Avanti CB350S Party Pub Beer Dispenser

The real problem in my setting up of the Avanti CB350S that arrived a few days ago is the CO2 system. When connecting a 9oz CO2 cartridge, the CO2 immediately began spraying out the regular even though the valve was shut, etc. The CO2 was leaking from one of the hex screws on the regulator, not the main valve or the overflow/safety outlet. I then tried connecting a 16 gram CO2 cartridge and ran into the same issue... After trying a few more things, no go, and in a matter of seconds leaked out the entire 16 gram CO2 cartridge.

I called Avanti and their customer service wasn't too helpful but rather than trying to debug the issue they said they would send me out a new CO2 regulator that will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. As a result, for the time being, I can't really use this beer dispensing system due to the problematic CO2 system. It's at least a nice refrigerator until the situation is sorted out. The system is also modular enough where if the next CO2 regulator is still being problematic, I'll likely end up buying a different CO2 system and adapting it to this 5L barrel adapter and hook it up to the tap head. Another gripe about this unit is that the refrigeration unit is a bit noisy, but still bearable.