CO2 Regulator thread sealant (gas leak)

[Jenno]

Hi All,

I've recently purchased a set of the Shako regulators that @peebee highly recommends. I have set up however when testing by pressurising and then isolating the regulator it is losing approximately 3psi over 24 hours. I have sprayed with soapy water and can't find any leaks but as it seems to be a slow leak probably not surprising. I am supposing I need to disassemble and apply a thread sealant to the gauge and grub screw but as it is between plastic and metal wanted to ask what everyone recommends (or if there is any other reasons why the pressure isn't holding?)

Thanks Jenno

 

[marshbrewer]

I used plumbers tape on mine; and I'm pretty sure the regulator body is actually plastic coated metal.

 

[Jenno]

Oh that;s interesting! if that's the case I wonder if I could use loctite 567 which I've got on hand.

Also I am right in thinking that the regulator should hold pressure and not drop right?

 

[Gerryjo]

Oh that;s interesting! if that's the case I wonder if I could use loctite 567 which I've got on hand.

Also I am right in thinking that the regulator should hold pressure and not drop right?

Loctite!!!! Definitely not.
Check the plastic washer is seated correctly as some have a fine seat, failing that use some ptfe which you shouldn't need really if it's a quality regulator. You can also use liquid ptfe if you can get it... But if it is leaking I would be looking for a refund or replacement.

 

[Jenno]

Out of interest what is wrong with the loctite thread sealant?

 

[marshbrewer]

Are you sure the CO2 isn't leaking from the corny disconnect? One of mine leaks very slowly if it isn't connected to a corny or isolated at the manifold.

 

[Jenno]

Definitely sure - I just have the tubing incoming from the primary reg (all leak tested and primary reg holds pressure for 24 hours) and a stop valve and plug on the outlet of the secondary reg.

I've broken down the reg and tried some Fernox LSX on the gauge and grub screw and waiting for that to dry for 24 hours (just to make sure) and then going to retest. I haven't put any sealant on the inlet and outlet as they are the JG fittings with the o'ring seals.

 

[marshbrewer]

I'd pop some plumbers gas tape, the stuff in the yellow containers, on the grub scew.

 

[Jenno]

That's my first thought of where it could be leaking so will see how the jointing compound goes and if no luck will grab some of the yellow ptfe tape.

 

[Gerryjo]

Out of interest what is wrong with the loctite thread sealant?

It cures to harden locking threads and I wouldn't be sure with gas if it is plastic coated metal.

 

[Buffers brewery]

I've broken down the reg and tried some Fernox LSX

I’ve had good results from Fernox LS-X for curing stubborn liquid leaks that PTFE doesn’t work. If you’re convinced you have a leak, don’t assume anything and suspect everything. Soapy water spray every connection from cylinder to keg connector....IMHO...

 

[trummy]

How about Hylomar gasket sealant? Non setting fully. Used it on a plastic tap in the motorhome worked a treat