Coupler/Keg Connection Problems

[jplickel]

Ok, here is my situation:

Close valve after regulator and close bottle. Pressure holds.

Untap the barrel, open valve after regulator, and close bottle. Pressure holds.

Tap barrel, open valve after regulator, and close bottle. Pressure falls.

Attempts to fix:

New Coupler
Tighten connections
Check washers on coupler

Nothing has solved the problem of losing pressure at the keg/coupler connection.

Could it be the keg itself? If so, what are my options??

Thanks

[monkey710]

More questions:

What are you measuring your pressure on? LP or HP?
Is the pressure falling as you pour beer?

If you have the bottle closed and the keg needs CO2 the pressure will fall.

If you have the bottle open, valve open, beer tapped, does the pressure hold?

[jplickel]

Thanks for your response, responses to your questions below.

What are you measuring your pressure on? LP or HP?

High Pressure. I was informed to ignore low pressure when checking for a leak. The process I used to leak check is published on several posts from the moderator of this site and I narrowed it down to the coupler.

Is the pressure falling as you pour beer?

NO, not that I have noticed

If you have the bottle closed and the keg needs CO2 the pressure will fall.

Why would it need CO2 if it was just pressurized and I close the main valve? There is no reason unless there is a leak, right? The keg should maintain its pressure unless it is losing CO2 somewhere.

If you have the bottle open, valve open, beer tapped, does the pressure hold?

Yes, but Im pretty sure my CO2 tank will empty because of the leak at the coupler.

Again, only time HP falls is when barrel is tapped, I have the valve open after the regulator, and CO2 Tank closed. Im pretty sure that if if I leave the CO2 tank open and keg coupled, I will have no more CO2.


I cannot find the source on the coupler esp since its brand new, I think it may be the keg itself but what are my options to fix?

[monkey710]

Hmmm....that is interesting. Do you hear any air leaking at the keg? Did you try a soap bubble test at the coupler?

If it is the keg. Talk to the store and have them take it back. If they fight it, call the distributor. If they fight it call the beer manufacturer. The distributors are afraid of the manufacturer and will probably help out.

[jplickel]

Yeah, I tried that soap test, no luck.

If I wiggle the coupler w/ it locked down I can hear gas escape, otherwise I cannot hear the leak.

Doubt the store will take it back. They would try to disprove me i am sure stating its my fault w/ the kegerator. I have probably had about 1/4 of it anyway.

Thanks for your suggestions about distributor and manufacturer.