Liquid post out- leaking

[losman26]

I just kegged a batch and it is carbed up. I noticed a small leak at the very top of the post out, which means either a problem with the o-ring or poppet. It is very minor and leaks at the top and drizzles down the side of the keg. When I connect the ball lock QD it doesn't leak.

Question is, should I leave it how it is with the ball lock disconnect or replace the o-ring/ poppet? I do not want to take my dip tube and out post out because the beer is already carbed. Do I risk any infection with the minor leak going into the QD as long as I leave it connected? I do have a picnip tap, and not a keg setup.

Thanks

[FrozenInTime]

Sounds like something wrong with the poppet it's self. I'd try another o-ring, and if it still does it, I'd leave the QD on until used up, then inspect closer. IMHO

[losman26]

looks like, I'm gonna have to run to the store. I was hoping to not have to do this.

[Beer-lord]

Depending on how bad the leak is, it might use all the gas quickly and not carb at all. If not the o-ring, the poppet could be mis-seated. Sometimes my older kegs have springs which aren't very good unless they are seated perfectly.

Also, if you have some ring lube (food grade only) put a bit on the o-ring whether or not it's leaking. I've changed a number of times after being carbed and never got an infection but I was very careful.

[losman26]

I'm just gonna take the post out of a spare keg and replace it. If that doesn't work, I'll take out the dip tube and replace the o-ring.

[losman26]

problem solved

[Beer-lord]

What was it? Years ago I bought a bunch of spare parts and they've come in handy about a dozen times so far.

[losman26]

not sure if it was the poppet or the o-ring, because I replaced the whole post with the spare. I'm guessing it was the poppet.

[Inkleg]

Sorry I'm late to this. Sometimes the o-ring just needs to be reseated. Just a quick depressing of the poppet with your fingernail will get it to seat and not leak.

Glad to see you got it fixed.

[losman26]

Update-

Bad news here. It turns out that there is a crack somewhere in the weld where the post meets the body of the keg. I have put some keg lube to minimize some of the leak, but am unsure as to what do to. Is there some sort of simple welding/ soldering I could do or quick fix? Is there such thing as a food grade glue that might work? I did notice that my last batch using this keg tasted slightly oxidized towards the end.

the keg I have is a 2.5 gal Chinese made, which I bought from AIH a while ago. I was skeptical buying it, because it's Chinese, but they were extremely cheap at the time. I do notice that AIH has discontinued selling these, and is now selling a better quality ISO certified Chinese Keg. I wish that I had just spent the extra $40 and got an Italian made one (although these are probably somewhat Chinese made as well).

[Beer-lord]

That sucks. I wonder if the stuff you buy at the auto store to help radiators would work as a temporary fix. I'd worry that it would get inside the keg and poison the beer though. Personally, if that's the case, when the beer is done, I'd trash the keg and not take any chances.
This is a bummer!

[FrozenInTime]

Transfer nectar to another keg, toss this one in the dumpster. just my one cents worth....

[DaYooper]

How long have you had the keg? If it was new and it hasnt been long they may give you a refund or at least credit towards the Italian one. They may also have their used ones still on sale.

[losman26]

I've had it about a year.

[jimjohson]

Why can't you just take it to a shop and have them re-do the weld? (after it's empty)