co2 leak?

T

Temptress

Total Newbie
Mar 12, 2009
370
0
16
46
Minnesota
Ok, so I am super new to this pressurized co2 stuff, I bought a system from a guy from craig's list for $100, tank and manual regulator, when I open the "needle valve" I believe that's what it is, I hear air (co2) leaking.. it is also going to the diffusers I have in the tanks, which I am planning to replace cuz they suck, anyway, I don't know if this is something where I can try to replace the needle valve or if it's just simpler to get the whole regulator.. I tried to talk to RexRiggs but no response.. any ideas?

Oh and it only leaks when I open it.. if I close it (screw it all th way in) it doesn't leak anywhere else so I assume it's just the needle valve..
 
Use windex to check for leaks. Just spray at the needle valve threading area if it bubbles, if it does, use teflon tape on the needle valve and screw it in, see what happens
 
Will try the teflon tape, and it IS leaking, I have no doubt.. I can hear it, I can feel it.. it's leaking a considerable amount.. no windex needed lol

ATM I am checking out a Milwaukee Ma957 CO2 regulator for $79.56 (new with a 6mo warranty) solenoid included.. seems like a good deal *shrugs*
 
Could it be the washer where the regulator screws onto the bottle? I have had those leak and it will drain a full tank overnight.. You have to tighten them pretty tight
 
Jag1980 said:
Could it be the washer where the regulator screws onto the bottle? I have had those leak and it will drain a full tank overnight.. You have to tighten them pretty tight
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It is the needle valve.. the tiny little screw UNDER where the co2 line hooks to go into the tank.. if I tighten it all the way (cutting off all flow to the tanks) then the leaks stops, when I open it, enough to get some bubbles going into the bubble counter the hissing starts and I can FEEL where it's coming out.. so back to my original question.. can I just replace the needle valve or should I be looking into the whole regulator =)
 
Looks like you maybe missing a washer, or a washer is damaged.
The washers do not last. I always replace when I get a ''new" CO2 tank.
 
awesome.. but basically.. a new needle valve would take care of it? I've never even taken one apart to know where the washer should be.. let alone if there is one =)
 
Temptress said:
It is the needle valve.. the tiny little screw UNDER where the co2 line hooks to go into the tank.. if I tighten it all the way (cutting off all flow to the tanks) then the leaks stops, when I open it, enough to get some bubbles going into the bubble counter the hissing starts and I can FEEL where it's coming out.. so back to my original question.. can I just replace the needle valve or should I be looking into the whole regulator =)
Click to expand...

unscrew it completely and see how the rubber washer is (the thin black ring).. when i just got my regulator the washer was slightly out of place and had to be moved back into place. If the regulator is new send an email to the seller letting them know of the problem, they will either send you a new washer or new unit if necessary.

What most people above assumed is that the problem is with the washer thats between the tank and regulator. That you have to replace every time you remove the regulator.

And Neonflux, better to use really soapy water than windex.. will have a better time finding it
 
when I get home from work today I will try to post some pictures of the specific spot that it's leaking from.. not only to clarify (which I should have done in the first place, my bad.) but to figure out if I need a new one.. my goodness I tried to just "price" a new needle valve.. I looked for over an hour and never seen one that looked like mine lol I'm such a newb

Oh, and this isn't "new" from a store.. this is new from a guy on craigslist =)
 
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