Can not fix this wild head problem...

[BCVisin]

So we went through the first keg of Miller Light, and because we did not want to keep getting ungodly amounts of foam, we ran the pressure at 6psi. It was fine and did not loose carbonation, but we only had it for less than a week.

Now we have our second keg of Miller Light. I followed the micromatic cleaning directions to the T, and took apart the keg coupler and faucet, flushed the lines, and reassembled everything. I checked the rubber gasket on the keg when we picked it up and it was nice and smooth, no dings dents or deformations. I let it set in the kegerator for 24 hours and the liquid temp is 37.8. I tapped it today and set the pressure at 12 psi. I poured 3 glasses, and all three were 80% foam.

I just don't get it. I am at about 1200 feet. I have calibrated the thermometer, and used a couple different ones to make sure of the temp. The beer line is 5 feet long, and the faucet is about 5 inches above the top rim of the keg.

I turned the pressure back down to 6 psi, and it is pouring perfectly, but from everything I have read, I should not be running the pressure this low. I am in some desperate need of help as I am becoming very frustrated with this problem. Thank you all for all your assistance.

[wineglow]

How accurate is the co2 guage? I have seen 12 lbs read 5 lbs. You can replace the guage for a few dollars.

[edramshaw]

If you took apart the coupler then you may have not put the check ball back together properly. The ball goes inside the beer side of the coupler and there is a little piece of plastic that hold it in. If this is missing then it could cause excessive problems.

[TAPMAN]

Are you opening your faucet the whole way? There is no half way, it is either open or closed. Is your beer coming out of the faucet clear and very fast at the 12 lbs, or is it coming out of the faucet foamy. How about at 6 lbs, do you have a full stream of beer coming out of the faucet. Is it clear or foamy?

[oilman07]

I seem to be having a similar problem, I just think I have to much pressure coming out of the regulator. I am slowly cutting the pressure back. Right now the gauge reads 10psi the temp inside the fridge with a thermometer in a cup of water is 38.3 degrees, I took the temp of a pint that is half foam and half liquid and it is 41.2 degrees I turned the temp down farther on the fridge post back results today. Mean time any suggestions?....Thanks Daryl

[BCVisin]

The gauge is brand new and I think it is pretty accurate. I made sure the coupler check ball was assembled correctly. I am opening the faucet all the way. The beer is coming out clear and fast, but I think the problem is that is is too fast. at 6 psi the beer is coming out clear as well, but it is slower and creates just the right amount of head. I have been running the keg at 6 psi for 2 days now and I can tell that the keg has lost carbonation.

[TAPMAN]

Are you using frozen glasses? That in itself will cause foam. Tapman

[BCVisin]

no, I am using a hand washed, clean dry beer mug.

[Larry Tapper]

What size is your beer line, 3/16 ID iswhat it should be. shank size is also important.