Strange beer flow issue

[djroberts]

The beer flowing out of my keg flows extremely slowely. Basically it takes about 5 minutes to fill a pint. I did all kinds of troubleshooting and made an interesting discovery. I removed the bottom part of my coupler (quick disconnect), the part with the spring that you pull up to lock on the keg. I then re-attached the coupler and pushed it down and the beer flows perfectly.

The coupler looked fine in every way. It's a ball lock coupler and my only assumptions are:
1. The coupler is the wrong size... are there different sizes? I didn't think so.
2. The pin in the middle of the coupler that pushes the little ball in the keg down is broken and has become too short. It doesn't look broken, but who knows.
3. It's working fine but maybe my line is too thin thus in normal circumstances it poors slow.

So I have a choice. I can either leave it off, manually push down the coupler and poor fast or I can attach it and have it poor slow.

I'll probably buy a new coupler in the next day or two to see. Can anyone help me out?

[thehammer]

My guess from what you said is perhaps a bad coupler. Did you buy it used or new? Yes there are several different types of keg couplers. To make sure you are using the right coupler for the right keg of beer go here: http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-...s-cid-801.html

Also sometimes the keg does not properly tap the first time either and you should try reseating it and then retapping. Keg couplers come apart easily so it should be easy to inspect for damage. I also prefer the stainless over the nickel couplers if you are considering buying a new keg coupler. If it is a US domestic beer then you should be using the "D" system coupler. Have you checked for leaks at the keg coupling? What line size are you using? What PSI are you pumping at?

[edramshaw]

Are referring to homebrew kegs? You mentioned ball lock so I wasn't sure. Either way do think it is possible that your lines are frozen? I've experienced slow flows at accounts and found that the cooler was too low and the beer froze. If you are unsure you could leave the door open and the unit unplugged for a while and if it pours then you've solved your problem.

[djroberts]

I'm using a homebrew coupler and I know the lines aren't frozen because when I pulled the spring and tiny steel balls out of the coupler and pushed it down on the keg post it poors great. I may either buy a new homebrew coupler or get a regular coupler.