Strange CO2 issue....

[Steelplate]

I have been reading everywhere that I should have my CO2 set between 12-14lbs.

When I did this, The beer came flying out, and was extremely foamy. I experimented and now have it set around 4psi. Even then the first beer I tap comes out about half foam. Subsequent beers are fine. Same thing happens if I don't tap a beer for a while(2-3 hours)

I have a standalone kegerator that I purchased off of E-bay from a Canadian Company that's no longer in business. I usually have Labatt's on tap, but the issue is the same regardless of beer type.(have used Rolling Rock, Bud Light, Yuengling Lager, and Miller High Life). All of the tapping equipment inside the kegerator is Micro Matic. I did have to replace the high pressure valve(amount of CO2 in tank) because of a leak, and it always indicated full.

I guess my question is... is this a problem that I should be concerned about? Could the other valve be reading incorrectly?

I have cleaned the system twice since I purchased it, and after this keg is kicked I plan on doing so again.

[edramshaw]

The beer comes out fast because the CO2 levels are not balanced througout the system. You beer should be pushed with between 12-14lbs of CO2 at 38 degrees. Think of the pressure going into the keg, now coming out of the keg you need to offer an equal amount a restriction to balance. This is done by adjusting your line length and inside diameter to meet those (the line is what offers resistance). For a typical direct draw set up you would need about 5 feet of 3/16" tubing to offset the 14 lbs of pressure.

There are other possible causes too. When beer warms then you have CO2 escaping from the beer. If this happens inside a keg then it simply builds pressure. When you open the tap the beer comes flying out even though you think you only have the pressure right.

I would look at temperature first (liqud temp not ambient so use a glass of water and take a reading from that). from there make sure you have at least 5' of 3/16" tubing and your pressure is set at 14 lbs. Let me know how you fare here and we can make some other suggestions too.