Keg Coupler: Check Ball Required?

[AZBeerFun]

I have had my Danby for a few months now and always had the foaming problem. After messing around with it, I found out that my keg coupler was missing a Check Ball and Check Ball Retainer. Are these parts required? The beer flows, but I think flows too fast. Do the Check Ball and retainer restrict the flow? I was thinking they would help to slow the flow down and thus reduce foaming. I have the temp under control via the 33K ohm resistor mod.

I called Danby to see if they could send me replacement parts and experienced the worst customer service in my life. She started off by blurting out that these parts are not needed. I was told that the CO2 has to be a 8psi for a 1/2 barrel and 5psi for a 1/4 barrel. I told her it was set at 12psi and again blurted that it was too high. I told her I would be willing to buy the parts and still nothing. I did buy some replacement parts from micromatic, but they are too big for the Danby coupler.

Will these help my foaming problem or not?

[jumper]

They're needed, but won't have any effect on the foaming. You'll want to lengthen your beer line to tame the flow speed.

Your pressure should be appropriate for the beer and temp. A lager at 38* would require around 12 PSI. Different pressures for different size barrels is idiotic, and both those #'s are low.

[cubby_swans]

Originally Posted by AZBeerFun

I have had my Danby for a few months now and always had the foaming problem. After messing around with it, I found out that my keg coupler was missing a Check Ball and Check Ball Retainer. Are these parts required? The beer flows, but I think flows too fast. Do the Check Ball and retainer restrict the flow? I was thinking they would help to slow the flow down and thus reduce foaming. I have the temp under control via the 33K ohm resistor mod.

I called Danby to see if they could send me replacement parts and experienced the worst customer service in my life. She started off by blurting out that these parts are not needed. I was told that the CO2 has to be a 8psi for a 1/2 barrel and 5psi for a 1/4 barrel. I told her it was set at 12psi and again blurted that it was too high. I told her I would be willing to buy the parts and still nothing. I did buy some replacement parts from micromatic, but they are too big for the Danby coupler.

Will these help my foaming problem or not?

The missing check ball shouldn't be causing any foaming problems really. Some people have removed them purposefully because they were causing an off-flavor in their beer. Your Danby customer service experience cracks me up, though. You should have asked her how she arrived at those numbers. They probably don't sell the individual pieces to the coupler, they'd probably try to sell you a replacement coupler if anything.

12PSI should be fine for most beers. First and foremost, make sure you're beer is pouring at 38F. Get a digital food thermometer from any food store/target/walmart. If you haven't done anything to your Danby, you may find the beer is too warm, and you need to add a resistor and/or tower cooler.

[AZBeerFun]

I put the 33K Ohm resistor in the other day and still trying to tune in the right temp. At first, it took the beer temp to ~31. I bumped it up a little more around 34-35 range and so far taste MUCH better!!! I guess I should try the longer beer tube. Thanks...