled, leak checked and thought I was good so I moved to kegerator and checked again. The tiniest bubbles still leach thru (you need to get real close to see them.) Tightened the offending connection another 1/8 turn and still can barely see them. Do I need more teflon tape and if so, how many wraps do most find effective? Do I need to tighten more (seems like I'll strip the brass Y-fitting if I do.)

Looking for any help.

[bub]

could just be a shitty fitting.... just saying.... or whichever connector could be shitty.
BUB

[TimmyR]

could just be a shitty fitting

Yeah, going to disassemble again tonight, reassemble & check. If I still cannont get a seal then head back to LHBS to have him look, and try. The fittings look just like the the Wye Adapter and Shutoff Valves from Northern Brewer http://www.northernbrewer.com/gas-handling.html

Thanks Bub.