New to keg beer and having trouble

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by BubbaGus73, Dec 19, 2014.

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  1. BubbaGus73

    BubbaGus73 Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2014

    So I bought a used Danby Beer Keg Cooler Model DKC445BL on Craigslist. I have everything installed. I am leaking so bad from the connection where the steel elbow that goes into the shank (in the beer cooling tower) that I cannot even keep the keg attached. I posted a pic with it installed in the tower, and one with the two pieces that are giving me fits.

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/mqmsrbyjwiazjee/photo 1.JPG?dl=0

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/xg1ziq4mrgy9x1q/photo 2.JPG?dl=0


    Is there some sort of rubber grommet that goes into the shank or around the smooth end of the elbow that goes into the shank that I am missing? It leaks like a sieve and no matter how hard I tighten it, it slips right out
     
    #1 BubbaGus73, Dec 19, 2014
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2014
  2. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    I have never had to deal with one of those on a kegerator, but based on plumbing experience I'd say it is a compression fitting and you are missing the ferrule. Might be able to find one at a hardware store. Bring the parts with you.
     
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  3. BubbaGus73

    BubbaGus73 Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2014

    That's like a beveled ring looking...thing..right?
     
  4. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    Yes, they come in brass and plastic
     
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  5. BubbaGus73

    BubbaGus73 Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2014

    Awesome! thank you!!

    And whoever the moderator is..thank you for reviewing and posting public so quick!
     
  6. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    Personally I would buy a new one piece shank assy. That removable shank is the dumbest thing ever invented!!
     
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  7. Kadonny

    Kadonny Pooh-Bah (2,616) Sep 5, 2007 Florida
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    This. Don't rebuild what you have, it's not worth the headaches. Just buy a whole new assembly.
     
  8. BubbaGus73

    BubbaGus73 Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2014

    The rubber ferrule/rubber grommet was actually pushed inside the shank. I was able to fish it out with a dental tool and after much effort (and swearing) I am now the proud owner of a functional kegerator!! Thank you everyone for your feedback. I really appreciate the suggestion and advice. I have been repeating over and over "I have beer on tap....at my house" I am the happiest guy in the world!!
     
  9. BubbaGus73

    BubbaGus73 Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2014

    Would there happen to be a "sticky" posted somewhere in these forums for people like me who are new to keg beer?
    I have lots of questions.

    1. I was curious if I should turn off the CO2 tank now that my keg is empty.

    2. My tap handle sticks after a few days of non use. Should I disassemble it and clean it every day?

    3. Is there a device made to show how much beer is left in the keg? ( I was having a problem with foam and after 20 minutes of adjusting, I realized the keg was out)....told ya I was a noob =p
     
  10. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    Keg is empty, turn it off. Rear closing faucets gum up with dry beer. Either clean or get front closers like Perlick 525's. No good device for telling how much is left, but lots of techniques. Put a penny cup on top and move a penny for every pint and depending on what size keg you will know when it is about out. Lift test every now and then works. Over time you will develop an appreciation of how much is left.
     
  11. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    "BubbaGus73, post: 3127989, member: 910494"]Would there happen to be a "sticky" posted somewhere in these forums for people like me who are new to keg beer? Use the search feature.Otherwise go to Micromatic forums they have good stickies for Noobs
    I have lots of questions.

    1. I was curious if I should turn off the CO2 tank now that my keg is empty.You Dont have to turn off unless your going a few day empty.I just use the the shut off valve on the regulator.

    2. My tap handle sticks after a few days of non use. Should I disassemble it and clean it every day?Take apart clean good.Then should be good for atleast two weeks with out a cleaning.

    3. Is there a device made to show how much beer is left in the keg? ( I was having a problem with foam and after 20 minutes of adjusting, I realized the keg was out)....told ya I was a noob =p They make a stick on decal to tell how much beer is left in keg.I just lift and shake to get a good gauge.
     
  12. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    You could. No real benefit one way or the other. The real question is why are you out of beer?
    That's expected with standard faucets. You could either clean it (probably a good practice in any case) or replace it with a forward seal faucet.
    I guess a bathroom scale would work until you develop a sense for it. I always have a few beers on deck, so I simply switch when a keg kicks.
     
  13. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    Ok the smartstrip is no longer available.Don't think it worked that well either.Just pick your keg up.
     
  14. BubbaGus73

    BubbaGus73 Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2014

    Thank you all for the replies. First keg, I had to put a deposit on. Looking on Craigs list for another 1/6 keg so I can have a filled backup. Right now I have about a week downtime with no beer while the next order comes in. =(
     
  15. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    If you are using commercial kegs having your own will not help you, you won't be able to get it filled. Best and cleanest route is to pay the deposit, or plan properly around running out - order the next before the current one is done. The store will hold them for you for a little bit while you finish up. Always have your next one in mind!
     
  16. BubbaGus73

    BubbaGus73 Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2014

    I want to have a second so I will never be without beer. When one is out, I tap the second then order more. If done in a timely fashion, I will always have a full keg while swapping out the empties.


    I guess I should be more clear... I want another keg for cheaper than the $50 deposit I will have to put down on a commercial one, so I can swap them out.
     
  17. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    you really should not go buying an empty keg from someone off the street. though it is possible to buy an empty keg directly from a manufacturer like Sabco (they are expensive and require a pallet order for example) know that anyone with an empty keg laying around, knowingly or not, is holding on to someone elses property. and when you buy that keg it is called stealing.

    i short, get to know your supplier, don't encourage keg theft.

    lastly, a keg costs more than $50. the deposit does not cover the cost of the keg.
    Cheers.
     
  18. BubbaGus73

    BubbaGus73 Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2014

    I was ignorant of that fact. Thank you for informing me.
     
  19. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    Pay the deposit and swap out at your whim. That $50 is yours any time you want it back, so it's not really a 'cost' - just return the last keg. If you want to pay less than $50, then develop a rapport with the dealer. If he knows you won't skip town with the keg, he doesn't need a deposit. The only time I pay a deposit is when the owner is not there to take care of me.
     
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