New kegerator not dispensing. Please help.

[imahawki]

I got everything setup last night and its not working. I'll call customer service tomorrow but I was wondering if I'm missing something. Basically I have checked both the CO2 and beer lines and all the valves and fittings and everything is flowing freely but I'm getting no beer. If I let everything sit for a time, I'll get a sputter and a few ounces will dribble out but then stop. I have the CO2 regulator set to 12psi as recommended but I've tried upping it and that doesn't help either so its not strictly a pressure issue by any stretch. The keg is a 6 gallon "torpedo" style keg of Fat Tire. I've checked everything. The keg is tapped right (D style attachment turned 1/4 turn and handle pulled down) and I can blow air or CO2 through all the lines but when I pressurize the keg it doesn't want to give me beer.

Here is more specifically what I've tried:

No kinks in the lines.

Retapped the keg. I have a D style coupler and confirmed that fat tire has a D style. I also basically understand that if they're different types they won't physically connect.

If I unhook the lines I can force air through both of them freely with no resistance so no defects in the lines. If I unhook the keg coupler, turn on the CO2 and then pull down on the keg coupler lever like I'm tapping a keg, CO2 flows freely. Low pressure stays constant on the regulator and if I purge the CO2 at the keg coupler safety valve it falls and then rises again, so everything is completely free flowing. I've also upped the pressure from 10-12psi to around 20 just in case and it makes no difference.

I have a Danby model DKC645BLS
http://www.danby.com/en/productDetai...5BLS&dept=0009

[Scott Zuhse]

There is a check ball located in the center of the probe in the coupler. Place coupler in a bucket of hot water and then using small brush or tool push the ball towards the top of the probe to free if stuck.

Be certain that the retainer at the top of the probe is in place. Otherwise the check ball will prevent beer from flowing into the beer line. Review the exploded view of a "D" coupler to assist in identifying parts.

What is your liquid temperature?

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[imahawki]

My beer temp is around 36 right now. I already dinked around with the coupler as well. One thing I'm noticing is that I didn't see a part #1 Check Ball Retainer, just the check ball. Is this a part that SHOULD be there or would it depend on the specific coupler? When I took the coupler apart, the check ball just rolled out so it's definitely not stuck. If it absolutely should have the retainer part, that could be my problem.

[imahawki]

OK, talked to Danby customer service. She headed right for the coupler as well. I told her that I didn't THINK I had the check ball retainer. I'm actually not 100% sure of that, but if I DO its not installed in the right order so I'll check that tonight. She told me how to install it if I had it but said if I don't to just leave the check ball completely out. Is that OK to do? I asked if she could send me the part and she said no, they don't carry spares. I was so floored I didn't even argue. I figured I'd ask you and see what I should do. If you think I should have the ball check in place and all else fails, I would spring for another coupler and just gripe about it.

[topgun3208]

that ball needs to be installed to prevent the flow from re-entering the keg

From the land of pleasant living, the Chesapeake bay
Mark

[imahawki]

Well, the check ball retainer is missing. I got beer flow by taking the ball out for now. Will probably buy a new coupler later on down the road. Having a party this weekend and just glad to have the beer flowing. I'm getting about 4+ inches of head on a pint draw though so I'm going to start a new thread about that in the appropriate forum.

[psychodad]

If this keg cooler is still under warranty, DO NOT buy a new coupler. Make Danby support their product. However don't expect them to help you with the foam issue. You'll have to address that yourself IMHO.

[imahawki]

I ended up finding the part while I was packing up the packaging last night so the check ball and retainer are installed now. Thanks. The foam I think is due to the temperature differential in the tower as I'm discovering the 2nd draw to be pretty much perfect.