Cheapass keg.

[Carpking]

Me Again with another newbie question.
I did the unthinkable and bought a cheap keg from wilko's (i know you will all turn your backs on me). All seemed well until pressure built up. The lid is fine, i used vaseline on my ring but the tap (which i couldnt tighten any more if i tried) is leaking from the seal AND the nozzle. It stops when i release some pressure via the top cap. I suppose this is good to release the air and keep co2 in the top and i know there is pressure in the barrel but my question is will this be enough to keep the beer in good condition. I am not releasing much at all, just enough to stop the leak and i guess when the secondary ferment stops and i start drinking it will cease. Can i fit a better tap to the barrel and use vaseline on that seal before kegging which i didnt do this time, or am i pi$$ing in the wind? I guess this tight northerner will end up spending more on a better keg?

[prolix]

nothing wrong with cheap kegs mate just keep the pressure down except when drinking and tighten the nut a little more next time.

bit concerned about the beer from the nozzle though, had fermentation fully finished before you barreled and how much sugar did you add 80g is plenty.

[Carpking]

Hi.
I read that cheap kegs werent so bad but then i started to change my mind when the dripping began.
I might get a mole wrench onto the tap and see if i cant get a little bit tighter. It was 1015 when it went into the keg and i siphoned onto 20 level teaspoons of sugar. As for the tap. It leaks more and less depending on its position. Its one of the side to side taps. Would it be easy to put a better tap on for next time? How the *&^% do you get to the back nut whern the barrel has a 2 inch top?

Thanks.

[Graham]

Hi.
I read that cheap kegs werent so bad but then i started to change my mind when the dripping began.
I might get a mole wrench onto the tap and see if i cant get a little bit tighter. It was 1015 when it went into the keg and i siphoned onto 20 level teaspoons of sugar. As for the tap. It leaks more and less depending on its position. Its one of the side to side taps. Would it be easy to put a better tap on for next time? How the *&^% do you get to the back nut whern the barrel has a 2 inch top?

Thanks.

There isn't a back-nut on the cheapies. It's a threaded boss. You cannot easily fit a better tap because the thread is tapered, I believe, and good taps are not swivel, so that when it is tight the chances are the tap will be upside down. A better washer might help, as will ensuring that the surfaces that mate to the washer are dead smooth and flat.

[BarnsleyBrewer]

Try some PTFE tape on the threads!!

BB

[Carpking]

Thanks. I will do these things when the barrel is empty but this will solve the drip where the tap fits the barrel. The dripping of the actual tap may be something i cant fix?

[BarnsleyBrewer]

Thanks. I will do these things when the barrel is empty but this will solve the drip where the tap fits the barrel. The dripping of the actual tap may be something i cant fix?

Have you got excess pressure in the keg? When I used nylon they leaked slightly when the pressure was excessive!!

John

[Carpking]

John. I have released pressure via the top cap and the dripping has stopped. I guess the tap gives out before the valve on my keg. I may not have near 10 psi but that doesnt matter does it? I definately have lots of pressure so i am happy to just let a little out while its conditioning. As soon as i start suppin' the problem will go away.
Its only my second all grain brew so i will no doubt be compelled to buy new stuff in the near future, and who knows what santa might bring? My next brew can go in the 40 bottles i have collected while sampling various ales.

[prolix]

It was 1015 when it went into the keg and i siphoned onto 20 level teaspoons of sugar.

Was it a strong beer 1050 plus? if not 1015 is a little high to be kegging, most of mine are down at 1010 or lower, could account for the excess pressure.

[Carpking]

It was 1045. I guess i was a bit eager.

[PaulStat]

I had the same problem, 2nd hand budget barrel, It didn't have a tap or a good cap so I bought news ones of each. Unfortunately I didn't notice that it was seaping from the seal until a couple of hours later, and now I have a nice big damp patch on my carpet

I've released a fair bit of pressure, enough for it to stop seaping, i'm happy in the knowledge that the air has been expelled, let's just hope it doesn't start seaping again during conditioning.

[Carpking]

When i released pressure the dripping stopped. It seems i kegged a bit to soon and had far too much pressure. All is well now, infact i supped three or four pints of the chocolate stout last night (couldnt resist) and its great. I'm so pleased with what is my second all grain brew. It is clearing nicely, it has body, head and head retention, great flavours and i made it!!! Very satisfying to pour your own beer out.

Already fermenting some nut brown ale and planning a ruby ale too, if its anything like as good i will be delighted.
Its true what everyone here says; you will never go back from all grain.

[BarnsleyBrewer]

Its true what everyone here says; you will never go back from all grain.

Very True!!

BB