New kegerator, question on C02 Tank & Foam

[iceman8420]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say that I've read the forums here and you guys are very helpful even with all the repeat questions from newbs like myself. I feel bad asking this, as there are so many threads on foam, but I can't find the exact answer I'm looking for..

I converted an upright freezer to a two-faucet system through the door. I am using 5' of 3/16" ID beer line, the keg couplers are at about the same level as the shanks. Liquid temperature inside is 36F. I am using those low profile keg couplers as well.

1 - The c02 tank is laying on its side on the bottom.. is this bad?

2 - Currently have a keg of Yuengling Lager Light in there, it comes out with too much head, and doesn't have enough carbonation. From what I am reading, it sounds like my pressure is too low. It is at about 7 PSI right now, I should be changing it to 12, correct? I am at sea level.

Appreciate any help, thanks in advance.

-Seth

[USMC - Retired]

First off, stand up the CO2 tank. Then set the preasure on your lager to 12 psi and wait a bit to let things settle, maybe an hour, then see what you get and we'll go from there. Good luck!

Semper Fi,
The Gunns

"Beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin

[iceman8420]

Welp, turned the pressure to 12PSI this morning and I just now attempted to pour a glass. The first glass had barely too much head, enough that I could deal with it. Second glass was a perfect 1/2 - 3/4" or so. The liquid temperature inside the fridge is 33.8 F and the beer coming out is 38.0F . I guess there isn't much I can do about the temperature drop because most of the shank is in the door itself.. but, the beer comes out good enough for me now.

The temperature sensor for the Ranco controller is attached to the wall inside the back of the freezer.. think I should submerse it?

Much appreciated Gunns!! The crew around here is very friendly even for the repeat questions, I can't say thanks enough.

I have to pick up a second keg this week ... I guess I should get something with similar carbonation value otherwise I have to pick up some secondary regulators

-Seth

[USMC - Retired]

I keep a couple of bottles of water in my kegerator, one on top of the keg and one at the base. I check the temp about once a week but so far my system seems real stable. Glad to of been of help but you really knew the answer from the start, you just needed someone to agree.

Semper Fi,
The Gunns

"Beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin

[Scott Zuhse]

If you have five feet of 3/16" ID line that holds approx. a fifth of an ounce per foot, this would equate to about one ounce of beer in the line. So, to easily record the temperature (preferably when you are thirsty) simply draw a beer in a glass and then chug it. Or pour into another glass for a friend. Then pour a second beer into the initial glass to acclimate it to the temperature of the beer in the keg. Record the temperature of the beer in this glass with a calibrated thermometer. Does not get any easier than this.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[iceman8420]

Yep Scott, I chose the chug method I read that in another one of your posts.

Important thing is that I'm glad you guys set me straight.. and I can deal with one cup with a little too much foam. I pour it out into pitchers anyways.

Thanks again, just ordered a bunch of stuff from micromatic that I'm looking forward to receiving (kegerator conversoin was a gift, sorry, don't know where it came from but it has a micromatic regulator )

-Seth

[iceman8420]

Here is my setup if anyone's interested (co2 is upright now)

http://www.ice8420.com/thumbnails.php?album=100

-Seth

[Pinki]

absolutly awesome breathtaking