Regulator Problem

[yddraig]

I have this regulator http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-...s-pid-342.html I purchased from a local dist. However it won't hold pressure. I've disconnected the tap and just placed the regulator on the C02 tank. If I open the C02 tank valve, pressurise the regulator (with the low pressure shutoff closed) it will only hold pressure for about 20 min. Regulator was purchased in June. Worst of all now the high pressure guage is damaged because the tank to which it was attached for trouble shooting got knocked over. Am I out the price of a new regulator?

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with Tabasco and home brew

[USMC - Retired]

I wouldn't use a regulator that was damaged by a fall like that. In my mind there would be issues besides the visable damage that could bite you at a later time. With it being damaged I don't think MicroMatic will replace it but I may be wrong. They are a stand behind thier product type of company but with the other damage to the regulator...

Semper Fi,
The Gunns

"Beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin

Im a MicroMatic Beer Fanatic! Are you?

[yddraig]

I'd be more than willing to pay the $11.95 for the new guage.

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with Tabasco and home brew

[Scott Zuhse]

Micro Matic will stand behind their products as long as it has not been misused. First, the cylinder falling over and damaging the gauge would not be covered. Change the gauge and either purchase a cage for the gauges or be certain to secure the cylinder at all times.

Second, since you purchased this from a distributor, you must return this to them for credit and they will contact us. If they are unwilling to service your issue, call our customer service number and have them provide my number or e-mail me and we should be able to resolve this problem.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[yddraig]

The distributor did fix the regulator, they charged me $16 to replace the guage. As it was the guage that was leaking (not the threads but the guage it's self) and it had fallen it could not ge determined if the guage was faulty or if it broke when it fell. I have ordered 2 cages (one for each regulator I own) to avoid this in the future.

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with Tabasco and home brew

[onerunner2]

in the future you can find a leak easily in any gas system by doing the "soapy bubble test." just mix some dish soap in some mildly warm water. dump the solution on you the questionable area (in your case the regulator but it can but used on anything like fittings or hoses). if there is a leak, the soap will begin to bubble. this technique is also good for finding a leak on a flat tire.

[Scott Zuhse]

Soapy water works well. To determine if you have a leak and if so, where it may reside, review the quote below:

quote:To leak test the entire system, leave all valves open with the keg couplers in on position. Be certain that no one is dispensing while testing. Turn the gas cylinder wheel off and observe the high pressure gauge (indicates pressure in cylinder). If the needle begins to drop, you have a leak somewhere in the system.

To isolate, turn all the valves off and raise the handles on the keg couplers turning beer off but leave them in the keg well. Turn the wheel back on pressurizing system and then again turn off noting the needle on the high side gauge. If it drops, your leak is right at the regulator since the shut off below it is in the off position.

If it does not drop, your leak is downstream. Open the regulator shut off and repeat turning wheel on and off. Continue this process until you isolate where the leak may be. Using leak detector soap or other detection device, find and repair. Be aware that the leak could reside at the coupler or even the keg itself.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute