Beer Forum

joseph145379 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 05:38 PM

OK so here is my story. I am running a 5 gal of Great Lakes in a Haier Brewmaster. The beer was pouring fine last keg (1/4 bar Miller Lite) but once I cleaned the lines and changed kegs (Great Lakes) I got 80% foam. I recleaned the lines again today thinking is would help, and now the beer barely pours!! I have a 5lb tank and only used it for the 1/4 barrel of Miller,and now it is on the 5 gal of Great Lakes, so there should be plenty of Co2. Also I can here the air filling the keg, so I know the air tank is not empty.
I have already:
Re cleaned the lines
Reattached the Co2 Hoses
I cleaned the Coupler, and the faucet

It seems like something is restricting the air/beer from coming out. Can it be the little ball in the coupler. I cleaned that as well to make sure it is not restricted during the cleaning today.

I have a party on Sunday someone please help!!!!

I dont know what to do and am SOOO frustrated...can anyone help???

edramshaw · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2007, 11:13 AM

It sounds like you may have forgotten to put in the retainer clip which holds that little ball down in the coupler. If yo do not know what I mean just look up the coupler in the Micromatic store and you can get a diagram that pieces it out. If you lost you can take the ball out to get through tomorrow but you will drip beer when you untap the keg. Not a big deal but figured you should be aware. Otherwise perhaps the lines are frozen?

joseph145379 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2007, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edramshaw

It sounds like you may have forgotten to put in the retainer clip which holds that little ball down in the coupler.

I think thats it!!!! I do not have that retainer clip in the coupler. I was just reading another article on this "Cleaning OOPS" in this forum and now I remember that I do not have that retainer clip in the coupler I only have the little white ball. Where can I get that clip from to replace it, or is there anything home made I can use??

I feel soooooo much better now...who knew that this little part would get me SOOOO frustrated!!

Thanks for your help I totally appreciate it!

edramshaw · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 10:10 AM

I believe you can buy them here on this site. Like I said though, you may have to do with out the ball to get the beer flowing today.

joseph145379 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 08:18 AM

Ok so I got the parts I needed from this site...I ordered a xtra check ball (but it doesnt fit I got get that figured out with micromatic.com) and I also ordered a couple retainers. Now here is my question.

I placed my check ball in the couple and it moves easily, but the retainer fit very snug on the top. Is this the way it is suppose to be or should the retainer flow with the check ball?

Also as I was waiting for my parts I did not have a chekc ball or retainer in my coupler and the beer flowed PERFECT with NO leaks! Now that I put the parts back it it flows slower...whats the deal with that?

edramshaw · #6 (**permalink**) 08-22-2007, 07:31 PM

It is probably not related to the ball being in place, some other subtle change could have occured such as pressure equalization or the beer is cooler know. The ball should move freely and the clip should be tight. Basically the ball is there so when you uptap the keg the back pressure will hold that ball to the bottom end of the coupler and keep the liquid in. This is in theory, they do not always work very well. The clip is there to keep the ball in place and prevent what was happening to you in the first place, being driven to the top of the coupler and preventing flow where you want it. It sounds like you are in good shape. Good luck with your system.