Losing Co2

[RedRory]

Ok, I finally got my two keg system going after months of piecing it together. It has been rocking out great for the last week, but my newly filled 20 lbs Co2 tank is now empty. I checked all joints with hose fittings with soapy water, and saw no bubbles (when first installed). With that said, I did forget that I needed a splitter for my gas line. I have no HB shop that sells that kind of stuff, and could not afford to order with shipping. I decided to make my own using air tool fittings and it looked very similar to all the pictures I saw. Was this my mistake? Do I just need to take the hit and buy a splitter. I am avoiding a T as to not combine flavors. Any advice would help make me a very happy brewer!

[Stewbacca]

Did you check your kegs for any leaks? You could have a leaky post or relief valve..

[BDawg]

You have to check and recheck every connection starting from the neck of the Co2 tank all the way to and including the kegs. Lids, posts and poppets can sometimes leak. Use a thick solution of Star-San and the leaks will bubble up where they are.

[RedRory]

Did you check your kegs for any leaks? You could have a leaky post or relief valve.

Yeah I did, but I'm sure I could have missed something. If these parts are leaking, do I replace or are there some adjustments that can be made?

Thanks the help.

[andy77]

Once you identify the source of the leak post it and I or someone will offer guidance on fixes. Every moving part can be replaced.

As to finding the leak, I use star san on all the possible leaks points. It bubbles.

[RedRory]

I finally got some more gas to try this again. The star san worked perfect, thanks. Tightened up my fittings, but also noticed the to of the gas in post was bubbling w/o the gray attachment on. Could this be my problem, or is it ok, when it is all hooked up. Should I replace the post?

Thanks for the help.

[BDawg]

it's ok when it's hooked up, but not when it's not hooked up.
You probably need a little bit of keg lube on your poppet valve.

Keg lube is good stuff and you really should keep some on hand for lubricating o-rings and ensuring connections are sealed.

HTH-

[Stewbacca]

Yeah its a leaky poppet... It should be fine as long as it stays connected but if you disconnect it and let it sit you will lose all the CO2.
there are a couple things you can do.
1. see if you can reseat the poppet by taking the post apart and putting it back together, if you have some keg lube now would be a good time to lube up any rubber.
2. Just order a replacement poppet and swap it out.

I had this problem myself and i was lucky enough that taking the post apart, cleaning and lubing fixed it...

P.S. dont over tighten your posts or you could strip the threads on the keg....