I appreciate that response. But i just purchased this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E06892/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The whole thing is brand new. And i checked the o-ring. But you are right, maybe i can at least look where the DE is and try to find the leak that way.

As you know - this is supremely frustrating.