Mash Tun Conversion Question

[ahoffman565]

For those of you who have converted a 5 or 10 gallon cooler using this thread (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/) I have a question for you:

Should the brass nipple fit snug into the pre-drilled hole of the cooler? I purchased the exact same parts as are listed, but something isn't right. Everything is quite loose and there's nothing really holding the whole bulkhead in place. I suspect that becuase the brass nipple doesn't even come close to fitting snugly, that this may be the cause.

Also, does anyone have any suggestion for connecting a copper manifold to this set up? I will restort to using a SS braid if I have to, but would really like to use a manifold.

Thanks,
Andrew Hoffman
Waxahachie, TX

 

[Brooklyn-Brewtality]

i did not build mine according to that thread, but i can just guess that it should be tight, and you just need a few extra washers in there to take up the extra space

 

[Crazytwoknobs]

Should the brass nipple fit snug into the pre-drilled hole of the cooler?

Yes, you shouldn't be able to pivot the nipple much at all once it's in.

 

[Nurmey]

If you will pardon me saying, it sounds like your hole is too big. I have to screw my parts through the hole and get a very tight fit.
(There is just no way to say those words that doesn't sound like I'm writing porn. )
I do use rubber washers and Teflon tape to get a good seal. I wonder if you can get a grommet to reduce your hole size? (OMG, I'm going to stop typing because it's just getting worse.)

 

[ahoffman565]

No worries, Nurmey. Thanks for the info.

 

[BearNP]

I agree with Nurmey said. I built it as per the directions and the nipple came out nice and tight (and fit snugly through the pre-drilled hole). Not one leak and i've used it numerous times since having build it. I use the bazooka screen and it works like a dream. Tried the stainless braid at first and just didn't work for me.

 

[Beezer94]

did you

insert seal from plastic spigot on inside of cooler and insert brass nipple inside

?

 

[winstonofbeer]

When i built my MLT, I i couldnt get a fitting to fit into the drain hole to connect to the copper manifold.
Normally you would drill it out and get a bulkhead fitting...but i got lazy.
I put a barbed fitting on the copper manifold and found a hose that made a snug fit.
I just jamed it up the "hole" and it hasnt faild me yet.

For a faucet to drain the wort, The coolere had a garden hose fitting so..One trip to home depot and well u get the idea.

I know this could have been a lot shorter with a pic.

 

[ahoffman565]

It seems like the pre drilled hole on my cooler is larger than most. I went back to the hardware store to "upsize" all of the parts. So, instead of a 3/8" ball valve and 3/8" brass nipple, I went to 1/2". However, even still it seems like I will still need quite a few layers of Teflon tape to make a snug enough fit.

Besides the "snugness" of the brass nipple, what keeps this rig in place? My ball valve and the other component which screws onto the brass nipple (on the inside of the cooler) don't screw on far enough to put pressure on the cooler walls. Do I just need to add enough washers to fill up that space? Does that even make sense? Sorry, I guess I'm more of a nooB than I thought!

 

[Beezer94]

in flyguy's directions you were supposed to put the rubber gasket from the original cooler fitting over the 3/8" nipple. With the 1/2" this isn't an option so you will need a rubber gasket or o-ring. And then yes you would need washers between the components to press against the gaskets/o-rings.

I bought these for my 1/2" setup, Amazon.com: 313 Red Silicone O-Ring 70A Duro, 11/16"ID x 1 1/16" OD x 3/16"W (Pack of 10): Industrial & Scientific which are nice and thick and can withstand the heat.

 

[winstonofbeer]

With the cooler i have, They have the designed drain hole on the bottom of the cooler.
I have a copper manifold. Forms a square around the cooler with a T at the end of the T i have a barbed fitting. That barbed fitting is like 3/4. So i stuck a clear plastic hose on it, Bout 1 inch long or so. With the barbed fitting a plastic hose it makes a tight fit in the cooler drain hole... I jam it in there as hard as i can and it has worked perfectly for many batch's of beer. Cool thing about it is when i am cleaning the MLT i remove everything with great ease.

I hope this makes it easier on ya... If not i will dig out the cammera and find a way to post a pic online.

 

[ahoffman565]

Thanks everyone for your help! I think I have it nearly figured out. I'll try to post pictures and my war story when it's done.