I got a keg for Christmas!

Post by **philm00x** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 4:22 pm

Got my tank filled today! Although, after hooking up the regulator, the left gauge is reading at the level where I need to get more gas. Obviously it's not empty. Does it change when I hook it up to the keg full of beer?

Rebel_B · Post by **Rebel_B** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 6:04 pm

When I get my tank filled, it is in the green zone.... This is a picture of my regulator after about 4 months of carbonating kegs.

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1425596568.635331.jpg (157.4 KiB) Viewed 1198 times

Post by **philm00x** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 6:22 pm

Ok, so yeah I'm wondering if it changes when there's beer in the keg instead of just hooking up to an empty one. I would imagine so. I can always fill it with water to test it.

Post by **philm00x** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 7:45 pm

Ok so I tested it with water, and there's water coming out of the top of the ball lock connector! I didn't think there could be any way that I messed it up but it seems I did. I tightened the top of the connector and it slowed down but still goes. How do I fix this?!

Post by **Beer-lord** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:02 pm

It sounds like it could be that the poppet is not in right. If so, remove the ball lock connect and see if the poppet is seated correctly. There are many different styles of poppets so it's hard for me to know which one you have but it could be that the spring is not working right. Also, make sure the small seal is not damaged and is on correctly.
Hope this helps. It's good that you checked this before filling with beer.

Post by **philm00x** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:19 pm

It's seated flush with the post but I suppose I'll have to take it apart and check it.

Post by **Beer-lord** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:23 pm

Could it be that the tube is not set evenly? If the tube turns when you tighten the post, though rare, it's possible it can not let the post tighten evenly.
I'm not sure what else to suggest except to check the tiny gasket on the top of the poppet. It could be worn.

Inkleg · Post by **Inkleg** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:28 pm

Is it leaking from the poppet? If so just quickly depress it with your fingernail and see if it reseats. Mine will do this time to time.
If it's coming from under the post, it's either not tight or there is a problem with the dip tube o-ring.

Post by **philm00x** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:23 pm

It's not leaking from the poppet itself. Only when I connect the connector. It comes out from where that flat notch piece is on the top that can screw up or down.

Post by **Beer-lord** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:28 pm

So it's the ball lock connector? You can carefully unscrew it and make sure it's not missing it's o-ring inside. I think there's a few vids on youtube that show how to easily take apart the ball lock connectors if you want to familiarize yourself with it. But, those can be screwed on too tightly and king the ring and cause small leaks.
We these new parts or used? Either way, if they fall, they can break or get wonky.

Post by **philm00x** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:45 pm

The connector was new as far as I know from the LHBS. They put the pigtails together for me when I was getting all the stuff to start kegging.

Post by **Beer-lord** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:51 pm

Do you have a spare to try? If not, the pieces inside are tender and can break easily but you can try to take it apart and put it back together again.
Sorry I can't be of any more help. This is the kind of stuff that will help you in the future. Real, hands on kegging school.

Post by **philm00x** » Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:58 pm

I don't but I took it apart. Lo and behold, it does not have the large o-ring inside like one video I saw showed it should. I guess I'll be heading to the LHBS sometime in the future to swap it out for another one.