The thin metal piece on your Co2 guage gets bent so the needle doesn't move properly? Did you attempt to fix it ?
Can't say I've had that exact problem - but a 'sticky' needle can be a giant PITA. This is especially true if you have a bum regulator (where the pressure may appear set to one value but in reality it's much higher). I ended up with two kegs of foam not long ago when this happened to me. Gauges are fairly inexpensive. If it's sticking, it's probably time to replace the gauge - and rebuild the regulator while you're at it. $0.02
Why did you feel the need to rebuild the entire regulator? that sounds like it is way out of my league?
Because I had a sticky gauge AND suspected a 'creeping' regulator as the cause of my foamy kegs. See this informative post by IceAce: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/foamy-keg.45959/#post-591379 A new gauge is only $8 - just make sure you get the correct thread orientation for your regulator. If your problem is limited to the bent piece and everything else is ok internally? This is all you need. http://www.midwestsupplies.com/kegging/gas-supplies/regulator-accessories.html Rebuild kits are around $15 if you do need one. (you'll have to search for one for your regulator brand, as they aren't always interchangeable).
yup…took off the gauge, popped it open and pushed it back. Easy fix. I believe I needed to take off the gauge because my regulator had a rubber protector around it. if you've got a table mounted vice grip, and a decent adjustable wrench, taking regulators apart are pretty easy. Just be sure to use the yellow silicone tape or pipe putty when putting it back together.
Nope, just bought another gauge and attached it to the regulator. However if your regulator is one where the gauge itself is nor threaded into the regulator body, you're out of luck.
I haven't done this . . . but like the sound of anything that is easy. Even if this works, I suggest you spring for an spare gauge. This is a very simple DIY project to have a QD hooked up to a (spare) gauge . . . you never have to guess if your keg is carb'ed or halfway or ???: Then when a gauge conks out, you will have a spare standing by. More importantly, it looks cool .
alright…so was thinking about what I did to fix the gauge and maybe I oversimplified what I actually did. I believe my metal piece was bend because the whole housing was bent from a drop. So I did have to remove the gauge from the housing to correct the housing and the metal sheet.
My bend is toward 20 PSI to 40 PSI. I'm going to set it to my normal 12 and see what happens. If i end up over or under carbed it is probably time I play Mr DIYer or buy a new guage. I think I actually have an extra lying around that I bought and had the wrong threading, maybe I could do a swap at the LHBS next time I pick up ingredients.
And for the price of a gas connect, a couple of fittings and a tire pressure gauge, you're on your way towards buying another regulator. It does look pretty damn cool.
