CO2 system not working?

**tanguanh** · 14th Dec 2011, 14:28

Hi,

I just bought a new CO2 system installed with ANS solenoid regulator. I switch on the solenoid and then I turn one round the knob on the CO2 cylinder. I can see the needles in the 2 separate gauges hovering at the 1000 and 25-30 reading respectively. I can also hear some sound but then no bubble appears. Did I miss out anything? Thanks.

**edw7636** · 14th Dec 2011, 14:36

Just to check needle valve got turn on? No bubble on bubble counter?

**Shadow** · 14th Dec 2011, 15:24

sound? what sound? gas leaking sound? have you do leak check using soap bubble?

**tanguanh** · 14th Dec 2011, 15:53

I did turn the small knob that is located next to the CO2 tubing outlet and I can see the psi needle moves when I do that. I hope that is the needle valve. No bubble in the bubble counter. Apologies as I am a first timer using a solenoid regulator.

I did not think of doing a soap test. Maybe I will place a rubber gasket and reconnect the regulator to the cylinder again.

**sqwerc** · 14th Dec 2011, 16:31

The 2 gagues show the pressure for 2 things, on is the pressure in the CO2 cylinder and one is the pressure within the solenoid itself. I am not sure if your solenoid is the same as mine but basically it works this way. You will attach the power cable to a timer, when the power is on, CO2 will be released by the solenoid. If the power is cut off there will be no release of CO2 gas. Most solenoids have a light to indicate if there is any power. (ie solenoid power indicator on / CO2 gas being released -> conversely, no power no gas). In the event there is no power even if you open the knob to the max there will be no release of gas. Suggest you firstly check you power outlet is working. Connect something to the socket like a lamp and make sure it works. Secondly check the timer you are using, are the pins in the correct position for on/off? Since the needles indicate there is gas in the solenoid I believe is due to some problem with the power. The solenoid itself my be faulty.

**Shadow** · 14th Dec 2011, 16:54

Originally Posted by tanguanh

I did not think of doing a soap test. Maybe I will place a rubber gasket and reconnect the regulator to the cylinder again.

Normally you should have silicon or maybe plastic gasket. If not then it is mostlikely leakage. Your presure gauge should not move if it is no leakage.

**BFG** · 14th Dec 2011, 18:09

Your one way valve installed correctly?

**tawauboy** · 14th Dec 2011, 21:47

remove all connections except CO2 cylinder, regulator and solenoid valve.
after you turn on the main knob and leaving the solenoid off, there should be no hissing sound. use soapy water to check for leakages.

if there no leakage, connect the CO2 tubing only and switch on the solenoid. you should be able to see CO2 bubbling if you dunk the other end of the tube into water.

if you are doing fine till this stage, continue to add the next item and test to see that you can get CO2 bubbling. continue to add items until you complete your CO2 system.

**tanguanh** · 14th Dec 2011, 23:23

Thank you everyone for all the advice. I finally found the problem and it is indeed leakage at the connection point of my screwed on bubble counter to the regulator. Thank You.