new keg grinds to a halt

[GeoffH]

I have a BeverageAir single kegerator with a premium Micromatic regulator. When I tap a full keg it seems the regulator can't keep up with the flow. I am running the keg at 8psi. Any higher and the beer flows out too fast and becomes a challenge to fill a half pint glass. After about 10 pints it seems to settle down. Any ideas? I was wondering if a secondary regulator would help out. This is the third regulator that does the same thing.
GeoffH

[Scott Zuhse]

What is the liquid temperature of the beer, type of beer and length of 3/16" inside diameter line which is between the keg coupler and back of the shank?

At this time your pressure is low and no, a secondary will not help. The reason that it settles down after 10 pints is due to the beer has degassed and is now flat.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[GeoffH]

Sorry Scott, I was not clear. I was asking about the flow/pressure drop on a new keg. At the start of the draw the pressure/flow is fine but it quickly tapers off to a near dribble...5 minutes or the next beer does the same after about ten draws the drop in flow is neglegable. It seems there is quite a "deadband" on the regulator. The beer is Victory HopDevil Ale in a sixel @ 32degrees the 3/16s is 3 ft long. The 5lb CO2 bottle is near full.

[CoreyD]

Check to see if the check ball in the keg coupler is not loose and blocking the beer line when you pour. When you take the beer line off of the coupler there should be a plastic retainer to hold the ball in place. If the retainer is missing, the ball floats up when you pour and blocks the beer flow.

"If you tap it, they will come."

[GeoffH]

Problem solved. I ran six feet of 3/16ths. (Same as my Suds sulky) and a fresh keg poured like an old vet. The regulator now set at 10psi keeps up nicely.