I am building my own beer engine and I was curious as to whether or not store bought beer engines used any kind of lubricant on the piston inside of the pump. If so, what kind is recommended? If not, does anyone know what kind I could use on the one I'm building? The cylinder will be made from 2" PVC and the piston is a rubber "O" ring sandwiched between two hard plastic plug parts. The only thing that needs to be lubed is the "O" ring (the plastic will not touch the cylinder walls). Naturally I'm looking for suggestions for something food safe and flavorless and odorless. Thanks.
You could use probe lube, micromatic sells it. I don't know if it is meant to be in contact with beer however. I usually see it used at cantact with portions of pumps or the probe that has no direct contact with beer.
I have no experience building a beer engine only drinking fine bitter from them but maybe this would help. USDA approved food grade lubricant. http://www.amazon.com/TSM-Food-Grade-Silicone-Lubricant/dp/B002L82EL2
