Gas Leaks!

[Monkeybrew]

I'm in the process of setting up my first 20L Crusader keg, so connected it all up for a little pressure test yesterday, but after leaving it at 10 PSI for a couple of hours, I came back to find the pressure gauge on my regulator reading a big fat zero!

Should I be using a gas grade ptfe tape on all threaded connectors?

I'm using a 3/8 JG Push fit connector on the regulator, another one on the back of my tap and 2 more on my Malt Miller keg coupler.

Any tips on curing leaks will be greatfully received.

I'm a little suspicious of the joint where my tap screws onto the threaded spigot that passes through the side wall of my fridge, as I could only hand tighten that part and there wasn't any kind of seal either.

Cheers

MB

[Coffeeuk]

I normally spray the joints with starsan, that way you can see if you any leaks.

[Fastline]

Or washing up liquid in water, bubbles will form on any leaking joint giving a visual indication that there's a leak

[Monkeybrew]

I've got around to looking into my leak issue and have found this to be the problem........



It's leaking around the keg coupler. The coupler was new from The Malt Miller and my keg is new from Brew UK.

I think that I have fitted the two together correctly, so can't really work out what is wrong.

Cheers

MB

[alexlark]

When I first got setup with Sankey kegs I bought a couple of couplers off eBay. When they turned up they were made by different manufacturers. 1 fitted more snuggly than the other. Also the 'tabs' on the top of spear were slightly different on the 2 kegs I had. Might be similar in your case.

Look here:
viewtopic.php?p=640479#p640479

[Monkeybrew]

When I first got setup with Sankey kegs I bought a couple of couplers off eBay. When they turned up they were made by different manufacturers. 1 fitted more snuggly than the other. Also the 'tabs' on the top of spear were slightly different on the 2 kegs I had. Might be similar in your case.

Look here:
viewtopic.php?p=640479#p640479

Cheers for the link, an interesting read.

Mine came from brewuk back in December and for one reason and another, I've only just got around to playing with it, so I don't know what luck I would have now with any after sales service.

I will whip my spear out in a bit and take a picture of it.

I found it weird that I could undo the coupler, even after locking it off with the lever.

Cheers

MB

[Monkeybrew]

Well here is my spear.

The only visible potential issue is a small floor in the casting that can be seen in the bottom two images. I think it's in an area that shouldn't affect the seal, but I'm no expert.








Let me know what you think?

Cheers

MB

[alexlark]

Spear looks good to me. The square 'tabs' should give you a better seal. The way you describe the keg coupler turning once engaged is the exact problem I had. Only thing I can advise is get on ebay and buy a standard s type coupler (without pressure release) then test it with that.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252370863978

[Kev888]

The defect near the lug isn't near a seal, but if it is a protrusion (can't quite tell from the photo) could it be keeping the coupler from engaging properly?

[Kyle_T]

I would say that the defection near the lug is stopping the rubber gasket on the coupler from sealing fully.

[Maldon John]

Spear looks good to me. The square 'tabs' should give you a better seal. The way you describe the keg coupler turning once engaged is the exact problem I had. Only thing I can advise is get on ebay and buy a standard s type coupler (without pressure release) then test it with that.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252370863978

I can't imagine The Malt Miller selling the mentioned S type coupler(with PRV) which wasn't compatable with an S type spear. Could be wrong.
I have the same the same keg and coupler as you MB(from Brew Uk and Malt Miller) and never had any leaks from that area.

[Monkeybrew]

Cheers for all of the responses

I think that i will carefully whittle the casting imperfection off first and then see if this allows the coupler to seal properly.

MB

[alexlark]

MJ, as you say, no reason why it shouldn't seal. My experience using 2 types of s spear and also 2 types of s coupler is that they seal to different levels of tightness. The DSI coupler I use to degass is very tight.

MB, hope you get it sorted mate.

[Kev888]

Cheers for all of the responses
I think that i will carefully whittle the casting imperfection off first and then see if this allows the coupler to seal properly.
MB

If sending it back isn't on, then thats what I'd do too. Although the imperfection isn't directly affecting a seal, if it prevents the coupler engaging properly then the outer/gas seal may not go fully home, which could give the results you have so defo worth a try. The locking lever only engages the beer side of things, the gas seal is dependent on the cam action of the coupler in the lugs.

Best of luck

[Maldon John]

Mine came from brewuk back in December and for one reason and another, I've only just got around to playing with it, so I don't know what luck I would have now with any after sales service.



MB

Hi MB,

If it's a manufacturing defect I would have thought you would have reasonable grounds for a replacement ?

Cheers John