Beer Forum

rickm · #1 (**permalink**) 12-28-2005, 08:30 PM

I have a Marvel kegarator with micromatic components (regulator, lines, tower). The temperature is 38 deg (1/2 keg bud). The lines are unchanged from the ******* length (5' of line). I usaully set the pressure to 12-14 PSI. It worked perfectly for over a year until about two months ago when I started getting a hollow flow right after I open the tap, then the flow turns solid flow about 1/2 second after the tap is opened. The end result is more than half a glass of fluffy foam and it doesn't dissipate quickly. The situation does not get better as I pour more glasses. The system is clean and lubricated.

My original thought was a low CO2 tank (although the gauges did not indicate it). I've subsequently swapped two tanks and the problem has not gone away (I use an external 20# tank).

I've tried reducing the pressure to 10 PSI and increasing it to 14PSI and nothing seems to work.

My next act of desparation is to replace the regulator.

Any thoughts?

THanks in advance..Rick[?]

topgun3208 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-29-2005, 04:44 AM

if you use an external tank your primary regulator should be reading full tank psi, ex. 1800 when full or more with a 20# tank really not sure. my tank is internal and constantly reads 500psi,just above the red line due to being refrigerated. if your gauge on the secondary seems to be functioning correctly, it doesnt sound like a regulator. Scott the moderator should be in and get you squared away on this soon.

"If I had to live my life over, I'd live over a saloon"

rickm · #3 (**permalink**) 12-29-2005, 06:06 PM

I've had an internal tank (5#) connection and an external 20# & 5#) and the've always read dead-on the red line(500psi)when new. Even as they are used the high-side gauge does not move too far off of 500psi. I happen to have access to free replacements so I I've had the luxury of swapping them out well before they are done.

Rick

topgun3208 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-29-2005, 08:16 PM

I am still using the same tank since this past april and now just getting into the red. I run 1/4 barrels, will soon be ordering 1/2 barrels due to the imports, but these things do last awhile

"If I had to live my life over, I'd live over a saloon"

rickm · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-2006, 08:41 AM

OK, So it's not the regulator. I have a two-faucet tower and over the weekend I swapped the tap over to the alternate faucet/line. The probelm went away...So I've solved the problem and am getting closer to the root cause...my next step will be to swap the faucets between the lines to further determine if it's the line or the faucet.

Rick

Scott Zuhse · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2006, 08:28 PM

Check the seal on top of the keg for damage. There is a quick fix for a damaged seal. Acquire a washer from the back of a faucet and center on top of the seal. Tap over this with the coupler and hopefully the seal has been repaired temporarily.

This time of the year is tough on kegs. Extreme temperatures can damage the internal components as well as change conditions of the product. Hopefully this is not what you are encountering Topgun. Maybe the Beer God is angry!

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute