Easy Single Guage Screw Adjustment CO2 Regulator question

[applebarn]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a rather old BeverageAir kegerator on a very tight budget and have set it up w/ all the pieces. I got my first keg on Saturday (4 days ago) and have been trying to get the setting right so as not to get too much foam.

The main problem I have is with my regulator. It's probably about 10 years old w/ rust but the men at Airgas said it worked, just the guage doesn't move and reflect the actual pressure. For this reason, I tried rotating the screw adjuster to and from until the beer came out nice, but it doesn't seem to like to stay nice for very long.

Basically, I want to know - which way increases and which way decreases the CO2 input? Turning left or turning right. I've tried figuring it out but now I'm not so sure as the foam is very unpredictable.

Also, let's say that the pressure has been too high for the last 4 days of being tapped. If I adjust it to a lower pressure is it too late to fix this? Have I already overcarbonated the beer? How long after adjusting the CO2 pressure should I wait to see the effects of my change - after about 3 glasses of emptying what was in the lines or after several hours? I'm sorry if this is an amateur question but I am very new to all of this.

If you can answer any of my questions I would really appreciate it! Thank you so much.

applebarn

[THE ICEMAN]

Turning the screw inward or to the right, should increase pressure.

[Scott Zuhse]

You may want to invest in a new regulator before the cost of the beer in waste and poor quality catches up to you.

[applebarn]

Yeah, I had thought about that and I think it's definitely true.

In general, is it possible to over carbonate a keg beyond a point of return? I'm not understanding how carbonation works but I was wondering if by putting the pressure back down after having consistent foam will fix my problem without any difference to if I had just turned it to the right pressure immediately.

[Scott Zuhse]

Unless you have a Zahm-Nagel carbonation testing device (pricey), it would be difficult to determine exactly where you are with CO2 volumes. It is critical that you determine beer temperature initially thus PSIG to keg.

If your pressure is too high based on temperature and the CO2 v/v of the beer, this excess pressure will saturate the top layer of the beer in the keg. You will not detect any issue until this layer eventually is at the bottom of the keg at the down tube in the keg.

First problem will be flavor. Over carbonated beer has a metallic taste and most certainly has a bite to it. Next, you will have a difficult time dispensing the beer since it is so saturated with excess CO2 that the beer will explode as it hits the glass. Last, you will be dispensing mousse.

Technicians at retail attempt to "shake down" the keg and with the pressure switch off, release gas through the safety relief on the coupler. OK if you simply want clear beer to flow. Bad if you do not like drinking flat beer.

[applebarn]

Scott,

Thanks so much for the reply. I really appreciate it. I guess I'll see how this first keg goes and in the meantime order a regulator right away. Once again, thanks a lot.